Rhinoplasty
Many people are dissatisfied with the shape of their noses, often feeling deeply self-conscious about their facial appearance. Rhinoplasty, offered by our Queensland plastic surgeon, is a method of improving the appearance of the nose by making it smaller or larger, bringing it into better proportion and balance with other features of the face. Rhinoplasty can help individuals who would like to:
- Increase or decrease nose size
- Correct deformities of the nose caused by injury or genetics
- Correct structural defects that are causing breathing problems
- Change the nose tip or bridge
- Alter the shape of the nostrils
Candidates for rhinoplasty are typically at least 14-15 years old with reasonable expectations for results.
To schedule a consultation for rhinoplasty at Pacific Plastic Surgery in the Bundaberg area or Elite Cosmetic Clinics in the Mackay region, please contact James Gaffield, M.D.
Rhinoplasty Procedure
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia on an outpatient basis. Dr. James Gaffield will make a discreet incision in the natural crease where the nose meets the face, resulting in no visible scarring. The bone of the nose and the cartilage are separated and reshaped to reflect the desired outcome, and the incisions are closed. A temporary splint is applied so the nose will retain the new shape, and nasal packing gauze may be necessary for a short while to control bleeding and stabilize the septum. Rhinoplasty typically takes only an hour or two to complete.
Rhinoplasty Recovery
You can expect to experience some bruising and swelling in the nasal area after the procedure. The head should be elevated for the first day after rhinoplasty. Residual pain and discomfort can be alleviated with medication. The nasal splint and stitches are usually removed after one to two weeks following surgery, and nasal packing can typically come out after a few days. Most patients can resume normal activities after about a week; however, caution should be taken to protect the nose until it has completely healed.
You should also keep in mind that the effects of the procedure may not begin to show for a few weeks, and the final results of rhinoplasty can take six months to a year to be fully apparent.
Dr. Gaffield will discuss all aspects of the procedure with you at the initial rhinoplasty consultation.
Contact Our Facelift and Rhinoplasty Surgeon
For more information on rhinoplasty and/or facelift at our Bundaberg and Mackay, Queensland-area facilities, please contact our cosmetic plastic surgery practices. Pacific Plastic Surgery and Elite Cosmetic Clinics are staffed with compassionate, experienced caregivers who look forward to meeting your needs and giving you the look of your dreams!
A wide variety of nasal shapes and sizes can be improved with this operation. The most frequent requests are for removal of the nasal bump, creation of a smaller and more refined tip, and general reduction of the nose to better fit the face. Other requests include correcting trauma related irregularities, straightening the septum, and narrowing the nostrils.
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia on an outpatient basis, takes 1.5 – 2 hours, requires one week off work, and 1-2 additional weeks of light activity.
While much of the result of a rhinoplasty is apparent 1-2 weeks after surgery, the final result takes one year to mature.
As with all appearance- related operations, it is vital that you communicate your specific goals and expectations with Dr Gaffield and his team prior to surgery so they can advise you what is realistically achievable in your individual case.
