If you are considering nasal surgery, you will no doubt be researching the procedure and appropriate surgeons to perform the operation. Whether you are considering nasal surgery for cosmetic or medical reasons there is a lot to take in and understand including how to choose the right surgeon, what nasal surgery can address, potential risks and complications, outcomes and recovery.

In this article, we discuss our most frequently asked questions regarding rhinoplasty and septoplasty revisional surgery.

Frequently Asked Questions

What can rhinoplasty or septoplasty surgery address?

Rhinoplasty and/or septoplasty can improve the appearance and function of the nose by reducing the length, refining the width, making the nose itself or the nostrils look smaller, straightening or decreasing the size of the tip of the nose, removing bumps, asymmetry, depressions and deviations on the nose and correcting breathing problems by opening up blocked nasal passages.

What is the recovery time?

How much time you need to recover will depend on the individual and on the extent of the procedure. As a general guide, you can return to work or school after two weeks and to normal activity levels within three weeks. You will need to avoid strenuous activity and exercise for about 4 weeks and any activity where your nose might get knocked for at least eight weeks. The swelling and bruising from the surgery will settle after a week or so, but keep in mind it can take several months before the final results from your surgery are revealed.

How much does it cost?

Most surgeons won’t provide costs on their website or over the phone without a consultation. The price will vary depending on the type of surgery or if you may need additional procedures to get the best result. It is difficult for a surgeon to give you an accurate price until they have talked to you about your particular concerns and expectations and before they examine you to establish what your specific surgical requirements would be. Your surgeon will provide you with a detailed cost breakdown for your surgery during your consultation.

Am I suitable for nasal surgery?

Whether you are considering the surgery for reconstructive or cosmetic reasons, the best person to discuss your requirements and expectations with is an experienced and qualified surgeon. It is especially important to have realistic expectations of what your surgeon can achieve with nasal surgery. The adjustment to change in appearance needs to be considered as there will be a progression of changes after surgery including swelling, bruising and subsequent improvement over time.

The best candidates for rhinoplasty and septoplasty surgery are those are unhappy or self-conscious about the size or shape of their nose or have breathing issues due to blockage of their airway but are otherwise healthy and well-adjusted and don't expect the surgery to transform their lives.

Unless there is a sound medical reason, rhinoplasty shouldn't be performed until the nose is completely formed - around 16 for girls and 17 for boys. If the surgery is done before the bones of the face are fully mature, the structure and shape of the nose may change over time and require additional procedures to correct.

What are the risks or potential complications?

Complications from rhinoplasty may include difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, sinus infection, scarring or delayed healing, skin discoloration, poor circulation resulting in loss of skin and mucosal tissue, numbness, tingling or stiffness around the upper lip and nose, and septal perforation (a small hole in the septum, resulting in a whistle when breathing). There may also be risk of the nose healing with an uneven or twisted appearance requiring additional surgery. Another risk that is that the patient may not like the end result of the procedure and it is important to bear in mind the fact that the final appearance of the nose may not be appreciated for four to six months after surgery.

The best way to reduce your risk is to choose a qualified surgeon with the skills and experience to perform your procedure. Your surgeon should provide you with information about all potential complications. Only once you have understood the information and had the opportunity to ask questions should you sign a consent form to indicate that you give permission for the procedure to go ahead. It is important that you do understand the risks and what they mean, so don't be afraid to ask questions.

The Surgeons of NorthEast Plastic Surgery have undergone rigorous surgical training and their expertise is the result of extensive experience in cosmetic plastic surgery.

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 expectations in regard to the surgery.