Plastic Surgery
Rhinoplasty
We want to tell you all about Rhinoplasty surgery
In the delicate field of rhinoplasty surgery, Dr. Honeybrook believes that less is more. The nose is such a prominent feature, he delivers nose surgery with total sensitivity to a natural, balanced appearance.
The ultimate goal of any effective rhinoplasty procedure is to create an enhanced but completely natural appearance that serves to harmonize the shape of your nose with the rest of your facial structure. Too many bad “celebrity nose jobs” have created the pervasive stigma of shiny, pinched noses. But in the hands of a capable medical practitioner with a wealth of experience and expertise performing a nose job, this procedure should seamlessly blend the alterations in your nasal structure with your other facial features.
Rhinoplasty can enhance the look and function of the nose while improving confidence and eliminating self-consciousness caused by your nasal appearance. Rhinoplasty benefits include the following:
- Reshape the nostrils
- Reduce the nasal tip
- Reduce the bridge
- Enhance the balance and harmony between other facial features
- Correct a deviated septum
- Improve breathing
- Increase or decrease the size of the nose
Fees
All quoted prices include hospital fees and general anaesthetic.
Am I a candidate for surgery?
Before deciding whether to pursue surgery, you must consider if you are a good candidate for surgery:
- Your current nose makes you self-conscious or unhappy
- Your nose has changed with age
- Nasal deformity that needs to be corrected
- You are well-adjusted and have reasonable expectations of the surgery, such as wanting to improve the way you look, not look perfect
- Your nose has stopped growing, generally from the mid-teens on
- You’re able to take sufficient recovery time off of work
- You are a nonsmoker or are willing to stop smoking at least 8 weeks prior to surgery and 8 weeks post surgery
- You are over the age of 18
The Surgery Process
The decision to undertake any type of elective surgery should be a well thought and long process. We do not recommend rushing into any procedures. Below is a guide on the surgery process
The first step in finding out more about rhinoplasty is to schedule a private consultation. In this consultation, you will meet directly with your facial plastic surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.
You will have the opportunity to tell the doctor the type of nose you envision for yourself. Feel free to bring a photo of a celebrity or other person who has what you consider to be the perfect nose for you. At our offices, we have many photographs to help you through the process, including people with a similar facial structure or nose issue, so you can see the “before and after.”
During your personalised consultation for a rhinoplasty, your surgeon will ask you about your medical history, as well as any issue of substance abuse, tobacco use, or alcohol use. Furthermore, you will need to bring in all medications and supplements you currently take. Part of the consultation involves a full and accurate medical history. Tell Dr. Honeybrook about any past surgeries, procedures, and complications you have experienced in your life. He can then make a decision based upon your general health, and whether you are a good candidate for the procedure – most people are.
At the end of your consultation, Dr. Honeybrook will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your nose job to achieve the most attractive result. Every person is different, and the nose structure may need to be altered significantly or just minimally, depending upon what needs to be achieved.
He will also advise you about any further cosmetic procedures available to give you the best possible appearance, such as a facelift, neck lift, brow lift, or chin augmentation.
Once you’ve booked your surgery date, a pre surgery appointment will be scheduled 4 weeks prior to your date. This is your chance to meet with Dr Honeybrook again, ask any further questions, go over the surgery plan and take some images. This appointment ensures you’re well prepared for the upcoming surgery date.
The night before and morning of surgery – As with all surgeries, you will need to stop eating and drinking fluids for a specific period of time the evening prior to your nose job, most often midnight. In some cases, defined by your physician, you may need to take certain medications with a small sip of water, e.g. beta-blockers, cholesterol medications, or other medicines. For the least possible chance of infection, we ask that you shower with an anti-microbial soap the evening before and in the morning of your surgery. This removes and discourages the growth of bacteria on the surface of your skin. Try not to cause too much irritation to the face, specifically the nose, while scrubbing.
Don’t wear nasal or any facial piercing to the hospital. We don’t want them to get lost, and they may have bacteria on them.
Once you arrive at the hospital, all the relevant checks will be taken with nursing staff. You’ll meet your surgeon just before the procedure to ensure you’re feeling ready. When you go into the operating room, you will be administered the appropriate anaesthesia.
In order to reduce the appearance of scars, incisions will be made on the interior of the nose. Tiny incisions may be required where the nostrils (nares) meet the cheek for changes made in the shape, size, and appearance of large or misshapen nostrils.
Dr. Honeybrook will reshape your nose to match the vision you expressed in your consultation.
Most rhinoplasty’s require 3-4 hours in surgery time. After closing the incisions and addressing any issues with the nasal wall, or septum, you will be sent to the recovery room.
The healing process for your rhinoplasty begins immediately when you awaken in the recovery room. Your nose may be stuffed with packing to sustain the altered structures. In addition, Dr. Honeybrook will place a stint on the exterior of your nose to hold the newly-shaped nose in place. You will prescribed pain relief, anti- nausea, and anti-inflammatory medications to take during your recovery period so that your healing process is smooth. In the days after your procedure, the packing and splint will be removed from your nose and replaced with a taped dressing. The tape will need to stay in place for one week. During this time, avoid getting the dressing wet as this can lead to the growth of bacteria and the potential for infection. There will be prominent bruising and swelling of the face and nose. Expect to see red and swollen eyes from the procedure. Take all medications as directed by your surgeon. This remains especially important for any steroids and antibiotic medications. This prevents the nose from becoming infected or other complications.
Limit your diet to light, bland foods for the first few days following your procedure. If you don’t experience any difficulties, you can move onto heavier, tastier foods. Please adhere to the dietary guidelines provided to you after surgery. Avoid foods and spices that have been known to cause you sneezing or other reactions.
To prevent the formation of blood clots, walk around several times each day for a minimum of ten minutes. In addition to warding off the formation of blood clots, this promotes the circulation and healing of tissues. Don’t bend or exert yourself physically until cleared by your physician. Though the stitches will be tiny, they still have the potential to break when you exert yourself.
To bring down the swelling, sleep with your head elevated above your heart. This isn’t required, and a pillow isn’t likely to dislodge the nasal cast. However, this position is the most comfortable way to avoid a smothering sensation while sleeping. Also, if you normally sleep with your pet, your furry friend must sleep alone for a few weeks following surgery – no pets in bed. No matter how clean your dog or cat is, harmful bacteria must not be brought near to your incision site.
Rhinoplasty surgery is not a perfect procedure and like any surgery, it does carry risks. We want all our patients to make an informed decision about their healthcare and chosen procedures, which is why we are upfront and honest about all aspects of this procedure including risks.
Specific risks and complications associated with rhinoplasty surgery include:
- Pain that may be severe and ongoing
- Nose may feel numb or have altered sensation after the bruising and swelling subside
- The upper front teeth may feel numb temporarily
- The nose’s appearance may be unsatisfactory and require revisional surgery
- Sense of smell may be impaired, and in rare cases lost or distorted
- The nose may be slightly swollen for months
- Skin under the eyes may be darkened for a period of over six months
- Underlying support structure of the nose may be weak and cause the nose to flatten
- An implant (if one was inserted) may extrude into the nose or through the skin
- Major airways may become narrowed, causing difficulty in breathing through the nose
Some general risks and complications of surgery may include:
- Heavy bleeding from an operated site
- Infection that may require treatment with antibiotics or further surgery in some cases
- Allergic reaction to sutures, dressings or antiseptic solutions
- The formation of a large blood clot (haematoma) beneath an incision site that may require drainage
- Pain, bruising and swelling around the operated site(s)
- Keloids and hypertrophic scars that are raised, red and thickened scars. These may form over the healed incisions. They may be itchy, annoying and unsightly but are not a threat to health
- Slow healing, often related to smoking or diabetes
- Separation of wound edges
- Short-term nausea following general anaesthesia and other risks related to anaesthesia
Frequently Asked Questions
We regularly get asked about our procedures, so we have put together a couple of questions we get asked on a regular basis. If there is something else you would like to know, please get in touch!
In some cases yes! If you are experiencing complications with breathing, a rhinoplasty can be covered under for private health insurance and carry a Medicare rebate. If you have cover under your PHI, this means they will cover the hospital fees and you’ll receive a Medicare rebate on the procedure. To find out if you have PHI cover, best to contact your provider directly. The associated item numbers are: 45632 , 45641, 45644.
Your nose will be bandaged, bruised, and swollen. After the tape is removed, the bruising may need another week to subside. The nose will continue to heal for the next month. In some cases of extensive reconstruction, the nose may require several months to attain the look desired. Don’t expect to be red-carpet ready for several weeks. The time will pass quickly, and a few months of healing is nothing when compared to a lifetime of feeling embarrassed or unhappy, and suffering from a lack of self-confidence.
We insist that all patients have someone to stay with them for 72 hours following surgery. Please organise your carer when booking a date. After surgery, you will not be allowed to travel home alone. We do not let patients get in Ubers, taxis or public transport. You must have someone accompanying you after surgery.
Rhinoplasty is the most revised plastic surgery procedure in the world. If your looking into rhinoplasty revision, please contact our team to book a consultation with our facial plastic surgeons.
Before & After
Rhinoplasty results by Dr Adam Honeybrook
