What is Nose Surgery?
Nose surgery or nose job refers to all surgical procedures that significantly alter the shape or improve the function of the nose. Depending on your area of concern, nose surgery can correct a large dorsal hump, bulbous tip, wide nose, flared nostrils, deviated septum and much more. It is a popular treatment if you are unhappy with the size or shape of your nose, and has evolved to be much more versatile with its medical capabilities. Nose surgery can improve the nasal function following traumatic injury, structural damage, inherited deformity and/or assist with common breathing issues that affect how you sleep and exercise.
Technically Difficult Cosmetic Surgery
Nose surgeries including Rhinoplasty, Tip Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty,, Septorhinoplasty, and Alarplasty are some of the most widely sought after cosmetic surgery procedures. These procedures tend to be technically difficult and require a highly-experienced plastic surgeon. As such, researching and selecting the best rhinoplasty surgeon is essential before you commit to any nose surgery procedure.
Cosmetic Nose Job
As your nose is your most prominent and central facial feature, a proportional nose contributes to your overall facial harmony. Where the goal of nose surgery is to reshape the nose to your desired appearance, the architecture of your entire face must be considered. For example, if your nose is too dominant it may distract the eye away from your other features – such as your eyes.
Medical Nose Job
Nose surgery is also commonly performed for medical reasons, such as to correct respiratory problems caused by irregular internal structures and/or disfigurement of the nose resulting from trauma or birth defects. Not only can nose surgery alter the shape, projection and size of the nose, but it can improve the airflow going in and out of the nose. If you suffer from breathing difficulties, these corrections can significantly improve your breathing and as a result, your quality of life.
Nose surgery, or nose job, is a group of procedures that can include nose reshaping, as part of rhinoplasty that changes the shape and size of the nose, and other procedures aimed at repairing a broken nose, removing septal deviation, or protruding tip. Dr Mark offers a range of functional, cosmetic or aesthetic nose surgery procedures in his busy plastic surgery practice near the Coolangatta airport.
Dr Mark also offers video (FaceTime or Skype) consultations for regional and overseas patients. He regularly sees patients from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Ballina, Lismore, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Northern Rivers. For patients that are travelling further and require local accommodation, you can view Dr Doyle’s recommendations on our travelling patients’ page.
Benefits of Surgery Rhinoplasty
Am I a Good Candidate for Nose Surgery?
You are a good candidate to undergo nose surgery with a specialist plastic surgeon if you are dissatisfied with the appearance of your nose or have difficulty breathing due to nasal obstructions. The most common reasons for undergoing nose reshaping are:
- Your nose is crooked following injury or as a result of a congenital condition
- Your nose has a large dorsal hump (bump on the bridge)
- Your nose tip is elevated or drooping, wide or thick
- Your nose is broken following trauma
- Your septum has deviated
With all cosmetic surgery procedures, you must be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for what a nose procedure can achieve. In your initial consultation with Dr Mark you’ll be prompted to disclose any special medical conditions or medications you use so he can determine if you’re a good candidate for nose surgery. Generally, you may be a good candidate for rhinoplasty if:
- You are physically healthy
- Your nose is completely developed (generally this is at 18 years for men and 16 for women)
- You have firm nasal cartilage and healthy, elastic skin
- You don’t smoke – (find out more about the risks of smoking and surgery)
- You have realistic goals regarding the improvement of your appearance
Aesthetic nose surgeries are only considered once your facial features are fully developed. There may be exceptions if the surgery is required out of medical necessity however, your specialist surgeon will decide whether the patient can be a younger person. There is no upper age limit on who can undergo nose surgery however the results are generally better when performed earlier in adulthood.
Like all plastic and cosmetic surgery procedures, a nose procedure is tailored to your specific nasal structure, condition and requirements. Detailed assessments, examinations and consultations will occur so that your rhinoplasty surgeon can find the best solution for you before you commit to surgery.
Benefits of Nose Surgery
There are two types of benefits of nose surgery, aesthetic and functional. As such, the benefits of undergoing nose surgery are either aesthetic, functional or both. If you are feeling unsatisfied with your nose, your results may be the thing that benefits you the most. Most people report feeling happier following nose surgery, while friends and family tend to be thrilled with your cosmetic results.
If you suffer from breathing difficulties due to nasal deformity or nasal obstructions, removing these obstacles will provide you with real relief related to your breathing. This may relieve snoring and sinus issues and will in turn bring about significant positive improvement to your quality of life.
Thanks to advances in modern plastic surgery techniques, nose surgeons are able to solve aesthetic and functional problems in one surgery. Dr Mark has over 30 years of experience as a specialist plastic surgeon and has performed 1000+ nose surgery procedures.
Most Popular Nose Surgery Procedures
Nose surgeries are some of the most popular surgical procedures among patients in Australia. Each nose is different so all procedures are adapted to take an individual approach to each patient. The most common nose surgery procedures are:
Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is the most common nose job procedure and is performed to reshape or repair the nose (for both cosmetic and medical reasons). Rhinoplasty can straighten a nose, change the shape of all parts of the nose and improve breathing difficulties. This procedure can attract Medicare and Health Insurance rebates in some patients, particularly if the procedure is done to correct problems from an injury or to correct breathing issues.
Mini Nose Job (Tip Rhinoplasty)
Nose Tip Rhinoplasty or Mini Nose Job is a cosmetic surgery procedure that helps improve the shape of your nasal tip and enhances the overall appearance of your nose and face in general. This surgery is suitable for you if your main concern regarding your nose is the tip and not its shape, size, structure, or length. As a mini nose job is a cosmetic surgical procedure usually done without medical indications, you will likely not be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Septoplasty
Septoplasty or nose surgery on your septum is performed by a nose surgeon to improve breathing. A septoplasty can be combined with rhinoplasty for a septorhinoplasty nose job that can help improve both breathing and appearance. Medicare item numbers may apply to your nose surgery for functional reasons if you meet strict criteria.
Alarplasty (Nostril Reduction)
Alarplasty, Alaplasty or Ala Surgery is a surgical procedure performed with the purpose of reducing wide flaring nostrils by removing a small amount of nasal tissue from the wings of the nose. Also known as the alar base reduction procedure, this procedure improves the appearance of your nostrils and enhances the natural aesthetics of your nose.
Recovery From Nose Surgery
Your recovery following nose surgery largely depends on your general health, smoking, and the work required in the procedure itself. The duration of recovery differs from patient to patient, but typically the overall recovery time should not exceed a period of 4-6 weeks.
Majority of swelling usually occurs in the first 24 to 72 hours and might distort your facial features or stiffen your facial movements. Keeping your head elevated during rest is extremely helpful in reducing the initial post-operative swelling. You can expect the majority of the bruising and swelling to subside after about 3 weeks. You may also experience numbness, which usually resolves itself within several months. Medication will be prescribed to help control the pain as needed.
Straining, bending, and lifting should be avoided during the early postoperative period to reduce exposing your incisions to excessive pressure or motion. This includes heavy work, aerobics, running or weight lifting, and other physical exercises for at least 3-4 weeks. Walking and mild stretching are fine.
Generally, scars from the incisions are not visible as they are hidden underneath the nose. Scars will remain pink for a few months and will fade over the next 6 months. It may take up to a full year for the final result to appear due to swelling, scarring and bruising.
What Does Dr Doyle Do Differently?
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified and experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Queensland who has over 30 years of experience implementing modern nose surgery techniques.
Through years of working with different patients and challenging cases, Dr Doyle can help to reduce any anxiety, stress and fear you have relating to your cosmetic or functional nose surgery procedure. His main goal is to put you at ease and answer any of the questions you may have leading up to surgery.
Dr Doyle is a member of prestigious professional organisations, both in Australia and Internationally. He attends regular meetings both in Australia and internationally to keep up with the latest advances in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. You can read more about these organisations here.
How Much Does Nose Surgery Cost in Australia?
As nose surgeries are tailored to each patient, it is impossible to determine the average cost that applies to all patients. Some of the elements that are included in the final cost include the surgeon fees, the hospital fees and anaesthetist fees. Based on our research, rhinoplasty costs between $10,000 and $20,000 on average. If deemed medically necessary, your nose surgery may attract a Medicare rebate. To receive a more accurate estimate of what you can expect to spend on nose surgery, schedule a consultation with Dr Doyle. You can access our list of patient resources to find about more about the cost of nose surgery in Australia:
- Plastic Surgery Pricing
- Will Medicare Cover My Plastic Surgery?
- Available payment options
- Superannuation for Surgery
- Payment plans
Rhinoplasty Before and Afters
View All Nose Job Before and After Images
Further Reading – Medical References
- Rhinoplasty Surgery (Nose Job): Purpose, Procedure, Risks
- Types of Nasal Surgery | Stanford Health Care
Complications and Risks of Nose Surgeries
During your pre-surgery consultation, your surgeon will thoroughly address the risks associated with rhinoplasty, tip rhinoplasty and septoplasty before arranging for you to go ahead with the surgery.
All of the general risks associated with surgery are also a possibility with rhinoplasty. Bleeding and infection are two of the most common complications. Asymmetry and loss of sensation are some of the other less common complications. With the help of Dr Doyle and his experienced team and by following his specific aftercare instructions, complications can be avoided.
Like any invasive procedure, the most common possible risks and complications are:
- Bleeding
- Scars
- Pain
- Haematoma
- Infection
- Scarring
Best Blogs About Nose Surgery
- Common Nose Shape Concerns That Nose Surgery Can Help – Benefits of Rhinoplasty
- Will Medicare Cover my Rhinoplasty in Queensland?
- Broken Nose Surgery: Fixing a Broken Nose
Surgical Nose Procedures Frequently Asked Questions
How long does nose surgery take?
Rhinoplasty surgery usually takes around two hours and up to four hours depending on the complexity of the case.
Can nose surgery slim my nose?
Yes, nose surgery can make your nose look slimmer.
Is nose surgery covered by Medicare or my private health insurance?
If it is considered medically necessary, Medicare may cover part of the costs associated with the surgery if there are significant breathing issues.
Is it safe to do surgical nose procedures?
All surgeries have risks associated with them. Rhinoplasty risks are small and complications are rare. Your plastic surgeon will talk to you about the surgery’s risks and benefits in detail before the operation.
How long does it take to recover from nose surgery?
The duration of recovery differs from patient to patient, but typically the overall recovery time should not exceed a period of 4-6 weeks.
Are nose surgeries painful?
You will experience discomfort. You will be given a pain reliever, for mild discomfort, but remember to avoid anti-inflammatory medication such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen and any other medications or herbal supplements that may increase bleeding.
How can I minimise scarring?
Any surgical procedure that involves an incision will result in a scar. Post-surgery you may commence using a topical scar treatment such as vitamin E or silicone gel. Your scars will be reddened for about 12 months after surgery, and then it should start to fade and soften. Please avoid direct sunlight on the scarring areas and wear sunscreen when in the sun.
How long after surgery can I drive?
You are not allowed to drive following your procedure. When you can react without pain and are no longer taking any pain medication you may recommence driving.
When can I return to work?
The time required to recover before returning to work or daily activities often varies depending on each person and their role at work, Typically most people return to work 1-2 weeks after the initial surgery.
How do I book?
The first step towards this procedure is to book a consultation with Dr Doyle at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.
About Dr Mark Doyle FRACS (Plas) – Queensland Plastic Surgeon
Servicing patients in Gold Coast, Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Cairns and New South Wales NSW – Northern Rivers, Byron Bay, Ballina, Lismore and more.
Dr Mark Doyle is a fully qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing breast, body, face and nose surgery. He has completed all required training and only carries out approved surgical practices. There are NO undertrained doctors or cosmetic doctors acting as surgeons at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery.