The nose is the structure on the face upon which the other facial features are bridged and, any changes on the nose can affect the overall look of the face. The doctor can reduce the size and narrow or widen the width of the nose, and even improve the tip or remove an unwanted bump. Crooked or curved noses can be straightened and made more symmetrical.

The aim of rhinoplasty is to produce a pleasing aesthetic nose fitting the remaining facial feature while preserving satisfactory nasal function.

There is no magic formula in rhinoplasty and it's important the surgeon has detail knowledge of the various techniques and understand the balance and harmony of the nose. It certainly needs artistic touch and feel.

Aesthetic sense varies in different communities; however the mathematical proportions are precise principles in the art of nose reshaping. Leonardo da Vinci in the 16 th century established proportions on the face and these are still in use today.

In our practice we use digital computer imaging as an essential integral component for pre operative assessment, planning and imaging of the nose.

Our policy is to show and discuss with the client the overall features of the face and nose.

The nose is then modified by imaging to fit the face and to the satisfaction of the client.

Reproduceable results can be then achieved at surgery.

In order to obtain the proper balance one my need to modify some or all the parts of the nose. In our procedure I use the external approach as it gives the best control of modifying the structures. An external (i.e.) open rhinoplasty is like repairing the roof of the house without necessary entering inside the rooms.

Sometimes the alteration of its size or shape should be accompanied by changes in other facial structures to obtain good results. An example of this combination is a chin augmentation which can be done at the same time. Your doctor will discuss this with you during the consultation.

The Procedure

Nose Surgery procedure takes generally about 1 - 1 1/2 hours to perform and can be combined with other facial procedures.

Working from inside or from outside of the nose, the doctor can modify the feature of the nose. A bump can be reduced or totally removed, the sides of the nose can be brought together the tip can be narrower and the tip can be made smaller or lifted. The nostrils may need to be reduced in size which may result in a small incision on either side of the nose which will gradually fade over time. Occasionally, additional changes and revisions require additional surgery.

After surgery, a small plaster cast is placed on the nose to protect it in its new shape. It is worn for about 7 days and should not be removed or get wet. A gauze drip pad will be affixed below the nose under the nostrils which should be changed if it become soiled. In some cases, a nasal pack may be inserted into the nose to support the inside.

After surgery, any minor pain or discomfort you experience can be controlled with medication.

Preparing for The Operation

Products that contain Aspirin, Vitamin E, or Evening Primrose oil should be avoided for four weeks before surgery. The use of Vitamin K (10mg daily) for three days before surgery is recommended.

Strong alcoholic drinks should be avoided before surgery.

Important: Patients should not smoke for two weeks before surgery and for a few days after surgery. Smoking interferes with the circulation of blood to the skin and can cause death of the skin flaps.

Patients should purchase Betadine shampoo use it to wash their hair the night before surgery (if surgery is scheduled for the morning) or the morning before (if surgery is scheduled for the afternoon). Hair may be conditioned and blow dried.

If the patient develops any signs of infection, pustules or boils on the face or body before surgery, the doctor should be notified immediately.

On the day of the surgery, the patient should wear comfortable, loose clothing that do not have to be pulled over the head, to the hospital.

Patients must not wear any make-up (including mascara and nail polish) when they go into surgery. If the patient tints, dyes or bleaches his or her hair, this should be done no later than one week before surgery.

A local anaesthetic is generally used. In addition to the local, various drugs are used before, during and after surgery to make you comfortable and steady.

Post Operative Care

Moderate bleeding from the nose is normal and swelling/bruising around the eyes generally occurs within the first 24 hours after surgery. Iced gauze pads placed over the eyes will help to reduce swelling (but become ineffective 24 hours after surgery) and care should be taken not to wet the plaster cast. The outside of the nostrils should be cleaned with cotton swabs soaked in warm water. The crusts on the inside of the nose should be cleaned out after the third day, and blowing or sneezing through the nose should be avoided for the first 7 to 10 days.

It is normal for there to be moderate swelling over the bridge and tip of the nose once the cast is removed which can be hidden using light makeup. By this time though, most swelling and bruising that you experienced around the eyes will have subsided.

As a general rule, if one can still feel a firmness in the nasal tip, it is probable that there is still considerable swelling. Massaging the nose as instructed by the nurse or doctor will help the swelling subside. After the cast is removed, you may wash your entire face thoroughly. Avoid bumping your nose and try not to role on it while you sleep. Restrict resting your glasses on the ridge of your nose until soreness and swelling subsides.

Burning, tightness, itchiness and puffiness are normal for the first few weeks. Any excessive discolouration or swelling should be immediately reported to The Centre. If your nose begins to bleed excessively, place a cold wet cotton ball inside the nostril that is bleeding, apply pressure and keep the head elevated. If the bleeding continues you should call The Centre.

Your nose may seem stuffy or congested from time to time for several weeks following surgery. This is a normal condition and should not be treated continuously with nose drops which can be habituating.

The nose is "healed" in about 2 - 4 weeks which is when you may resume non body-contact sports such as swimming, tennis, golf and horseback riding. Body contact or team sports such as volleyball, basketball, football and wrestling etc. are not advised for 2 months.

Patients vary in their rate of healing and reaction to surgery. As the texture and thickness of skin varies from person to person the exact shape of the nose cannot be predicted 100%. In some cases, a small complimentary procedure may be required.

According to specialist cosmetic surgeon Dr. Thind of L'Image Cosmetic Surgery in Sydney , rhinoplasty surgery has to be tailored to the individual need. The reduction of an oversized hump may result in improvement that doesn't attract a great deal of attention. Friends may not be able to see a major difference, but that's important in itself. Your surgery should improve your appearance without drawing a lot of attention.

Remember the idea is not to create a new nose, but to improve and enhance the one you have.

Dr. Thind explains that working form inside or outside of the nose; the doctor can modify the features of the nose. A bump can be reduced or totally removed, the sides of the nose can be brought together, the tip can be narrowed made smaller or lifted. The nostrils may need to be reduced in size which, may result in a small incision on either side of the nose which will gradually fade over time.

After surgery, a small splint is placed on the nose to protect its new shape to be worn for 7 days. The nose is “healed” in about 2 – 4 weeks when you may resume non body-contact sports. Contact sports are not advised for two months.

At L'Image Cosmetic Surgery a full range of cosmetic procedures are performed on a daily basis, including surgical procedures such as Liposculpture, breast implants, breast lift/reduction, tummy tucks, ear reshaping, “S” Face & Neck lift just to name a few. Non surgical cosmetic treatments such as vein treatments, wrinkle fillers, lip enhancement, laser/IPL of tattoo, hair, pigmentation etc are available only at our Brisbane centre.

Most procedures are performed under local anaesthetic with twilight sedation. We offer walk-in, walk-out treatments with a safer and faster recovery. For a full range of cosmetic surgery offered by L'Image Cosmetic Surgery call Ilda on (02) 9635 6222 or 1300 COSMETIC.