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Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty Perth, Western Australia
Rhinoplasty Overview - If You're Considering Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery)
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery), or surgery to reshape the nose, is one of the more common plastic surgery procedures. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the shape of the tip or the bridge, narrow the span of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It may also correct a birth defect or injury, or help relieve breathing problems.
Nose surgery can enhance your appearance and your self-confidence, but won't necessarily change your looks to match your ideal, or cause other people to treat you differently. Before you decide to have nose surgery, think carefully about your expectations and discuss them with your surgeon.
The best candidates for rhinoplasty nose surgery are people who are looking for improvement, not perfection, in the way they look. If you are physically healthy, psychologically stable, and realistic in your expectations, you may be a good candidate.
To find out more information about nose surgery in Perth, feel free to contact us at any time.
Planning Your Nose Surgery
Good communication between you and your physician is essential. In your initial consultation, the surgeon will ask what you'd like your nose to look like, evaluate the structure of your nose and face, and discuss the possibilities with you. He will also explain the factors that can influence the procedure and the results. These factors include the structure of your nasal bones and cartilage, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, your age, and your expectations. Computer imaging enables the surgeon to give you a realistic expectation of your new look.
Be sure to tell your surgeon if you've had any previous nose surgery or an injury to the nose, even if it was many years ago. You should also inform your surgeon if you have any allergies or breathing difficulties, if you're taking any medications, vitamins, or recreational drugs, and if you smoke.
Your surgeon will also explain the techniques he will use. Surgery may attract a Medicare rebate if performed for deformity (following birth or trauma) or for breathing problems. Don't hesitate to ask any questions you may have, especially those regarding your expectations and concerns about the results.
To make an appointment for nose surgery in Perth, contact us at any time.
The Rhinoplasty Surgery
Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) usually takes 1-2 hours, though complicated procedures may take longer. During surgery the skin of the nose is separated from its supporting framework of bone and cartilage, which is then sculpted to the desired shape. The nature of the sculpting will depend on your problem and your surgeon's preferred technique. Finally, the skin is redraped over the new framework.
Many rhinoplasties can be done from inside the nose. An "open" rhinoplasty, especially in more complicated cases, may be necessary. A small incision is made across the columella, the vertical strip of tissue separating the nostrils. When surgery is complete, a splint will be applied to help your nose maintain its new shape. Nasal packs may also be placed in your nostrils to stabilise the septum, the dividing wall between the air passages.
After Your Rhinoplasty Surgery
After surgery, particularly during the first twenty-four hours, your face will feel puffy, your nose may ache and you may have a dull headache. You can control any discomfort with the pain medication prescribed by your surgeon. Plan on staying in bed with your head elevated (except for going to the bathroom) for the first day.
You'll notice that the swelling and bruising around your eyes will increase at first, reaching a peak after two or three days. Applying cold compresses will reduce this swelling and make you feel a bit better. In any case, you'll feel a lot better than you look. Most of the swelling and bruising should disappear within two weeks or so. Some subtle swelling will remain for several months.
A little bleeding may occur during the first few days following surgery, and you may continue to feel some stuffiness for several weeks. Your surgeon will probably ask you not to blow your nose for a week or so, while the tissues heal. If you have nasal packing, it will be removed soon after the surgery and you'll feel much more comfortable. By the end of one week, all dressings, splints and stitches should have been removed.
Most rhinoplasty patients are up and about within two days, and able to return to school or sedentary work a week or so following surgery. It will be several weeks, however, before you're entirely up to speed.
Your surgeon will schedule frequent follow-up visits in the weeks after surgery to cheek on the progress of your healing. If you have any unusual symptoms between visits, or any questions about what you can and can't do, don't hesitate to call your doctor.
Your New Look After Nose Surgery
In the days following surgery, when your face is bruised and swollen, it's easy to forget that you will be looking better. In fact, many patients feel depressed for a while after plastic surgery - it's quite normal and understandable. Rest assured that this stage will pass. Day by day, your nose will begin to look better and your spirits will improve. Within a week or two, you'll no longer look as if you've just had surgery. Still, healing is a slow and gradual process. Some subtle swelling may he present for months, especially in the tip. The final results of rhinoplasty may not be apparent for a year or more.
In the meantime, you might experience some unexpected reactions from family and friends. They may say they don't see a major difference in your nose. Or they may act resentful, especially if you've changed something they view as a family or ethnic trait. If that happens, try to keep in mind why you decided to have this surgery in the first place. If you've met your goals, then your surgery is a success.
Rhinoplasty Computer Imaging
Dr Cooper utilizes a state of the art computer imaging system that allows you to visualize the proposed changes to the shape of your nose. Other procedures such as chin augmentation may be suggested at the time of consultation if there is an imbalance.
What Are The Risks Of Rhinoplasty?
When rhinoplasty is performed by a qualified plastic surgeon, complications are infrequent and usually minor. The biggest complication is not getting the look you want. This is why the initial consultation is so important.
When rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, there is no visible scarring at all. When an "open" technique is used, or when the procedure calls for the narrowing of flared nostrils, the small scars on the base of the nose are usually not obvious.
In about one case out of ten, a second procedure may be required to correct a minor deformity. Such cases are unpredictable and happen even to patients of the most skilled surgeons.
The following is a list of possible risks that have been associated with rhinoplasty surgery and your surgeon will discuss this with you in more detail at the time of your consultation. Numbness of the nose or change of feeling that continues after the swelling has gone down, asymmetry of the nose, reduced sense of smell; loss of smell, visible swelling that persists for weeks and sometimes months; loss of structural support resulting in a “flattened” nose and the need for further surgery; perforation of the septum and airway obstruction.
» Click here to view the 3D Rhinoplasty Procedure Animation from the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons.
Contact Staff
Nose Surgery Practice Location
Many of Dr Cooper's patients travel from interstate or overseas to Perth, Western Australia, for consultations and nose surgery. Our Perth nose surgery practice is located at 85 Monash Avenue, Nedlands.
» Click here for frequently asked questions about Rhinoplasty nose surgery in Perth.