Rhinoplasty

Patients may seek this surgery to correct either aesthetic or functional issues. Every patient has different reasons for seeking surgery, so we will tailor the procedure to suit your goals and preferences.

The nose is the centremost facial feature, and slight changes in shape can impact a person’s appearance. It is important to seek a trained professional to perform this procedure. Dr Jeremy Richardson, a specialist plastic surgeon, performs rhinoplasty in order to address the specific concerns of the patient.

What to Expect During Your Consultation

Every rhinoplasty is different, depending on the patient’s health, natural nose shape, and preferred outcomes. Due to this, you will need to meet with Dr Richardson for a consultation before proceeding.

During this meeting, Dr Richardson will discuss your medical history and any current health issues. It is also important to bring up any medications you are taking. This will help us evaluate your condition and create a customised treatment plan. Generally, suitable candidates are individuals who have completed their facial growth, are physically healthy and do not have medical issues that would interfere with healing.

We will also discuss your reasons for seeking surgery and what you hope to achieve. Once we have discussed your health and goals for surgery, we will begin outlining your surgical treatment plan. This is also the time to ask any questions or raise any concerns to be fully informed about the process. After your private consultation, you should have a clear idea of what the process involves, including what to expect during recovery.

The Procedure

Surgery can take anywhere from two to five hours, depending on the extent of the procedure and methods used. It is performed under general anaesthesia. During the procedure, Dr Richardson may use a number of surgical techniques. For example, patients who want to add volume to the nose may need a cartilage graft taken from a different area of the body. You can discuss which techniques are suitable for your case during your personal consultation.

There are two general approaches to this surgery. Open rhinoplasty involves an incision on the outer nose, in the space between the nostrils, called the columella. This type of incision may be required in more complex surgeries, as it allows your Dr Richardson more access to the inner structures of the nose. In comparison, closed rhinoplasty involves small incisions on the inner side of the nose. Unlike the open technique, the closed approach does not leave visible scarring.

Once the incisions have been made, Dr Richardson will use tools to reshape the cartilage to achieve the desired size and shape. The nose can be adjusted, reduced, or built up according to the patient’s needs. Dr Richardson then closes the incisions using sutures.

Cost of Rhinoplasty Surgery

The fees for surgery can vary widely between patients. It can depend on several factors, such as the surgeon’s experience, the extent of the surgery, and hospital fees. More in-depth surgeries, or surgeries that involve cartilage grafts may be more costly than less extensive procedures. We will also need to take into account the cost of anaesthesia, medicine, and aftercare. All of these things can have an impact on the overall fee. Due to the personal nature of the surgery, we will need to discuss your condition and expected outcomes in order to provide more information.

Nose surgery is normally done for cosmetic reasons and is not considered necessary from a medical standpoint. For this reason, most patients will not be able to receive Medicare rebates for their surgery. We can answer further questions or concerns about fees during your first appointment.

Aftercare

Patients experience some pain and swelling after surgery. They may also experience some bruising around the nose and eyes. We can prescribe oral painkillers to help them manage these side effects and begin their recovery.

Taking care of your operated site after rhinoplasty surgery is almost as important as the surgery itself. It is vital to follow the aftercare instructions given by Dr Richardson to promote healthy and efficient healing. For example, patients may need to wear wound dressings and a splint during the first week. Your at-home care advice may also include the following:

• Do not blow your nose.
• Avoid making significant facial expressions.
• Take care not to bump or further injure the nose.
• Brush your teeth gently.
• Advise Dr Richardson of any issues.
• Sleep on your back with your head slightly raised.
• Refrain from strenuous activities like heavy lifting and exercise.

The swelling and bruising around the eyes usually last for around two to three weeks. However, swelling of the nose will take longer to subside. Due to the time it takes for the nose to heal, patients will usually be able to see the full results of their surgery after one year.

Most patients can expect the following timeline for their recovery:

• Bruising and swelling around the eyes and nose for the first week
• Swelling should largely reduce after about two weeks
• Return to a desk job after one to two weeks
• Resume exercise and strenuous activity after six weeks
• Full recovery after about one year

Risks and Complications

Like every procedure, there are risks associated with this surgery. You should be aware of the risks before pursuing surgery on this delicate area of the body. This will help you weigh your options to make a decision. Possible risks of rhinoplasty include:

• Bleeding and infection
• Lasting pain and swelling
• Reactions to anaesthesia
• Unwanted results
• Asymmetry
• Scarring
• Nasal blockage
• Further surgery

To minimise the risks associated with nose surgery, it is important to select a specialist plastic surgeon. Moreover, you must follow the at-home care instructions carefully to aid proper healing of your nose and reduce the chances of any complications. In case you experience any severe or persistent side effects, immediately get in touch with Dr Richardson or seek medical attention.