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Rhinoplasty, or what is sometimes referred to as a ‘Nose Job’, is a nose reshaping surgery to change the appearance of the nose.
The word ‘Rhinoplasty is derived from the Greek words ‘Rhinos’ that means ‘Nose’ and ‘Plassein’ that means ‘to shape’. This surgery improves the nose aesthetically and can also correct any breathing problems. Rhinoplasty is an art form and is also one of the most difficult procedures in cosmetic surgery, and therefore choosing the ‘right’ surgeon is extremely important.
The goals of Rhinoplasty:
The goals of Rhinoplasty are numerous and may include removal of a prominent hump, reduction of the nasal tip, narrowing of the nasal base, and/or elevation of the nasal tip. This operation can change the shape of the tip, reduce or increase the size of the nose or narrow the width of the nostrils. This can be done singularly or in conjunction with internal Septoplasty – a procedure to improve nasal airway problems. Often, improvements to breathing involve reducing turbinates (long and narrow curved bone shelves). Occasionally it is necessary to support collapsed nasal valves.
The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia in a hospital facility. Once you are anaesthetised, Dr Shahidi will make the necessary cuts just inside the rim of each nostril and will then work through these incisions to shave any excess bone and cartilage. This will reduce the hump; he then repositions the cartilage and bone to narrow the nose and sculpt the nasal tip. In some cases, Dr. Shahidi may make an additional incision across the base of the nose between the nostrils. This incision is usually undetectable once it has healed.
To straighten a crooked nose or to narrow its width, nasal bones are cut. This is done in a controlled way with a specialised instrument and this minimises pain and bruising.In some instances additional support is needed to strengthen a droopy tip. Dr Shahidi will usually construct a graft from your own cartilage or, on occasion, artificial cartilage may be required.
After correcting the framework of the nose, the skin is re-draped and the incisions are closed with sutures. A small splint is applied to the outside of the nose and in most cases an internal splint is inserted to keep the framework of the nose intact.
If your initial consultation reveals nasal blockage, breathing concerns or sinus problems, a procedure called Septoplasty may be performed. In this procedure the partition between the left side of the nose and the right side called the ‘septum’ is reconstructed. This procedure combined with Rhinoplasty can improve the function and the appearance of the nose.
If you are suffering from chronic sinus problems, this can be evaluated with a CT scan of the sinuses. Dr. Shahidi will advise whether a procedure can be done in conjunction with your nasal operation in order to manage sinus symptoms.The Diced Cartilage Fascia graft or DCF graft is a novel technique in augmentation rhinoplasty. It uses a small piece of deep fascia harvested from the temporal region shaped into a small roll and filled with the patient’s own diced cartilage, that can be harvested either from nose, ears or ribs. It is a particularly useful technique for Asian rhinoplasty, as the patient’s own natural tissues are used rather than the use of an implant, that can cause problems such as infection, extrusion or displacement in the long term. The DCF graft works extremely well in patients who have had too much of the dorsum shaved off in a previous rhinoplasty surgery or in cases of a collapsed dorsum from past injuries.
Many people who undergo a rhinoplasty procedure have been unhappy with their nose – either the appearance or the function – for many years and have wanted the operation for a long time. However, not all rhinoplasty patients fit into this category.
Some of the reasons our patients seek out Dr Shahidi as their nose surgeon in Sydney include:
Rhinoplasty is best suited for patients who have finished their facial growth and development, generally over 18. There is no maximum age for rhinoplasty, and the procedure can be carried out at any age as long as one is medically fit.
If you’re not sure whether rhinoplasty is right for you, get in touch with us to arrange a consultation with Dr Shahidi, who can talk you through the procedure, emotional impact, risks, possible results, and alternatives.
The first step of the rhinoplasty procedure is to choose a surgeon and have an initial consultation. Dr Shahidi’s is a popular choice in Australia due to his extensive training, experience and excellent results. Every patient should do their own research and make sure they choose a surgeon they feel comfortable with.
After you make an appointment with Dr Shahidi, we will invite you for a consultation. This is your opportunity to explain the issues you have with your nose, to discuss your goals from having the procedure, and to go over any questions or worries you may have.
As well as a discussion, during this consultation, Dr Shahidi will physically examine your nose to check for symmetry, the shape, size of cartilage, thickness of skin, as well as check for any nasal blockages and assess the internal structure of your nose.
He will take several photographs of your nose from different angles. He will also use computer-imaging software to construct a realistic visual representation of your new nose so you have a better idea of the expected result. You are also welcome to bring your own images to show the shape of nose you are hoping for.
After you have both agreed on the procedure, you will be given a written information on possible surgical option, availability dates for surgery, a financial quote and a treatment plan. In some cases further investigations or medical assessment may be required prior to proceeding to surgery.
All surgical procedures are carried out under general anaesthetic at North Shore Specialist Day Hospital in Greenwich or Lakeview Private Hospital in Bella Vista.
Rhinoplasty is a day surgery procedure, so you can normally go home a few hours after your operation. Some patients who need additional treatment or care can stay overnight.
After the surgery is complete, Dr Shahidi will add internal and external splints to support the shape of your nose while it is healing. There is normally little pain after the procedure, but you will be given antibiotics and pain relief as needed.
Splints will be removed 7-10 days after your operation, and this will be your first chance to look at your new nose, however, it will take several weeks for the initial nose and facial swelling and bruising to subside. The appearance of your nose will continue to improve for several months to years after your surgery.
If you’re unhappy with the size, shape, or appearance of your nose or if you suffer from snoring, sleep apnoea, or other breathing difficulties, we invite you to talk directly with Dr Shahidi to find out how he may be able to help. Contact us today to set up a consultation or to talk to one of our friendly team.
If you’re still in the very first stages of considering a nose job, you might like to check out our gallery of some of Dr Shahidi’s previous rhinoplasty results. Or, you can download our app to design your own ideal nose, browse before-and-after photo galleries, and find out more about rhinoplasty and other cosmetic surgery procedures.
06/06/15
Dr Shahidi is an Australian trained and qualified Specialist Surgeon in Facial Plastic and Ear, Nose & Throat surgery.
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