Rhinoplasty Adelaide

(Nose job)

Image 02 - Rhinoplasty at ONE FACE clinic in Adelaide - Dr Cleland

Rhinoplasty, often referred to as a nose job, is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures of the face in Australia, and at ONE FACE clinic in Adelaide. A nose that is out of proportion, or one that has been disfigured from trauma, can have a significant impact on the overall aesthetic of the face and a person’s self-esteem. The goal of rhinoplasty surgery is to bring the nose back into harmony and balance with the surrounding facial proportions.

A beautiful and well-proportioned nose will smoothly blend in with the natural features of the face.

The reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty surgery are varied, but broadly speaking fall into 3 categories:

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty. The cosmetic rhinoplasty aims to change the appearance of the nose. This is commonly done for purely aesthetic reasons; during the procedure measures are taken to maintain the normal function of the nose.

Functional Rhinoplasty. The functional rhinoplasty improves the airflow through the nose. This is typically to improve symptoms of restricted nasal breathing or blocked nose. The aim of surgery here is to improve the function of the nose without significantly changing its appearance.

Combined Rhinoplasty. Often changes in the appearance and function of the nose are required together as the form and function of the nose are closely related. Correction of both components together allows patients to achieve the maximum result. A good example of this would be correcting a crooked nose caused by trauma. Here straightening the nose will also improve airflow through the nasal cavity.

As a Facial Plastic Surgeon and Ear Nose and Throat surgeon, Dr Cleland can evaluate the aesthetics and function of your nose. He can discuss with you the techniques which may be required to address your concerns.

Common surgical corrections include lowering a nasal hump, narrowing the nose, refining a bulbous or droopy nasal tip and correcting a deviated nasal septum. Other considerations for rhinoplasty include your age, skin type and the ethnic features of your nose which you may wish to preserve or alter to suit your aesthetic goals.

Dr Cleland will take pre-operative photos. He will then use the Vectra imaging system to create lifelike before and after 3D images of your nose and face. This will allow you to have a clear visual of the post-operative results that can be achieved. It is one thing to discuss the changes you have in mind. It is another entirely to see those changes and further refine how you want your nose to look.

Rhinoplasty FAQs

HOW LONG IS THE RHINOPLASTY SURGERY TIME?

The procedure itself can take between 2-3 hours. It may be significantly longer in some cases where the reconstruction is more complicated.

WHAT ANESTHESIA IS USED FOR RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?

General anaesthesia. For minor touch-ups, local anaesthesia or mild sedation will be used. Dr Cleland will ensure you are comfortable through every stage of the process.

WILL I NEED A HOSPITAL STAY?

Routine and uncomplicated rhinoplasties may be performed as day surgeries. More complicated procedures, however, often require an overnight stay for observation.

WHAT TYPE OF INCISIONS AND SCARS WILL I HAVE?

Each surgery is different. Dr Cleland will use the surgical techniques that will best address your areas of concern. Dr Cleland most often uses an open which requires a small external excision under the tip of the nose. Scarring from this is typically minimal and not a concern for most patients. For select cases a closed is used which is achieved by making small incisions inside the nostrils.

WHAT CAN BE EXPECTED DURING THE SURGERY?

Each rhinoplasty procedure is unique and tailored to the requirements of the individual. Once the incisions are made the skin and soft tissue covering the framework of the nose is raised. This allows access to the cartilage and bones of the nose where changes are then made to correct your concerns.

WILL I NEED A CARTILAGE GRAFT?

In cases where a previous rhinoplasty or nasal septal surgery has been performed, there is often a lack of cartilage in the nose. It is not uncommon in these cases to use cartilage that has been taken from another area of your body, such as the rib or ear. There are also other conditions that may require other tissue grafts and the use of synthetic materials. Dr Cleland will discuss this with you, if needed, during your preoperative consultation.

WHAT HAPPENS AFTER SURGERY?

After recovering from the anaesthesia, patients will leave the hospital with comprehensive instructions in regards to their post-operative care and any medications which may be required. There will be noticeable swelling, and often bruising, initially however this will improve significantly during the first 1-2 weeks after surgery.

AVERAGE RECOVERY TIME FOR RHINOPLASTY SURGERY

Most patients require just 1-2 weeks off of work. Patients are able to resume most activities after 2 weeks. There may be some minor residual swelling that persists for 3 to 6 months. This will not impact a patient’s ability to enjoy an active lifestyle.

WHEN ARE RESULTS NOTICEABLE?

Many of the changes made to your nose will be apparent immediately. Post-operative swelling can however make some changes less apparent initially. As the swelling subsides these changes will become more apparent. About 95 percent of postoperative swelling will have resolved in the first 3 months after surgery. Subtle changes will continue up to 6 months post-op.

WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL COMPLICATIONS OF RHINOPLASTY?

The rhinoplasty procedure is commonly performed by Dr Cleland. That said, even with a highly skilled surgeon, all procedures have the potential for complications. With rhinoplasty the risks of surgery include bleeding, infection, numbness and external scarring. Dr Cleland will specifically discuss with you the risks relevant to your procedure.

WHAT KIND OF POST-OP FOLLOW-UP WILL I NEED?

The needs of each patient can vary. Typically speaking, we will see you at 1 week, 6 weeks, 3 months and 6 months or as required.

HOW LONG SHOULD I WAIT BEFORE CONSIDERING RHINOPLASTY REVISION?

Patients who find that they are unhappy with the results of a prior rhinoplasty may consider seeing Dr Cleland for an opinion in regards to revision rhinoplasty. The timeframe that a patient must wait before considering this option is typically 6 months after the initial procedure but may be earlier or later depending on your circumstances. The timing of revision surgery is influenced by several important considerations such as the nature of your previous procedure, the amount of residual swelling that is still apparent and the area in which your concern is occurring. Revision rhinoplasty is typically more complicated than primary rhinoplasty and Dr Cleland will offer his expert professional opinion on a revision procedure during your consultation.

WHAT ARE THE COSTS?

An estimate of the surgical fees associated with rhinoplasty is $6000 – $11000. Every procedure is different and is tailored to your individual concerns and desired outcome.
After your consultation with Dr Cleland we will provide you with a quotation.
At that time we can also provide fee estimates for the hospital stay and the anaesthetist.