What is a rhinoplasty?

Our nose is the centrepiece of our face, the part of our face that attracts the most attention. Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a procedure to re-share the nose. It can make the nose larger, or smaller; change the angle of the nose; alter the tip of the nose; or correct any bumps, indentations, or other defects in the nose such as impaired or constricted breathing caused by structural defects in your nose.

It is a highly-individualised procedure, thus it is important to convey your desires well and to have realistic expectations for the outcome. Your surgeon will work with you to analyse your facial features and make an appropriate evaluation based on your needs.

This procedure is not recommended for patients who smoke, have recently quit smoking, or is exposed to second-hand smoke. Primary and secondary smoking decreases blood flow to the body’s tissues. This can result in prolonged wound healing, skin loss, infection, increased scarring, and a number of other complications.

What happens during the surgery?

You will have an initial consultation with your surgeon to discuss the suitability of the procedure, to communicate your desired goal, discuss options, and discuss the details of the procedure. Your surgeon will usually check your medical history and run tests. You may also be asked to stop taking certain medications before the procedure and to refrain from smoking. Your surgeon may take photographs of your nose in order to study it and possibly make digital enhancements to establish and show what the nose may look like post-procedure. Once all of the details are agreed upon and confirmed, a date for the procedure is set.

Prior to the procedure, a general anaesthetic is usually administered. Once the general anaesthetic sets in, your surgeon will make an incision either inside the nose, or at the base of the nose.

There are many different rhinoplasty techniques – inserting an implant, re-positioning of the bones, or the shaving of your bones. If cartilage is being used to change the shape, size or angle of your nose, this may be taken from deeper inside the nose, or from other areas of the body, such as the ribs.

The procedure takes approximately 1-4 hours. It is common to experience some swelling, bruising, bleeding, develop a black eye, and pain. It recommended to use ice packs to stop the swelling, and your surgeon may prescribe you some painkillers (if required). Most surgeons would advise waiting at least 2-weeks before doing any exercise, and no heavy lifting or strenuous activities for at least 4-weeks.

How do I find the right surgeon?

The best way is to speak to a few plastic surgeons and find out which surgeon you are most comfortable with. At Holiday Health, we can connect you to reputable and reliable cosmetic surgeons. We strongly suggest you take into consideration that the surgeon you choose:

• is reputable and trustworthy;
• has a proven track record;
• is registered with or accredited by their local government or the governing medical body or association;
• has never been disqualified from practising anywhere in the world;
• has never been found guilty of endangering a patient’s life; and
• has never been found guilty of malpractice.

You should also include any preferences you might have. For example, you might be more comfortable with a female surgeon, or someone who has more experience.

Important 

Before your procedure, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve with your surgeon. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. Ensure you communicate your vision clearly to your surgeon and re-confirm the intended procedure to ensure there is no miscommunication. Your surgeon will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this procedure, and what long-term benefits and side-effects you may experience. Every patient is different, and your specialist will choose the surgical technique and treatment plan that is right for you.

Your surgeon will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for surgery, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided.

Please note. The information found on this website is purely for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for its exactness or for its accuracy for your specific situation and/or for your specific procedure. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from your physician / surgeon as it may not contain all the known facts, risks and side effects of this procedure. Please consult with your physician / surgeon about your personal circumstances and about your personal procedure / treatment plan. We take no responsibility for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or for any loss or damage suffered by you in relation to the services we provide to you, or the information provided on our website.