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 surgeon. This gives you an opportunity to discuss your concerns and get all of your questions answered.

Before you go into your consultation, you will have our Vectra 3D imaging completed with our nurse. The Vectra system allows you to visualise what your post surgery results will look like.

To book a surgery date you can contact our team after a face to face consultation has been completed. You must wait 7 days from the consultation to book a procedure.  

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, your surgeon will make recommendations about the best course of action to take for your nose to achieve a positive 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. 

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.

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