Rhinoplasty

With its central location, the size and shape of the nose tend to define your entire profile. As one of the most prominent facial features, the nose is integral to your facial symmetry and can determine the proportions of your whole face. A straight, evenly proportioned nose can subtly complement your look, while a nose that is too big, too wide, asymmetrical or deformed can overshadow your appearance and prevent you from feeling and looking your best.

Nose reshaping surgery, also known as rhinoplasty, can be performed for both aesthetic and functional reasons. By making even subtle adjustments to the size, shape or contour of the nose, Dr Damon Thomas can restore a much more balanced look to the entire face while enhancing your breathing ability. In a single surgery, rhinoplasty produces long-lasting and dramatic results that can transform your look and restore confidence in your appearance.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty, or cosmetic nose surgery, is designed to reshape or modify the nose in harmony with each patient’s unique facial structure. This procedure may also be performed for medical reasons. For example, a deviated septum that is interfering with your breathing can be straightened during this procedure. Dr Thomas will assess your specific situation to determine what type of correction is necessary to improve both the function and the appearance of the nose. All your concerns can be addressed simultaneously in a single procedure to save on cost and ensure the most convenient and satisfying treatment experience.

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 your unique needs, Dr Thomas can address a wide range of concerns and perform a variety of corrections to help you achieve your desired look. If you were unhappy with the results of a previous surgery, Dr Thomas could also make the necessary revisions to produce the aesthetic results you initially hoped to achieve.

Options in Nose Surgery

Depending on your needs and unique facial structure, Dr Thomas may use one of two techniques for your nose surgery. As a highly personalised surgery, rhinoplasty can be performed for various purposes, from reconstructing the nose due to breathing problems to tweaking the nose for cosmetic benefits. In your consultation, he will work with you to determine which method will best address your concerns and how to create a nose that is aesthetically ideal for your face and features.

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 nasal cartilage and internal structures, which makes it more difficult to reshape specific areas. Therefore, this option is more suitable for those with more structural concerns related to the septum or the bridge of the nose.

Open Rhinoplasty

Open nose surgery uses the same internal incisions but involves 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, as well as more control and detail, when extensive correction is required. Patients seeking to correct the tip of the nose will require open rhinoplasty.

Dr Thomas will determine the best technique for your surgery based on the amount of correction required 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 this is not a suitable option, grafts may be removed from the ear or rib to create the desired effect.

Preparing for Rhinoplasty

Your in-person consultation will be crucial for helping Dr Thomas understand your needs and aesthetic goals. During this appointment, Dr Thomas will evaluate your facial structure and how the nose sits in harmony with your other features and proportions. Based on this analysis, he will design a treatment plan detailing the techniques and corrections required to perform your rhinoplasty. To ensure you feel comfortable and ready, Dr Thomas will give you detailed instructions on how to prepare for your surgery. He may also advise you to organise transportation to and from the appointment, as well as a caregiver to be with you for the first one to two days.

About the Procedure

Nose surgery is usually performed under general anaesthesia and takes between one to three hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the procedure and extent of correction required. 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 surgery.

After your procedure 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 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.

See Before and Afters

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 you will need to sleep with your head elevated to minimise swelling. Dr Thomas will also provide you with detailed aftercare instructions on how to use cold compresses and alleviate discomfort during the recovery period. Since you will have been 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 not change so long as there is no damage caused to the nose, so you should be able to enjoy your new look for a lifetime.

Benefits of Rhinoplasty

As one of the most commonly sought procedures, rhinoplasty boasts a myriad of benefits for patients seeking to correct nasal deformities. At Dr Thomas’ clinic, he has observed an extremely high level of patient satisfaction among rhinoplasty patients, who are often awarded life-changing results and a noticeable improvement in their confidence, comfort and quality of life. The benefits of this treatment include:

Corrects asymmetry and deformities

Improves breathing

Restores balance to the face

Removes irregularities

Creates a slimmer, smoother nasal bridge

Narrows wide nostrils

Improves self-confidence

The Difference Between Rhinoplasty and Septoplasty

Rhinoplasty is designed to correct concerns related to the shape, size and symmetry of the nose. This procedure is suitable for those with an asymmetrical nose, a depression on the bridge or nasal hump, an enlarged or droopy tip, or wide nostrils. Through this surgery, Dr Thomas aims to refine the nose and restore the balance between your unique facial features for a natural-looking and aesthetically pleasing profile.

Septoplasty targets more functional-related concerns within the nose, such as a crooked or deviated septum. Some patients are born with a deviated septum, while others develop this problem as a result of an injury. This issue can cause several other concerns, such as increased congestion, noisy breathing during sleep, or difficulty breathing out of one or both nostrils. A septoplasty is specifically designed to address any internal defects within the septum and nasal cavity to restore proper function. By repairing the inner nasal structure, a septoplasty can reduce congestion and restore two open channels for comfortable breathing and airflow.

If you have both a visibly crooked nose and an internal deformity that affects your breathing, a septoplasty can be performed with rhinoplasty techniques to address both your functional and cosmetic concerns in the same procedure. In a combination treatment, internal flaws can be corrected while the external appearance is also modified for a holistic improvement. This procedure can enhance both your appearance and lifestyle and has proven to be highly rewarding for Dr Thomas’ patients.

Is Rhinoplasty Right for You?

Rhinoplasty is suitable for patients of almost any age, from teenagers to individuals in their 60s and beyond. If you are considering rhinoplasty for your child, you may be advised to wait until they are in their late teens to ensure the nose has fully developed. Rhinoplasty patients should be in overall good health with no other medical concerns that may heighten your risk levels. Candidates should also be non-smokers. In your consultation, Dr Thomas will examine your health and medical history to ensure it is safe to proceed with treatment.

Since rhinoplasty is a highly individualised procedure, it is suitable for almost anyone seeking to enhance the shape, structure or function of their nose. If you are unhappy with the natural contour of your nose or have breathing difficulties due to structural issues, you may want to consider rhinoplasty. Some patients have broken their nose in the past and are unsatisfied with how it healed, while others require correction to resolve a naturally deviated septum. Alternatively, if your confidence has suffered due to a disproportionate or oddly shaped nose, a rhinoplasty performed by Dr Thomas can help to restore a more balanced and harmonious appearance.

Choosing Your Surgeon

Rhinoplasty continues to be one of the most performed types of plastic surgery today. Whether your concerns are cosmetic or functional, rhinoplasty can achieve transformative results for any patient seeking to enhance their appearance or restore proper breathing ability. When considering rhinoplasty, it is essential to select a surgeon that has the qualifications, artistry and experience necessary to achieve the best possible results.

Dr Damon 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. Beyond his extensive experience and advanced skills, he is passionate about helping you feel more comfortable and confident about your appearance. Having performed rhinoplasty for patients all over Melbourne, he has helped countless men and women improve their lifestyle through nose reshaping surgery.

If you have concerns about your nose and wish to restore a more natural and balanced look to your face, rhinoplasty may be an excellent option for you. To learn more about the various options in nose surgery, contact Dr Thomas’s offices at Melbourne Institute of Plastic Surgery on 03 9508 9508 to schedule your personal consultation today.