Rhinoplasty

Introduction

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to improve the external appearance of the nose. This may be performed to restore the shape of your nose after an injury, or as a purely cosmetic procedure if you wish to change the way it has developed. At the same time as altering the external appearance, any problems with breathing that you have can be improved.

Changing the appearance of the nose can enhance your facial appearance, bringing your nose into harmony with the rest of your face and giving you more self confidence.

Pre-operative preparation

Common reasons for rhinoplasty include:

• To straighten a crooked nose
• To reduce a hump on the nose
• To reduce the size of a large nose
• To improve symmetry of the tip of the nose
• To improve the breathing

Dr Lotz has a specific interest in surgery to improve the appearance of the nose. During your consultation he will spend time with you to help understand which parts of your nose you would like changed and to give you an idea of what may be achieved from the surgery.

If the surgery is to be performed due to a previous injury to the nose, or if you have problems breathing, then some of the surgical and anaesthetic fees plus the hospital stay may be covered by Medicare and your Health Fund.

The Surgery

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic. Depending on what is involved with the surgery it may be performed as a day stay procedure, or it may involve an overnight hospital stay.

The incisions for rhinoplasty usually involve a  small scar across the skin between the nostrils, with the rest of the incision  being hidden inside the nostrils. This is usually practically invisible in a  couple of weeks.

Basal view of nose before surgery

The same patient seen after surgery to define the nasal tip. Note the barely visible scar seen here at 3 months. (Actual patient of Dr Lotz)

During the surgery the specific issues relating to your nose will be addressed. Humps on the nose are removed, asymmetries are corrected, and the nasal cartilage is shaped to achieve the changes that you desire.

Breathing problems are addressed by removing any bone or cartilage that is obstructing the airway (a septoplasty). This may necessitate some splints remaining inside the nose for the first week after the surgery.

After the Surgery

When you wake up there may be packs inside the nose which will be removed a day or so after the surgery. There will be a small plaster on the nose which is removed after a week, at the same time as any stitches are removed. You will then have tape on the nose for another week after the plaster is removed.

There will be some bruising and swelling after the surgery for a week or two, and you may have black eyes. Sleeping with your head elevated on a couple of pillows for the first few nights following the surgery will help this to go as quickly as possible. It may take several months for the swelling to completely settle, and it is also common to have some numbness of the tip of the nose which can last for several months.

After the surgery you should rest at home for the first week, avoiding strenuous activity and lifting. Sport will need to be restricted for a few weeks after the surgery, and any contact sport needs to be avoided for 2 months to avoid nasal injury. Most patients will be back at work 2 weeks after the surgery.

Summary

Rhinoplasty is an operation to improve the appearance of the nose and it can also improve your breathing. Changing the appearance of the nose will enhance your facial appearance, bringing your nose into harmony with the rest of your face, giving you more self confidence.

A Patient Guide to Understanding Rhinoplasty

• If you would like further information or if you wish to make an appointment to discuss a surgical procedure with Dr Lotz please contact us.