Rhinoplasty Sydney
Rhinoplasty is a procedure that is performed to reshape the nose.
Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgical procedures. However, it's also one that requires considerable training and planning to get right.
The procedure aims to increase or decrease the overall size of the nose, alter the shape of the bridge or tip, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between the upper lip and the nose. The surgery can alter the shape and amount of both cartilage and bone. Many patients have a rhinoplasty to improve breathing through the nose. While other patients choose to have a rhinoplasty for cosmetic reasons.
The key to an excellent rhinoplasty is to achieve a natural and sustainable look.
Who is suitable?
- Healthy with no serious medical problems
- Do not smoke (or stopped at least one month prior)
- You have realistic expectations
- Your face has stopped growing
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Desired Results: | Women in Sydney generally undergo rhinoplasty surgery for similar reasons; because they have a deviated septum or have breathing problems, have a bump, hump or would like reshaping. |
What does the consultation involve?
To begin, you will describe your preferred shape and identify your areas of concern to me. I will then take a look at the anatomy of your perceived problems. Afterwards you will receive the operative steps required to achieve your desired outcome.
I use advanced 3D computer-generated imaging (not Photoshop) to try and simulate the predicted post-operative result. During your consultation, we will go through your 3D Vectra image using my simulation software. This will allow us to plan your operation and likely post-operative result. Using the simulation is a far more reliable and reproducible tool than showing you other patients' before and after photographs.
More importantly, the 3D Vectra software is a really good way for patients to visualise all angles of what they're going to look like after surgery and to best communicate the final results they're after.
What rhinoplasty techniques are used?
Rhinoplasty can be performed using either a closed or open technique. The major difference between these is that the open technique involves a little incision on the outside of the nose. As a general rule, if you need any work done on your nasal tip, I use the open technique.
Rhinoplasty surgery is a highly individualised operation and should always be customised to you, the patient. Predicting which approach and rhinoplasty technique would be best is very complicated and it is best done in person with me or a plastic surgeon you are comfortable with.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is performed to correct cosmetic issues that may have been caused by a previous rhinoplasty surgery. If you are dissatisfied with the results of previous nose surgery, I am able to provide treatment. This treatment can correct deformities, scar tissue, or problems with the overall function and appearance of your nose. If you are interested in revision rhinoplasty, we will discuss your areas of concern and how you would like them improved before planning your treatment with advanced 3D computer generated imaging, as in a primary rhinoplasty.
Revision rhinoplasty surgery sometimes requires additional cartilage to provide adequate support to the tip or bridge of the nose. In this case, I will sometimes need to harvest cartilage from another area of the body, such as the ear. It may also be necessary to take soft tissue from other areas of the body to repair any soft tissue irregularities on the nose or to repair scarring.
It is important to note that there are some risks associated with this procedure. Revision rhinoplasty risks include bleeding, nasal blockage, an adverse reaction to the anaesthetic, infection and dissatisfaction with the outcome of the procedure. The possible corrections to your nose will depend on a number of factors, including your personal expectations, the amount and quality of the remaining tissue, scar tissue from your previous procedure, and the elasticity of your skin. I will discuss all of these variables with you at the initial consultation.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
If all the patient wants is a hump reduction, Dr Moradi prefers a closed rhinoplasty, but for every other rhinoplasty, Dr Moradi's preference is an open approach.
An open septorhinoplasty helps to refine and rotate the tip of the nose, this is combined with hump reduction to create a smooth profile for the patient.
A common issue patients want to be corrected is the "columellar show". This is the "hang" on the bottom of the nose resulting in more nostril on show. This is corrected with cartilage grafts helping to support and lift the tip.
Whilst the patient may complain about the hump only if you remove the hump and don't address the drooping tip it will make the nose appear long. A harmonious nose is much better than a small nose. It doesn't take much to make such a big difference in appearance.
Rhinoplasty - Before and After Gallery
Take a look at the amazing results Dr Pouria Moradi was able to achieve for both female and male patients below through the rhinoplasty procedure.
These before and after photos showcase how Dr Moradi can transform a nose to fix any functional or cosmetic issues. Issues such as the ones listed below:
- Oversized nose
- Bump on the bridge of the nose
- Drooping at the tip of the nose
- Deviated septum
- Broken nose
How long does it take to recover from a rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anaesthetic either as a day case or with an overnight stay. Patients will usually take one or two weeks off work. During the healing process, you will wear a splint down the length of the nose -- this is done to support the new shape of your nose. If there is any work done to the septum, internal splints are also placed. In the immediate post-operative period, I prescribe nasal sprays to help with the inflammation and also to prevent drying up of the mucosal lining over the days after surgery.
There are also two types of recovery:
- Social Recovery: how long before you can socialise without people knowing, usually 2-3weeks
- Physical Recovery: how long do you feel yourself again, around a week.
Now with more and more people working from home this makes the social recovery process easier.
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What are the potential risks and complications of rhinoplasty?
Modern surgical procedures are performed with your well-being considered, but there is still a potential risk of complications.
Complications and risks associated with nasal surgery include:
- Excessive bleeding from the site of incision
- Infection which may require antibiotics or in some cases, additional surgery
- Formation of a blood clot under the site of the incision which then requires drainage
- Bruising, pain and swelling around the incision and around the eyes
- Itchy, unsightly and annoying scars known as hypertrophic and keloid scars, which form over the incision
- Longer healing time, especially if you are a diabetic or a smoker
- Wound edges may separate
- Nausea and vomiting may occur for a short time following the general anaesthesia
- Once the swelling and bruising subsides, you may experience an altered sensation in your nose
- Ongoing pain from the nasal bone
- Temporary numbness in the upper front teeth
- Dark circles may appear on the skin under the eyes and may last for about six months or longer
- You may have an impaired sense of smell
- Slight swelling of the tip of the nose may last for a few months, especially if the open technique has been used
- If an implant is inserted, it may extrude through the skin or into the nose
- The nose may flatten as a result of weak underlying supporting structures
- Narrowing of the major airways, which may cause breathing difficulties when breathing through the nose
- Revision surgery may be required if the appearance or function of the nose is unsatisfactory
How much does rhinoplasty cost?
Rhinoplasty surgery is covered by most private health insurance. Review your policy carefully to determine what is covered.
Costs associated with a rhinoplasty vary on a number of factors, however this will be discussed during your consultation:
- Anaesthetist's fees
- Private hospital or day surgical facility fees
- Your level of private insurance cover
- Need for other facial plastic surgical procedures, such as eyelid rejuvenation, facelift, neck lift or brow lift.
- Surgical assistant's fee
Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoplasty
What is a deviated septum?
A deviated septum is a condition concerning the nasal septum or bony septum where air flows through the right and left of the nasal cavity. If your septum is deviated to one side, or is crooked in some way, the airflow does not come in easily, resulting in breathing difficulties. Patients can also have difficulty with breathing when the bony little outcrops in the nose, called turbinates, become enlarged. Rhinoplasty can help to straighten the septum as well as remove the turbinates so that air can easily flow through the nose once more.
What is the difference between a functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a procedure on the nose that can be performed as a functional or aesthetic operation. The functional component is usually carried out if you have difficulty breathing due to a deviated septum or previous fracture. Breathing difficulties can also come from enlarged turbinates, the bony little outcrops found in the nasal cavity. During the rhinoplasty, the doctor will straighten your septum and remove the turbinates if necessary, in order to restore full breathing ability. A rhinoplasty means different things to different people. Some people just want a small hump taken off their nose, some just want the tip done, some want their nose smaller and some people want all of it done. The aesthetic portion of rhinoplasty addresses whatever the patient feels is the problem with their nose.
What is the difference between physical and social recovery after rhinoplasty?
The recovery process is pretty unique for rhinoplasty because it is comprised of both social and physical recovery. Physical recovery begins about 48 - 72 hours after your surgery. More often than not, the nose has to be broken for rhinoplasty to take place. For this reason, a nasal splint will be applied after the surgery which will lessen the movement and pain after the procedure. The pain tends to take on an aching feeling, which can easily be managed with medication and most people wish to return back to work at this stage. However, this is usually where the social recovery aspect comes into play. Going back into society is a little more difficult because once the rhinoplasty has occurred, you will have visible after-effects that may hinder you. The stitches and splint usually remain on the nose for about 10 days but once removed, you will have a swollen nose and black eyes. Over time, this swelling will move down into your cheeks as gravity takes effect. Obviously there is no physical hindrance there, it is just up to you and how you are prepared to go out into public.
How long before I see the final result of my rhinoplasty procedure?
In terms of seeing the final result after a rhinoplasty, it is best to break the recovery of the nose into three parts; the upper third, the middle third and the lower third. The upper two thirds will take about six weeks to get the final result. The tip, which requires more refinement, will take between 6 - 12 moths for the final result to show. In the first 10 days you will have stitches and a splint on your nose. Once that is removed, you will have swelling and black eyes which will gradually fade. The swelling will also slowly move down into your cheeks as gravity tries to get rid of it. Immediately after the operation, both you and Dr Moradi will be aware that there is swelling in the tip of your nose, but no one else will because people simply do not pay that much attention to your face. At three months, you will think that the swelling is gone but the doctor will be able to notice the smaller signs of swelling. Finally after 12 months, the swelling with be entirely gone and your nose will be as it should.
If I have broken my nose, when is the best time to straighten it?
The best time is within 2 weeks before the nasal bones set. However, if it is longer than this you will need a formal rhinoplasty to re-break the bone and straighten it. Which always involves straightening the septum at the same time.
How long before I see the final shape after rhinoplasty?
The upper half of the nose takes around 1-2 months. However the tip can take around 12-18 months before you get the final result.
So it's important to be patient. Please also massage and tape the nose as long as possible post op.
Can I have a combined procedure?
Yes, many patients who have a cosmetic rhinoplasty also suffer from sinus and breathing issues. In those cases, I combine both operations with one of my ENT colleagues who helps open the sinuses and airway. I perform the cosmetic enhancement and he takes care of the breathing which is a perfect outcome for the patient. Form and function addressed in 1 operation.
When do you do a closed vs open rhinoplasty?
Different surgeons have different approaches. If you only need a hump reduction I use a closed approach. Otherwise I use an open approach as it provides the best access and most accuracy in creating shape.
What is a rib graft rhinoplasty?
This technique is used for revision cases where we need extra cartilage for support and contour. We harvest the rib from the patient and sometimes using cadaveric cartilage.
Ideally we use the nasal septum for cartilage but this is inadequate in revision cases as it has already been used up in the initial surgery. I don't like using ear cartilage because of the lack of strength and support it provides.
When do you do a closed or open rhinoplasty?
If you need a hump reduction an closed approach is used by Dr Moradi. Otherwise, he uses an open approach as it provides the best access and most accuracy in creating a better shaped nose.