RHINOPLASTY

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose for aesthetic and corrective purposes. Whether the issue concerns a birth defect, injury, or age-related changes, rhinoplasty can help provide balance and proportion to your nose and face.

Rhinoplasty can change many aspects of your nose:  its size in relation to your face, nose width at the bridge, its size and position of the nostrils, and nose profile by downsizing visible humps, bumps or depressions on the bridge.

Rhinoplasty can also correct certain breathing difficulties such as those due to a deviated septum.

How is it done?

Rhinoplasty usually requires only local anaesthesia and is usually performed under twilight sedation. But it can be done in a private hospital with an additional hospital fee. Before surgery, computer imaging is used to fully comprehendyour wishes and expectations and to enable you to envision achievable goals.

Dr Tiong only performs open procedure (where an incision is made across the columella) as he believes this helps him to gain better assess to the various structures of the nose when the soft tissues that cover the nose are raised through these incisions. This provides access to reshape the structure of the nose.

Nasal structures can be reduced or augmented with cartilage grafted from other areas of your body. These pieces of cartilage can come from the septum or occasionally from the ear or the rib cartilage. The projections inside the nose are reduced to improve breathing.

How long does the surgery take?

Most rhinoplasties normally require 1-3 hoursin surgery, while a more complex rhinoplasty can take much longer. A filler rhinoplasty can take just 15 minutes.

What should I expect during recovery?

You will probably be excited, if not anxious, to see your new nose, but patience is key after rhinoplasty. Complete results are not immediate and can take up to one year to be fully evident.

You will be unable to breathe through your nose for the first 24 hours, due to nasal packing which is packed tightly up your nose to help reduce swelling and bleeding. There will be some pain that can typically be controlled with pain medicine. Most people who undergo rhinoplasty can stop pain medication after 48 hours. Some people may feel nauseated after the surgery.

You may experience limited bleeding during the first few days. It is important to avoid any trauma to the nose during the first week after surgery. Blowing your nose is not permitted after rhinoplasty. This can be tough as you may feel congested. Decongestants may help.

You will be required to return after three days so the stitches can be removed. After seven days the cast is removed.

Your nose will still be swollen, but after two weeks much of the swelling will have decreased. At this point, all nasal packing, splints and other post-surgical dressings should be removed. A splint may be placed over the outer part of your nose to protect your nose as well as help it hold its new shape during the healing process. A softer splint may also be placed inside your nose to prevent scarring inside the nose.

After one month, 85 percent of the swelling will have subsided. The remaining swelling may last up to one year. For these reasons, you should wait at least one year before undergoing revision rhinoplasty.

What costs are involved?

Surgeon fees start from $4,400* including GST.

*The cost of cosmetic surgery can vary (higher or lower), depending on the complexity of the procedure, the required results, cost of implants, aftercare treatment and the area of the body where the surgery is being performed. Further costs may be incurred for anaesthetist and hospital fees if applicable. For specific pricing information, please arrange a consultation with Dr. Tiong.