Overview

Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that modifies the structure of the nose for either functional or aesthetic purposes.

While it can sometimes improve breathing or correct structural irregularities, it is a complex operation that should only be performed by a qualified specialist surgeon trained in nasal and facial surgery.

This guide answers some of the most frequently asked questions about rhinoplasty to help patients understand what is involved and what to expect when considering nasal surgery.

Why Do People Consider Rhinoplasty?

There are several medical and structural reasons why rhinoplasty may be considered.

These include:

• Breathing difficulties due to structural obstruction or septal deviation.
• Post-traumatic deformities from accidents or injuries.
• Congenital nasal irregularities.
• Revision of previous nasal surgery when function or structure is affected.

In some cases, rhinoplasty may also address both functional and structural balance, helping to restore proportion and nasal airflow.

What Is the Appropriate Age for Rhinoplasty?

Facial and nasal growth generally continues through adolescence.

The Medical Board of Australia advises that patients should be at least 18 years old before undergoing aesthetic rhinoplasty.

Functional or reconstructive procedures may be performed earlier if clinically indicated and after careful assessment by a qualified surgeon.

For adults, suitability depends on overall health, nasal anatomy and realistic expectations.

Your surgeon will evaluate these factors during the consultation process.

What Does Rhinoplasty Involve?

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited facility.

The technique depends on the patient’s anatomy and goals:

• Closed rhinoplasty: incisions are made inside the nostrils, leaving no visible external scars.
• Open rhinoplasty: includes a small incision across the columella (the tissue between the nostrils) to allow better visualisation of internal structures.

Depending on the findings, the surgeon may adjust bone, cartilage and soft tissue to restore nasal support and balance.

If functional issues such as septal deviation are present, septoplasty or sinus surgery may be performed at the same time to improve airflow.

How Can Rhinoplasty Affect Breathing or Sinus Function?

When nasal structure is modified carefully, rhinoplasty can sometimes improve nasal airflow or correct septal deviation.

However, the primary purpose and achievable outcome must be assessed individually.

Your surgeon will conduct a detailed examination, which may include nasal endoscopy or imaging, to determine whether functional surgery is appropriate in your case.

Will There Be Visible Scars After Surgery?

In most closed rhinoplasty procedures, incisions are confined to the inside of the nostrils, so no visible scars are expected.

In open rhinoplasty, a small incision under the nose typically heals well and becomes faint over time.

Your surgeon will explain incision placement and wound-care instructions during consultation.

How Long Is Recovery After Rhinoplasty?

• Initial swelling and bruising usually resolve within two weeks.
• Patients are generally advised to take at least one to two weeks off work for rest and recovery.
• Strenuous activities and contact sports should be avoided for several weeks.
• Final refinement of the nasal contour can take 12–18 months, as residual swelling gradually subsides.

Your surgeon will provide specific postoperative instructions and schedule follow-up visits to monitor healing.

Can I Achieve My Desired Result?

Every patient’s nasal anatomy and healing response are unique.

While surgeons can make structural adjustments, final results depend on factors such as:

• Skin thickness.
• Cartilage strength.
• Tissue healing characteristics.

During consultation, your surgeon will discuss what is realistically achievable and may use imaging to illustrate potential outcomes.

It is important to understand that surgical results cannot be guaranteed and may differ from simulated images.

Consultation and Safety Requirements in Australia

In Australia, all cosmetic surgery procedures — including rhinoplasty — are regulated by the Medical Board of Australia.

Before scheduling surgery, patients must:

• Attend at least two consultations, with at least one conducted in person with the operating surgeon.
• Undergo a minimum seven-day cooling-off period before booking.
• Receive detailed written information about risks, benefits, alternatives and recovery expectations.

All rhinoplasty procedures should be performed in an accredited hospital or day surgery facility by a FRACS-qualified specialist surgeon.

About Dr Shahidi

Dr Shahram Shahidi

BSC(MED)(HON I) MB BS(SYD) FRACS FAAFPS

MED0001167352

Specialist Otolaryngologist (Ear, Nose and Throat) – Head and Neck Surgeon

Fellow, Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgery

Dr Shahidi is an Australian-trained, FRACS-qualified ENT surgeon with over 20 years of experience in nasal and sinus surgery.

He provides comprehensive consultations and individual assessments for patients considering rhinoplasty to address functional or structural nasal concerns.

Disclaimer:

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Individual results vary.

Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.