Rhinoplasty is invasive surgery that changes the structure of the nose and carries risks. Deciding whether to undergo surgery, and choosing the medical practitioner who will perform it, therefore requires careful consideration.

With a number of medical practitioners offering rhinoplasty in Sydney, understanding their registration, qualifications, experience and approach to patient care can help you make an informed decision.

Here are some of the factors to consider before arranging a consultation.

What should you consider when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon in Sydney?

Consider the practitioner’s registration, qualifications, training and experience in nasal surgery, as well as how clearly they explain the procedure, its limitations and its risks.

Rhinoplasty may be performed for functional reasons, such as addressing certain causes of nasal obstruction, for cosmetic reasons or for a combination of functional and cosmetic concerns.

A consultation should include an assessment of your individual anatomy, nasal function, medical history and goals before a recommendation about surgery is made.

Other points worth considering include:

• whether surgery is performed in an appropriately accredited facility;
• how follow-up care is arranged during recovery;
• how clearly potential risks, complications and limitations are explained;
• what you can realistically expect during recovery;
• what happens if additional treatment or revision surgery is required; and
• whether you feel comfortable asking questions or raising concerns.

Cosmetic surgery is a significant decision. You should have the opportunity to consider your options without feeling pressured to proceed. 

What qualifications should you check?

Before choosing a medical practitioner for rhinoplasty, check their registration, qualifications and relevant surgical training.

A practitioner’s registration status and recognised specialty, where applicable, can be checked through the AHPRA Register of practitioners.

When reviewing a practitioner’s qualifications, consider:

• their type of medical registration;
• their recognised specialty, where applicable;
• relevant surgical training;
• experience in rhinoplasty and nasal surgery; and
• whether their stated qualifications and memberships can be independently verified.

It’s important to feel confident in the information you’re given before making a decision. Be cautious of vague claims about expertise or experience, and remember that the Medical Board’s advertising guidelines require practitioners to provide accurate, non-misleading information about their qualifications, competence and experience.

Questions to ask when choosing a rhinoplasty surgeon

A consultation is an opportunity to obtain information that is relevant to your individual circumstances.

Questions you may wish to ask include:

• What medical registration and specialist qualifications do you hold?
• What training and experience do you have in rhinoplasty and nasal surgery?
• How will you assess both the appearance and function of my nose?
• What changes are realistically achievable with my anatomy?
• What are the risks and possible complications in my circumstances?
• What are the alternatives to surgery, including not having surgery?
• What will my recovery involve?
• How is follow-up care provided?
• Where will my surgery be performed?
• What happens if my result differs from what was planned or further surgery is required?

It is reasonable to take time to consider the information you receive and to seek a second opinion before deciding whether to proceed.

What is Dr Shahidi’s experience?

Dr Shahram Shahidi has more than 20 years of experience in rhinoplasty and nasal surgery.

Dr Shahidi (MED0001167352) holds specialist registration in Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery and is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS). Since 2003, his clinical practice has focused on surgery of the nose, including functional and aesthetic concerns.

His further training includes:

• a fellowship with the Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery;
• clinical fellowships in rhinology and rhinoplasty at Charing Cross Hospital, London, and the Royal United Hospital, Bath; and
• observational fellowships in facial plastic surgery in Portland and Indianapolis in the United States.

He is also a member of the European Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery, the Australian Society of Otolaryngology Head and Neck Surgery (ASOHNS), and the Australasian Society of Rhinology.

What risks and recovery should you consider with rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is considered invasive surgery and carries risks. These can include bleeding, infection, adverse reactions to anaesthesia, scarring, changes in sensation, asymmetry, persistent nasal obstruction, an outcome that differs from what was planned and the possibility of further surgery.

The nature and likelihood of complications vary between patients and depend on factors including your anatomy, medical history and the type and extent of surgery performed.

Recovery is also different for each person.

Swelling and bruising are common following rhinoplasty, and some swelling may take considerably longer to settle. Patients may need time away from work and temporary restrictions on exercise and other activities.

The expected recovery, limitations, potential complications and risks relevant to you should be discussed with your surgeon before you decide whether to proceed.

For further general information about the procedure, see Rhinoplasty and nose surgery.

Where does Dr Shahidi consult in Sydney?

Dr Shahidi consults from his rooms at 1 Magney Street, Woollahra, in Sydney’s Eastern Suburbs.

Surgery takes place at Lakeview Private Hospital or Alexandria Specialist Day Hospital, depending on the procedure and individual clinical requirements.

For interstate and overseas patients considering rhinoplasty in Sydney, travel and postoperative arrangements should form part of the planning process. Patients are generally advised to remain in Sydney for around 8 to 10 days following surgery until their postoperative review.

The 8-to-10-day period should not be interpreted as the complete recovery period. Recovery from rhinoplasty varies between individuals and swelling can persist beyond this period.

What happens during a rhinoplasty consultation?

During a rhinoplasty consultation, Dr Shahidi takes your medical history, examines your nose and discusses your concerns and goals.

Your nasal anatomy and breathing are assessed to determine whether surgery may be clinically appropriate and what limitations need to be considered.

The consultation may also include:

• photographs for your clinical record;
• computer imaging to assist discussion about possible changes;
• discussion of your individual risks and possible complications;
• discussion of recovery and alternatives to surgery; and
• a written treatment plan and cost estimate where surgery is considered appropriate.

Computer imaging is illustrative only. It may assist discussion about possible changes but does not predict or guarantee the outcome of surgery. Actual outcomes vary between individuals.

Patients considering cosmetic rhinoplasty must also complete the consultation and cooling-off requirements applicable to cosmetic surgery before proceeding.

Considering a rhinoplasty consultation?

If you are considering rhinoplasty, a consultation provides an opportunity to discuss your concerns, medical history, treatment options, potential risks, expected recovery and whether surgery may be appropriate for you.

A consultation does not commit you to proceeding with surgery. You should have sufficient information and time to consider your options, including the option of not having surgery.

To arrange a consultation for rhinoplasty surgery with Dr Shahidi, call the clinic on 02 8080 0190 or submit an online enquiry.

Disclaimer

This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. Rhinoplasty is invasive surgery and carries risks. Outcomes, recovery and potential complications vary between individuals. Seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner before proceeding with cosmetic surgery.