The decision to undergo rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery is deeply personal regardless of whether it is considered for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons. Although serious complications are uncommon, rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery are complex procedures and the best person with whom to discuss your requirements and expectations is an experienced and qualified surgeon.

In this article we discuss what nasal surgery can achieve and conditions which can be addressed with rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery.

What Can Nasal Surgery Achieve?

Rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery involve reshaping the internal structure of the nose to:

• Straighten a crooked nose
• Smooth a prominent bump in the bridge of the nose
• Reduce the length of an over-protruding nasal tip
• Refine the size of a bulbous nasal tip
• Narrow a nose that is too wide for the face
• Reduce the size of a nose that is too large
• Restore symmetry to the nose following injury
• Correct breathing problems by opening up obstructed nasal passages

When Is The Right Age To Have Rhinoplasty?

Unless there is a sound medical reason, rhinoplasty shouldn't be performed until the nose is completely formed which is around 16 years for girls and 17 years for boys. If the surgery is performed before the bones of the face are fully mature, normal growth and development of the face can be disrupted. The results of the surgery may also change over time and require additional procedures to correct these changes. In young patients, a surgeon may arrange psychological assessment to establish the patient’s level of emotional maturity to deal with changes in facial appearance, whether their expectations are realistic and their motives in seeking cosmetic surgery.

Realistic Expectations

It is especially important to have realistic expectations of what your surgeon can achieve with nasal surgery.  Rhinoplasty surgery can make improvements to the existing shape and structure of the nose, but can't give you a completely different nose. Your re-shaped nose needs to fit naturally with your own facial features.

It is important that you choose a surgeon who has experience and expertise in performing rhinoplasty surgery and can properly assess and guide you in regard to achieving your expectations. While serious complications are uncommon, rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery are complex procedures and even slight changes to the shape of the nose can have a dramatic effect on your appearance. Your surgeon needs to have the appropriate level of training, experience and expertise in order to minimize the risk of complications and to optimise your satisfaction with the end result.

Make sure you see some before and after photos of previous patients so that you understand what results are achievable.

Who Is A Good Candidate For Rhinoplasty or Septoplasty Surgery?

The best candidates for rhinoplasty and Septoplasty surgery are people who are self-conscious or unhappy about the size or shape of their nose but are otherwise healthy, well-adjusted and don't expect the surgery to transform their lives.

Rhinoplasty may not be an option for you if you have serious health conditions which increase the risks of surgery performed under general anaesthetic. The health conditions which can impact on surgery include poorly controlled diabetes, heart or lung dysfunction, bleeding or clotting problems, allergies to anaesthetic medication and smoking which significantly increases the risk of wound complications. It is important that smoking ceases six weeks prior to and after surgery.

Individuals who are not good candidates for rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery may consider the role of non-surgical techniques which can achieve more subtle results. Some treatmants can smooth out bumps, reshape the nasal tip and improve symmetry. This procedure is not permanent, but can provide improvement which can lasts up to a year when the filler can be topped up.

Next Step

If you are considering nasal surgery and have questions you would like to ask or if you would like to book a confidential consultation at a cost of $140, click below or call (03) 9088 5000 for the Melbourne practice or (07) 3180 3400 for the Brisbane practice. The Cosmetic Surgery Co-ordinators of NorthEast Plastic Surgery will organise a consultation with Mr Tansley or Dr Seneviratne who are highly qualified and experienced surgeons. They will assess your individual requirements and discuss your preferences in regard to rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery.