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Rhinoplasty
The nose, as the centre of the face, can be a key factor in overall facial balance. A slight change to the nose can sometimes make a significant difference to facial appearance. In some cases, a rhinoplasty can also be performed to address the function of the nose and improve breathing.
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What is Rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty (or nose job) is a surgical procedure designed to change the shape of the nose, or to improve its function.
This procedure may be completed in conjunction with a septoplasty, which is performed when the septum blocks the nasal passage.
Nose surgery can change the size of the nose and alter its width and profile. Furthermore, the nose tip, nostril shape and nasal symmetry can also be modified.
Rhinoplasty can be performed for both cosmetic and reconstructive purposes. You may consider nasal surgery if you wish to:
- Straighten a crooked nose
- Change your nasal symmetry
- Reduce or increase the size of your nose
- Change the appearance of the nasal tip
- Remove a bump or divot
- Reduce the size of the nasal opening
- Repair damage caused by injury
- Open up nasal passages to improve breathing
This procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital facility by a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon.
Who is a suitable candidate for Rhinoplasty?
Patients may undergo rhinoplasty for both cosmetic and functional reasons. Rhinoplasty could be considered if you want to change the appearance of your nose, or if you have an internal defect that interferes with breathing, such as a deviated septum.
A suitable candidate for rhinoplasty surgery is someone who:
- Has completed their facial growth
- Suffers from nasal functional concerns such as breathing problems
- Is physically healthy and without medical conditions that may impair healing
- Has realistic expectations regarding what the procedure can achieve
Before your surgery, you will have a consultation with your Specialist Plastic Surgeon to discuss whether or not you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
Your consultation at Valley Plastic Surgery
You’ll have a consultation before your rhinoplasty surgery to discuss your general health, expectations for the procedure and some other individual factors.
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon will evaluate your suitability for the procedure, discuss the results that can be achieved and explain how the procedure may be performed.
You will also be provided with preparation and recovery instructions, to help you get ready for surgery and reduce the chance of having any complications afterwards.
Your consultation will give you the time to ask your surgeon any questions, get a good idea of what your procedure will involve, and decide if the procedure is right for you.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost at Valley Plastic Surgery in Brisbane?
The cost of rhinoplasty depends on several factors. These factors can include the complexity of the procedure, the experience of the surgeon, anaesthetic fees, and hospital fees.
Once you have met with your surgeon and established a clinical plan, our client support officers will arrange a quote.
To receive a more accurate cost for this procedure, please contact us to book a consultation with one of the Specialist Plastic Surgeons who operate at VPS.
Will Medicare or private insurance cover my rhinoplasty surgery?
Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of the costs if this procedure is deemed medically necessary. Medical necessary reasons for undergoing a rhinoplasty may include to address the function of the nose and improve breathing – addressing the aesthetics of the nose cannot be deemed as medically necessary.
If your procedure is considered medically necessary, it may attract a Medicare item number, which can mean that Medicare will cover a portion of your procedure costs.
The process to apply for Medicare cover will involve meeting strict eligibility requirements and proving the medical necessity of the procedure.
Patients who are eligible for Medicare cover may also meet the requirements for private health insurance cover, but this will depend on your provider.
You will be able to discuss the costs of your procedure in detail during your consultation, as well as the possibility of partial cover from Medicare or private health insurance.
Rhinoplasty Before and After
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Raymond Goh
Dr Adam Honeybrook
Dr Adam Honeybrook
How to prepare for rhinoplasty surgery
There are some important steps you can follow to help you prepare for rhinoplasty surgery. Most of these steps will be discussed during your consultation, providing you with a list of preparation instructions to follow. Preparing for surgery can help to minimise complications occurring after your surgery and help to set you up for an efficient recovery.
You may have to follow some specifically important instructions in the weeks before your surgery, which will be provided by your surgeon. You may be instructed to quit smoking, avoid alcohol, and/or stop taking certain medications or supplements.
Generally, we will recommend to take good care of your general health. You should follow a healthy diet, get enough sleep and keep your body hydrated. Avoiding sun exposure on the nose may also be a good idea before undergoing a rhinoplasty.
Making sure that you are organised and ready for your recovery period is also an important preparation step. Make sure that you have comfortable clothing, a relaxing and comfortable environment to recover at home, and all of the supplies you will need. Supplies can include prescription medications (which you should fill before undergoing surgery), ice packs and pre-prepared healthy meals.
You will also need to confirm your ride to and from the hospital, and you may like to arrange for someone to stay with you during the first couple of days of your recovery.
Time off work or normal daily activities will generally be required. You will be able to discuss how much time you will need to take off from work during your consultation, but most patients generally need about two weeks. You should arrange for this time off work before undergoing your surgery.
The rhinoplasty procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia, with incisions often made across the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils. Through these incisions, the skin covering the nasal bones and cartilage is gently raised, allowing your Specialist Plastic Surgeon access to make changes to the structure of the nose.
A rhinoplasty may adjust the shape or reduce the size of the nose by removing bone or cartilage. Sometimes, rhinoplasty may also require cartilage grafts, typically from the septum, although occasionally from the ear or rib.
A deviated septum can also be straightened and the projections inside the nose can be reduced to improve breathing during rhinoplasty surgery.
Once the underlying structure of the nose has been sculpted into an improved shape, the nasal skin and tissue is re-draped and the incisions are closed.
What can I expect for recovery and aftercare?
After a rhinoplasty surgery, you expect some swelling, bruising, and discomfort around your nose and eyes.
Your Specialist Plastic Surgeon might advise you to take prescribed pain medication, and possibly antibiotics to manage pain and prevent infection.
During recovery, sleeping with your head elevated, even while sleeping, and gently applying ice packs can help reduce swelling and bruising. You will need to rest after your surgery, especially during the first week of recovery, and avoid strenuous exercise and heavy lifting.
Since your nose will need time to recover, avoiding bending over and sending blood flow to your nose, and aiming to sneeze with your mouth open can help to avoid causing increased swelling or irritation. Your nose will usually have some dressings after your procedure, which can help you to naturally sneeze with your mouth open and prevent irritating the area.
Protecting your nose from injuries or damage will be absolutely essential during your recovery, so it is highly important to avoid activities that will put your nose at risk (such as contact sports).
Your surgeon will provide you with advice on caring for your incisions, and managing any dressings or sutures, if necessary. You will typically be instructed to stop smoking and avoid alcohol during your recovery to best support your body’s healing. If you need to follow any specific instructions, these will be explained during your consultation.
The speed of your recovery after your rhinoplasty can vary from patient to patient, but the symptoms you will usually experience initially after your surgery (such as swelling and pain) should subside within a few weeks. Final results can take a little longer to show, as all swelling can take a few months to even a year to completely subside.
How can I manage and minimise rhinoplasty scars?
The visibility of your scars after rhinoplasty will mainly depend on where the incisions will be placed.
Sometimes, incisions can be placed inside of the nose (on the inside of the nostrils), which generally means that scars can be concealed, but other times incisions will be made across the strip of tissue that separates the nostrils.
Some of your preparation instructions, such as avoiding certain medications or quitting smoking, may help to minimise scarring as these can help your incision to heal sufficiently. Avoiding complications like excessive bleeding or infection after your procedure will help to support the healing of your incision, which can lessen the appearance of scars.
Then, during recovery, keeping your incision sites clean and dry will help. You should also follow instructions around managing bandages or dressings that cover your incision/s.
Once your incision/s has healed, applying certain scar-reducing creams may help, and avoiding direct sun exposure can prevent the scars from darkening. Applying special scar tape can also help. Certain massage techniques can also reduce scarring, but they should only be performed once the incisions have fully healed.
You should wear sunscreen on your face and focus on the area around your nose once you have fully recovered from rhinoplasty.
What are the risks and complications of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty, like all surgical procedures, can be associated with possible risks and complications. Many of these can usually be avoided by making sure that your procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon (such as surgeons who operate at VPS) and following preparation and recovery advice.
Complications after rhinoplasty can include bacterial infection at the incision sites, numbness or altered sensation around the nose or upper lip, septal perforation, asymmetrical results or allergic reactions to anaesthesia.
You will have a consultation to find out if you are a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty before undergoing the procedure, which will help to determine if you are able to minimise some of these risks. Your surgeon can also explain how all of these risks will be minimised throughout your procedure process.
FAQ’s
How do I know if I need a rhinoplasty?
You may choose to have a rhinoplasty to adjust the shape of your nose for aesthetic purposes, or you may need a rhinoplasty to address functional concerns. If you have difficulty breathing through your nose due to a deviated septum, for example, you may need surgery to address it.
What are the risks involved with this procedure?
All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks, which will be discussed during your consultation with your specialist plastic surgeon. Our procedures are carried out in accredited hospital facilities with assistance from FANZCA-qualified anaesthetists.
What is the recovery like following a rhinoplasty?
Swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes is common, and will improve during the following weeks. You may also be required to wear a split following your procedure to help stabilise the nose.
Our clinical team will provide you with advice to follow post-operatively to assist with your recovery and ensure the best possible result.
Will there be scarring after a rhinoplasty?
All surgical procedures will result in scars; however, steps can be taken to ensure visible scars are kept to a minimum. For instance, keep your incision site protected from the sun, use tape, and massage the area once healed.
How much does a rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of rhinoplasty is dependent on a number of factors. This includes the complexity of the procedure, the surgeon’s experience, anaesthetic fees, and hospital fees. Once you have met with your surgeon and a clinical plan has been established, our client support officers will organise a quote.
Medicare and private health insurance may cover a portion of the costs if this procedure is deemed medically necessary.
To receive a more accurate cost for this procedure, please contact us to book a consultation with one of the Specialist Plastic Surgeons who operate at VPS.
Is rhinoplasty a painful process?
Pain and discomfort are generally expected after your procedure, but can often be managed and minimised with prescribed pain medication. You can also follow other recovery instructions and advice, such as keeping your head elevated, to help reduce swelling and other symptoms that can cause some discomfort.
How long will it take to see the procedure’s results?
The final results of your surgery can take from a few months up to a year to show, as swelling can take some time to subside completely. However, your initial recovery period should not take this long, normally taking only a matter of weeks, depending on the complexity of your procedure.
What type of anaesthesia is a rhinoplasty performed under?
A rhinoplasty will need to be performed under general anaesthesia, meaning that you will be asleep during the entire procedure. At Valley Plastic Surgery, your procedure is performed with assistance from FANZCA-qualified anaesthetists.
Can I have more than one rhinoplasty procedure, if I’m unhappy with my results?
You may be able to undergo a revision procedure to address the outcome of an initial rhinoplasty, but there is generally a limit to the number of rhinoplasty procedures you can have in your lifetime. You should discuss this with your surgeon during your consultation.
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Face Surgery Before & After
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Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
