Rhinoplasty (Nose Job) Sunshine Coast

Rhinoplasty surgery is designed to repair or reshape the nose. Because of its central location in the face, issues can sometimes be difficult to treat or hide without surgery. Rhinoplasty is a highly personal procedure. It can address diverse medical and cosmetic issues, unique to each patient. It can correct functional problems, defects, and injuries, as well as aesthetic concerns. Therefore, we will take your needs and goals into account when creating your treatment plan.

Rhinoplasty or “nose job” surgery can address different parts of the nose, creating subtle changes that complement your other features and suit your ideals. Plastic surgeon Dr Grant Fraser-Kirk creates a unique surgical plan for every patient, applying the best techniques for their health and lifestyle. Inquire to find out more about this popular surgery.

Nose job surgery benefits

Rhinoplasty is one of the most common facial surgeries. By adjusting the size, shape, or angle of the nose, the procedure creates noticeable but natural-looking changes to suit the patient. The benefits will depend on your natural facial anatomy and what you hope to achieve. For example, some patients may seek nose job surgery to address a defect, injury, or functional problem. Whereas others may wish to change their nose shape or projection due to personal preference.

Whatever the case, a nose job creates a more ideal shape to help patients feel more comfortable and confident. Dr Fraser-Kirk is skilled in producing tailored results based on patients’ goals as well as their natural face shape and features. Rhinoplasty can achieve outcomes such as:

• Straighten a crooked nose
• Correct a pronounced hump
• Changethe length, height, and width of the nose
• Correct birth defects
• Open nasal passages for improved breathing
• Repair damages caused by injuries, trauma, or disease

Create an overall balanced and proportioned look

Who is a good candidate for rhinoplasty

Candidates for this procedure are healthy, physically fit, and do not smoke. The better your health, the smoother your recovery will be afterwards. Good candidates also are not taking blood-thinning medications. Dr Fraser-Kirk will advise whether you need to stop taking certain medications before your procedure. Therefore, if you are in good health and wish to improve the function or appearance of your nose, a nose job might be the right option for you.

It is worth keeping in mind that nose job surgery is very personal. Everyone is different, which means what suits someone else’s face shape may not fit your features optimally. Also, when performing a rhinoplasty, surgeons must work with your existing cartilage and bone structure, which means there are limits on how much can be changed. Dr Fraser-Kirk will discuss your surgical options and what you can expect from surgery so that you are prepared.

Your consultation

Before your nose job surgery, a discussion with Dr Fraser-Kirk will take place, during which you can express your desired outcomes for surgery. You will need to speak about your general health, including any past procedures, so that we can establish whether you are suitable. We can then begin outlining a plan that suits your goals and needs. Your treatment plan will be based on factors such as:

• Your health and smoking history
• Any medications you are taking
• Whether you have health risks that could impact your results
• Which issues you wish to address
• Your natural features and nose shape
• What you hope and expect to achieve from surgery

Once you have discussed all the relevant factors, we will outline your surgical options and speak about which techniques will work best to achieve the results you are looking for. Dr Fraser-Kirk will give you tailored advice on how you can prepare for nose job surgery. For example, you may need to stop taking certain medicines, quit smoking, and maintain a healthy diet and lifestyle. He will also outline what you can expect after the procedure and how you can optimise your recovery. During your consultation, you will be welcome to ask questions and gain a clear picture of what you can expect before, during, and after your nose job surgery.

The procedure

Dr Fraser-Kirk performs rhinoplasty under general anaesthetic. It may involve removing some cartilage or bone to achieve the desired result. Depending on what you hope to achieve, a nose job can reshape the structure of the nose to change the height, width, angle, projection, dorsal hump or nasal tip. In some cases, a nose job can involve a cartilage graft, which means taking cartilage from an area such as the septum or ear.

You will discuss which techniques will work best with Dr Fraser-Kirk during your consultation. Generally, there are two main techniques for nose job surgery, including:

Open Technique
During an open rhinoplasty, Dr Fraser-Kirk makes an incision on the small area of skin between the nostrils at the base of the nose, known as the columella. He then lifts the skin away from the bone, giving better access to the internal nose structure. This method is best for correcting more complex issues. Since the incision is placed externally, patients will have a small, discreet scar on the underside of their nose which will fade over time.

Closed Technique
During closed nose job surgery, Dr Fraser-Kirk makes strategic incisions just inside the nostrils. He then shaves down excess bone and cartilage to create the desired effect. Cartilage may also be moved to a new position to create a new nose shape. After this, your surgeon then closes the incisions with sutures. The open technique is less invasive and a viable option for most patients who wish to correct functional or aesthetic concerns. The scarring is less visible due to its placement and patients may have reduced swelling post-surgery. However, the method may not suit patients who wish to correct complex issues, as there is limited access to the internal structures of the nose.

If you require a nasal cartilage graft, Dr Fraser-Kirk will discuss your options in-depth at your consultation. This will help him to customise your treatment and make sure it meets your individual needs. Dr Fraser-Kirk can perform the surgery during the day. It may take between one to two hours to complete, but these factors will vary for each patient.

Rhinoplasty recovery

After your surgery, you can expect some pain, bruising, swelling, and tenderness around the nose and eyes. If the surgery is during the day, Dr Fraser-Kirk and his team will monitor you until the anaesthesia subsides and you are able to go home. Some patients may need to stay overnight in the hospital if the surgery is lengthy and complex in nature. To help ease any discomfort during this initial phase of healing, we can prescribe pain medication. You may also need to wear a splint on your nose for seven to ten days, as this helps reduce swelling and provides support for the new nose shape.

At-home recovery is an important part of your rhinoplasty. The nose is a very sensitive area, and taking good care of the area after surgery will help you achieve a positive result. It is important to follow Dr Fraser-Kirk’s aftercare guidelines.

General recovery instructions include:

• Get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet
• Take at least one week off work
• Useprescribed lotions and medications
• Be careful when stooping or bending over, as this can induce bleeding
• Avoid rubbing or blowing the nose for at least eight weeks
• Avoid vigorous exercise and heavy lifting for three to four weeks
• Keep the head elevated as much as possible during recovery
• Attend all post-op appointments

You should follow all recovery advice given by Dr Fraser-Kirk to minimise scarring, reduce risks, and achieve a pleasing result. Patience is also important for recovery, as most people will not begin to see the results until 12 weeks after surgery when the bruising and swelling have reduced. You will then be able to appreciate a visibly improved nose appearance and shape.

Patients will not be able to see the full results, however, for one to two years. Until then, you may notice gradual changes as your nose slowly refines to a more permanent outcome.

Rhinoplasty cost on the Sunshine Coast

Rhinoplasty is a highly personal procedure, tailored to each patient’s needs. As a result, we cannot estimate a cost until patients have had a private consultation to discuss their needs and aesthetic ideals. Dr Fraser-Kirk will discuss your concerns with you, as well as your health and ultimate goals for the surgery. This will help him to tailor a customised surgical plan that considers the length and complexity of your specific case. In addition to your individual needs, factors can that impact your total cost include:

• Hospital fees
• Surgeon costs
• Anaesthetist fees
• Post-op care costs

If you are seeking surgery for cosmetic reasons, you will likely need to pay the total cost from your own pocket. However, if your nose job procedure is deemed medically required, Medicare or private health insurance may cover a portion of your costs. This will depend on whether you meet certain criteria, as determined by a professional. If you have any questions regarding procedure costs, please contact us.

Risks and complications

A degree of risk is present with any procedure. You should be aware of these risks so that you can make an educated and confident decision that is right for your body. Rhinoplasty comes along with the following risks:

• Infection
• Excessive bleeding
• Poor scarring
• Blood clots
• Strong or ongoing pain
• Reduced sense of smell
• Numbness of the nose and/or the upper front teeth
• Nasal obstruction from narrow airways

It is important to understand the potential risks before choosing to undergo any procedure. Making sure to adhere to the recovery guidance given by Dr Fraser-Kirk will help to mitigate these risks and encourage a smooth healing process.

How to choose the best rhinoplasty surgeon on the Sunshine Coast

Every rhinoplasty or “nose job” surgery is slightly different, taking each patient’s unique features and goals into account. Being the central facial feature, slight changes to the nose and its shape can change one’s overall appearance. Therefore, if you are thinking about undergoing surgery, it is important to choose a surgeon who is experienced in providing quality results specific to the patient. Dr Fraser-Kirk is a highly skilled rhinoplasty surgeon on the Sunshine Coast. He will guide you through the process and give you ample advice and information for you to have a positive experience. Book a consultation to learn more about how this procedure can help you achieve facial harmony and confidence in your looks.

FAQS