What is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty or as it's often referred to colloquially, a nose job, is a very popular cosmetic procedure that aims to reshape the nose in order to improve its appearance or functionality, or in some cases both. It's often said that the perfect nose is not a perfect shape but rather blends in with a persons face harmoniously and compliments their other features perfectly. In other words, the nose should not be a main feature of the face but instead assist in drawing people's attention to the eyes, brows and lips. The origin of the name rhinoplasty comes from the Greek language. Specifically, from the words rhinos (nose) and plasty (to shape.)

Common requests for people looking at getting this procedure done is a shaving of the dorsal hump, or nose bridge. As well as this, people may also seek to have their nose tip refined and a general slimming of the nose when looking at it from the frontal view.

The rhinoplasty procedure is often combined with other procedures in order to rebalance the facial features better. Some examples of these possible additional surgeries are; Chin augmentation (enhancing the shape of the chin) alarplasty (refining the nasal base of the nose) or even paranasal implants which are inserted onto the maxilla between the nose and the cheeks in the nasolabial folds to create more projection in that area.

In some cases, a rhinoplasty can be an add on cosmetic procedure for someone who is in need of a septoplasty. This is a surgical procedure to correct a deviated septum. If you're someone with this deviation in your nose then getting a rhinoplasty makes the surgery not strictly cosmetic, and you may be entitled to greater coverage if you happen to have private health insurance. People suffering with a deviated septum often experience difficulties breathing through their nose which can have many unwanted flow effects on their lives including but not limited to; nasal congestion, dry mouth and sometimes even difficulties sleeping.

What is the cost of a rhinoplasty procedure?

The average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure in Australia can range from $8,000AUD to $20,000 AUD. This price will usually include the surgeon's fees, anesthesiologist's fees, and hospital costs.

The average cost of a rhinoplasty procedure globally can vary significantly, but in the United States, it typically ranges from $5,000USD to $15,000USD or in some cases more. In Mexico, the cost can be significantly lower than in the US, potentially at around $6,000 USD.

Factors influencing the cost of a rhinoplasty:

Surgeon's experience and qualifications:

More experienced surgeons that specialize in this procedure will command higher fees, but their expertise can lead to you being better prepared and receiving better results and have fewer complications down the line.

Location of surgery:

Costs can vary depending on the region you're situated in. On a macro level (country to country as mentioned above) as well as on a micro level, city or in some cases the price varying between suburbs.

Type of procedure:

There are various ways to have this surgery and the technique used will have an affect on the price. For example, open rhinoplasty, where incisions are made on the columella (underside of the nose), may have a higher cost than closed rhinoplasty, where incisions are made inside the nose.

Anesthesia fees:

General anesthesia is often used for rhinoplasty, and these fees will add to the overall cost of the surgery.

Hospital or surgical facility costs:

The type of facility where the surgery is performed can also impact the overall price with private hospitals and clinics usually charging a premium.

How is a rhinoplasty preformed?

The procedure can be performed through incisions made inside the nostrils, this is called a closed rhinoplasty. Alternatively, your surgeon will make an incision at the base of the nose between the nostrils, this called an open rhinoplasty as is usually a more involved procedure requiring longer down time. Once the chosen incision is made, the surgeon then reshapes the bone and cartilage, potentially removing or adding cartilage from the nose, ears, or rib. The skin is then repositioned, and the incisions are closed. There are different advantages and disadvantages to having either closed or open nose job surgery. It's important to consult with a board certified and reputable surgeon who can explore the different options with you and make a decision about which one is best depending on your goals.

Different types of rhinoplasty

The most common type of rhinoplasty is the shaving of the dorsal bump or bridge of the nose to create a straighter profile. The procedure can be done through the nostrils and can be combined with an alarplasty to enhance the total shape of the nose.

There is also an Asian rhinoplasty which is a procedure which instead of reducing the bridge of the nose in size or shape, aims at building up the bridge of the nose. This can be done with a silicone implant or cartilage taken from another part of the body (typically the rib or behind the ear.)

Another version of rhinoplasty which is gaining popularity is the ethnic rhinoplasty. This is similar to the standard rhinoplasty but its objective is to preserve the facial features authenticity and takes into consideration the patience ethnicity as apposed to styling the surgery to a typical Caucasian standard of beauty.

How to prepare for a rhinoplasty procedure?

To minimize swelling, bruising, and recovery time following surgery, there are several important preparations to consider. It's recommended to cease using blood-thinning medications, such as aspirin and ibuprofen, two weeks prior to the procedure—your surgeon will provide a list of medications to avoid. Acetaminophen is a safe alternative. Smoking should be stopped six weeks before and after surgery, and alcohol consumption should be avoided for at least 48 hours beforehand and for two weeks afterward. Preparing necessary recovery supplies in advance can enhance both healing and comfort. Items commonly deemed essential by individuals who’ve undergone similar procedures include antibiotic ointment (often provided by the surgeon), nasal spray, cotton swabs, light ice packs, unscented baby wipes, a comfortable neck pillow, and cough drops. Your surgeon should go into detail about how to prepare for your surgery as well as prepare you for your recovery afterwards.

What are the risks and possible side effects of a rhinoplasty?

While generally considered a safe procedure, it's important to be aware of the potential risks and side effects a rhinoplasty carries. In the hands of a good surgeon and with adequate preparation, there should be no cause for concern however, some of these side effects include breathing problems after surgery, numbness in the area operated on and uneven appearance to the shape of the nose. It's also possible to experience pain, discoloration, swelling, scarring, or a change in the sense of smell. Although rare and in a worst case scenario, some more serious complications can include septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum), infection, and the need for additional surgery.

Common Side Effects:

Swelling and Bruising:

Swelling around the nose and eyes, as well as bruising are common after having this surgery and should typically subside within a few weeks.

Numbness:

Temporary numbness or tingling in the nose and surrounding areas can occur and may persist for several months after surgery

Breathing Difficulties:

Swelling or scar tissue can make it difficult to breathe through the nose, particularly in the initial weeks after surgery. This should resolve on its own as the swelling subsides.

Discomfort and Pain:

Minor discomfort and pain are expected during the healing process and can be managed with pain medication. This will usually be prescribed to you by your surgeon when you have your procedure.

Scarring:

While rhinoplasty is a cosmetic procedure, therefor designed to minimize evident scarring, in some cases, scarring is inevitable. This can be mitigated with topical creams and sprays. Your surgeon should discuss this with you, if you're a case likely to suffer from evident scarring.

How long does a rhinoplasty last?

The results of surgical rhinoplasty are designed to last a lifetime. Although your nose may experience slight changes as you age, its overall shape and size are likely to stay mostly unchanged through time.

If you’re dissatisfied with the outcome or encounter breathing issues after healing, you could consider undergoing a revision procedure. Often, scar tissue is the main factor behind such problems. Scars have a powerful effect on the surrounding tissue. They can pull or push the nose in various directions, potentially altering the appearance after surgery and requiring further adjustments.

More advanced techniques used in more recent times offer greater structural stability to the nose. While the nose may feel slightly firmer during initial stages of recovery, these techniques help the nose maintain its shape and better withstand the effects of scar tissue during the healing process.

How long is recovery from a rhinoplasty procedure?

Visible bruising and swelling typically resolve within two weeks after having a rhinoplasty, with most people returning to work in 10 to 14 days. Recovery varies from person to person based on factors such as the type of surgery performed, skin thickness, nasal tip alterations, and individual healing responses. Bruising and a congested feeling are common initially but improve after the cast is removed around one week post-operation. Complete healing takes about a year.

Elevating your head while sleeping, particularly in the first two weeks, can help reduce swelling and protect the nose. Cooling the area with compresses or ice packs during the first 48 hours is beneficial, but extended icing may hinder recovery. Applying topical arnica gel and taking bromelain supplements—if recommended by your provider—can support healing. Eating soft, bland foods that are low in salt and avoiding spicy items for the first week can minimize swelling and bruising.

Taping the nose at night, based on your surgeon’s advice, can help manage swelling and enhance the nose’s shape. Some patients may need steroid injections to address swelling in the nasal tip during the initial months of recovery. Glasses should not rest directly on the nose for the first month or two; alternatives like taping them to the forehead can disperse their weight. Avoid ibuprofen or naproxen for the first week post-surgery, as these medications increase the risk of bleeding. Sneezing with your mouth open and refraining from blowing your nose during the first week is crucial to protect the healing tissues.

Keep your cast dry to prevent irritation and itching, using plastic wrap if needed. Strenuous activities should be avoided for several weeks after surgery, and contact sports must be postponed for at least three months to prevent injury to the nose. Following these recovery guidelines can aid healing and ensure the best possible results.