Rhinoplasty

With its location at the centre of the face, its size and shape tend to determine the rest of the facial proportions. Nose reshaping surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, can be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons. By making even subtle adjustments in the size, shape or contour of the nose, Mr Damon Thomas can bring a much more balanced look to the entire face. The procedure produces long-lasting results in a single surgery and the effects can be dramatic.

Rhinoplasty may also be performed for medical reasons. For example, a deviated septum that is interfering with breathing can be straightened during this procedure. Dr Thomas will assess your specific situation to determine what types of correction are necessary to improve both the function and the appearance of the nose. Both concerns can be addressed simultaneously in a single procedure to save on cost and limit the patient to just one time under anaesthesia and one recovery period.

Candidates for Nose Surgery

The best candidates for nose surgery may have any of the following concerns:

A nose that is too big in proportion to the rest of the face
A prominent concave or bump on the bridge of the nose
A nasal tip that is too rounder or pointed
An internal defect that interferes with breathing, such as a deviated septum
A nose that is crooked or asymmetrical due to injury

Dr Thomas will evaluate your situation to determine whether nose surgery is the right choice to help you meet your aesthetic goals. With the ability to customise the procedure to the unique needs of each of his patients, Dr Thomas can address a wide range of concerns and perform a variety of corrections to help you get the look you want. If you were unhappy with the results of initial surgery, Dr Thomas could also make the necessary revisions to produce the aesthetic results you were hoping for the first time around.

Options in Nose Surgery

There are two different techniques Dr Thomas might use for your nose surgery: Closed Rhinoplasty During closed nose surgery, Dr Thomas keeps all the incisions inside the nasal cavity, so there are no visible scars after the procedure. While the lack of scarring is a benefit, this approach does limit access to the internal structures somewhat, making it difficult to use this technique for some types of correction.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open nose surgery uses the same internal incisions but adds an additional incision on the tissue underneath the nose that divides the nostrils, known as the columella. While this technique does leave a visible scar on the columella, the incision is small and hidden underneath the nose, so it is not noticeable. This approach also allows for greater access when extensive correction is required.

Dr Thomas will determine the best technique for your surgery based on the amount of correction needed and where the correction will be placed. During some operations, grafting of cartilage is necessary to create the strength and shape desired for the new nose shape. In most cases, Dr Thomas will try to use autologous grafts taken from the nasal septum. However, when that is not an option, grafts may be removed from the ear or rib to create the desired effect.

See Before and Afters

About the Procedure

Nose surgery is normally performed under general anaesthesia and takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure. Incisions will be carefully placed to allow for access to the internal structures where the corrections will be made. Bone and cartilage are either removed or grafted in to create the desired shape and proportions. If the septum needs to be straightened or otherwise repaired, this can also be done during the same procedure.

After your surgery is completed, you will move to recovery for a short time to ensure there are no complications related to the anaesthesia or excessive bleeding after surgery. Some patients may spend the night in the hospital before going home, particularly if other procedures were performed at the same time as the rhinoplasty. Once you are released to go home, you will likely have a dressing on top of your nose and splints inside to help hold the new shape of the nose as it begins to heal.

What to Expect after Surgery

After surgery, the nose will appear bruised and swollen. You will be prescribed pain medication to keep you comfortable for the first few days and instructions on using cold compresses and sleeping with your head elevated to minimise swelling. Because you were under general anaesthesia for the procedure, you will be advised to have someone with you for the first day or two after surgery to care for you while the effects of the anaesthesia gradually diminish. You will also have the nasal splint in place for a few days and will be instructed to avoid blowing your nose during that time to prevent damage to your sutures.

You should be able to return to your regular activities within about two weeks, although strenuous exercise will not be allowed for up to six weeks to give the nose ample time to heal. Side effects like swelling and bruising will subside within a few weeks. Results will start to become evident quickly once the bandage and splints are removed. However, the full outcome of nose surgery may take up to one year to become apparent as the nose continues to heal and residual swelling subsides entirely. The results of your rhinoplasty should never change, so you will enjoy your new look for a lifetime.

Choosing Your Surgeon

Rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most performed types of plastic surgery today, in part because it can achieve dramatic results for the patient with just one surgery and recovery process. When considering rhinoplasty, it is essential to select a surgeon that has the experience and qualifications necessary to achieve the best possible results. Mr Thomas has completed his Fellowship of the Royal Australian College of Surgeons (FRACS) in plastic surgery, a distinction reserved for the top surgeons in his field.

To learn more about the various options in nose surgery, contact Dr Thomas’s office at Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery on 03 9508 9508 to schedule your personal consultation.