Patients considering rhinoplasty will have a functional issue with their nose related to breathing, a concern regarding the appearance of their nose, or a combination of the two. A nose may be crooked, too large and out of balance with the rest of the face, have a broad tip, a dorsal bump or any of a myriad of other possible features.
Patients considering rhinoplasty for purely cosmetic reasons must be sure of what they want changed and have realistic expectations of what can be achieved with surgery.
At Niche Plastic Surgery, our surgeons have the training and expertise to customise your rhinoplasty to your precise needs and desired results. We perform this procedure with function in mind as well, knowing that a beautiful nose is also one that doesn’t produce any breathing difficulties. We take sufficient time with each of our patients to ensure we understand their aesthetic goals and we can provide them with the best possible surgical experience and outcome.
Rhinoplasty is a flexible procedure that can address a variety of cosmetic issues, including:
The first consultation with our staff at Niche Plastic Surgery consists of a detailed assessment of your concerns. Your surgeon will examine your nose from a functional and cosmetic point of view to ensure both are addressed through your treatment. You will be asked to describe what, if anything, you don’t like about the appearance of your nose.
It is essential to consider the nose in proportion with the rest of the face, rather than assessing your nose in isolation. We do not routinely use computer imaging/morphing, but we are happy to use photos as a guide, so we can visualise what you would like done. Patients will require additional consultations before deciding to go ahead with surgery. These will provide an opportunity to discuss the surgical plan further and answer any questions you may think of between your appointments.
All rhinoplasty surgery is performed in the hospital and requires a general anaesthetic that is managed by a specialist anaesthetist. General anaesthesia allows you to sleep comfortably during your procedure. The surgery takes approximately two to three hours and typically requires overnight hospital admission. Most procedures are performed with an ‘open’ technique that allows more accurate assessment of the nasal anatomy and subsequent reconstruction. The open rhinoplasty involves incisions inside the nasal cavity as well as one small incision on the underside of the nose, in the tissue that separates the nostrils known as the columella.
After surgery, you may have nasal packs in both nostrils that are removed before discharge from the hospital. If a silicone splint has been placed in your nostrils, this will come out in five to seven days. The external splint on your nose remains for approximately 10 days.
Bruising and swelling are to be expected after rhinoplasty, but we will provide you with instructions to help you minimise those side effects. Most of our patients take one to two weeks off work and other activities to give the nose ample time to heal. Full results will take longer to visualise since swelling can take many months to subside completely.
The following steps will help you ensure a safe and comfortable recovery after your rhinoplasty:
A crucial element in a positive recovery is your attentiveness to caring for your incisions:
At Niche Plastic Surgery, we take your follow-up care seriously because we know how vital it is for a safe and successful recovery process and the best possible results. Your follow-up process will include the following steps:
It is important to remember that your nose will continue to change over the course of the year. You will have a good idea of its ultimate shape by two months post procedure, but the final result won’t be evident for approximately 12 months.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most requested plastic surgery procedures because even minor adjustments to the nose can have a profound impact on your overall appearance and function. To learn more about the benefits of rhinoplasty or find out if you are a candidate for the procedure, contact Niche Plastic Surgery today on 9853 9705.