Nose Surgery

What is Nose Surgery?

Rhinoplasty, nose surgery or a ‘nose job’ refers to all surgical procedures that change the shape or improve the nose’s function. Depending on your area of concern, nose surgery may correct nasal breathing issues, a dorsal hump, bulbous tip, wide nose, flared nostrils, deviated septum and more. It is a treatment for people who prefer to change the size or shape of their nose, and it has advanced to be much more versatile with its medical capabilities. Nose surgery can improve nasal function following traumatic injury, structural damage, or inherited deformity or assist with common breathing issues affecting sleep and exercise.

Technically Difficult Cosmetic Surgery

Nose surgeries including Rhinoplasty, Tip Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, and Alarplasty are considered cosmetic surgery procedures. These procedures are technically complex and require an experienced specialist plastic surgeon. As such, researching and selecting an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is essential before you commit to any nose surgery procedure.

Cosmetic Nose Job 

Your nose is generally considered a prominent and central facial feature, therefore your surgeon should create a surgery plan that includes your entire face’s architecture. Where the surgery goal of nose surgery is to reduce the size or shape of the nose, Dr Doyle considers the entire face shape.

Medical Nose Job

Nose surgery is 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 change 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 may significantly improve your breathing.

Rhinoplasty, nose surgery, or a nose job, is a group of procedures that can include nose shaping, as part of rhinoplasty that may change the shape and size of the nose, and other procedures aimed at repairing a broken nose, removing septal deviation, or reducing a protruding nose tip. Dr Doyle offers a range of functional, cosmetic or medical nose surgery procedures in his plastic surgery practice near the Gold Coast Airport.

Specialist Plastic Surgeon Dr Doyle also offers video (FaceTime or Skype) consultations for regional and interstate patients. He sees patients from Brisbane, Sunshine Coast, Ballina, Lismore, Byron Bay, Tweed Heads and Northern Rivers. For patients who are travelling further and require local accommodation, you can view Dr Doyle’s recommendations on our travelling patients’ page here.

Benefits of Surgery Rhinoplasty

Am I a Suitable Candidate for Nose Surgery?

You may be a good candidate to undergo nose surgery with a specialist plastic surgeon if you prefer to change your nose shape or have difficulty breathing due to nasal obstructions. The most reported reasons for undergoing nose surgery 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 hanging, 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 accomplish. In your initial consultation with Dr Doyle, 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 surgery goals

Cosmetic 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 plastic surgeon will decide whether you are suitable. 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 cosmetic surgery procedures, a nose procedure is tailored to your specific nasal structure, condition and surgical requirements. Detailed assessments, examinations and consultations will occur so that your rhinoplasty surgeon can find the best surgical solution for you before you commit to surgery.

Benefits of Nose Surgery

There are two types of benefits of nose surgery, cosmetic and functional. As such, the benefits of undergoing nose surgery are either cosmetic, functional or both.

If you suffer from breathing difficulties due to nasal deformity or nasal obstructions, removing these obstacles may provide you with relief related to your breathing. This may also relieve snoring and sinus issues and in turn, should significantly improve your quality of sleep.

Thanks to advances in modern plastic surgery techniques, nose surgeons can solve cosmetic and functional problems in one surgery. Dr Mark Doyle has over 30 years of experience as a specialist plastic surgeon and has performed 1000+ nose surgery procedures.

Nose Surgery Procedures

Each nose is different so all procedures are adapted to take an individual approach to each patient’s unique anatomy. Nose surgeries Dr Doyle offers include:

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is nose surgery also known as a ‘nose job’ procedure and is performed to shape or repair the nose (for both cosmetic and medical reasons). Rhinoplasty can straighten a nose, change the shape of 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 can change the shape of your nasal tip and the overall shape of your nose. This surgery may be suitable for you if your main consideration regarding your nose is the tip and not its shape, size, structure, or length. As a mini rhinoplasty 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 may help improve both breathing and cosmetics. 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 to reduce 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 reduces the size of your nostrils.

Recovery From Nose Surgery

Your recovery following nose surgery largely depends on your general health, if you smoke, and the amount of surgery required in the procedure itself. The duration of recovery differs from patient to patient, but typically the overall recovery time should be approximately 4 – 6 weeks.

The majority of swelling usually occurs in the first 24 to 72 hours. Keeping your head elevated whilst resting is extremely important in reducing the initial post-operative swelling. You can expect the majority of the bruising and swelling to subside after approximately 3 weeks. You may also experience numbness, which usually resolves itself within several months. Medication will be prescribed to help control the pain as required.

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 generally considered fine.

Generally, scars from the incisions are not noticeable as they are usually hidden underneath the nose. Scars will remain pink for a few months and will generally fade over the next 6 months. It may take up to a full year for the final result to be seen, 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 nose cases, Dr Doyle can help by answering all surgery questions you may have relating to your cosmetic or functional nose surgery procedure. His main surgery 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 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 unattainable 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 the anaesthetist fees. Based on our research, rhinoplasty costs between $10,000 and $30,000 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 out 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 After Photos

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 minimised.

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 may reduce the size of your nose.

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 nose surgery if there are significant breathing issues.

Is it safe to do surgical nose procedures?

All surgeries have risks associated with them. 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 is approximately 4 – 6 weeks.

Are nose surgeries painful?

Yes, you may experience discomfort. You will be given pain relief medication, 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.