Rhinoplasty (Nose Job)
Rhinoplasty surgery is considered to be one of the most challenging surgical procedures within the field of plastic surgery and requires an appreciation for both aesthetic and functional elements. Owing to its complexity, it is best undertaken by surgeons who are experienced and specialised in rhinoplasty rather than general plastic surgeons or general ENT surgeons. Following surgical training and specialisation in otolaryngology including facial plastic surgery, Dr Michael has sub-specialised in conditions of the nose and sinuses; with a particular passion for rhinoplasty surgery.
He undertakes rhinoplasty operations in Melbourne and approaches each case as a unique procedure and can be contacted on 03 9707 2777.
Using his expertise and appreciation of facial aesthetics, he aims to achieve a result that is individual, improved and balanced with facial features rather than arriving at an operated appearance.
Dr Michael favours techniques incorporating structural and preservation rhinoplasty which involve minimising cartilage removal and disruption of overlying tissue structures together with reshaping and potentially supporting the nasal skeleton. This approach aims to provide long-term stability and retain both functional and cosmetic post-operative characteristics. However, revision rhinoplasty cases almost always require insertion of grafts to restore lost structural support.
The cost of rhinoplasty can be significant both from a monetary perspective and potential emotional investment. It is essential to be informed as best as one can be prior to committing towards an operation as the benefits of surgery should be balanced with what is achievable and the risks entailed with undergoing an operation.
If you have further queries or to book a consultation, please phone 03 9707 2777 or use our contact form and a member of Dr Michael’s administration team will be happy to provide you with further information.
Clicking on the titles below will provide further details relating to rhinoplasty operations
* Cosmetic Rhinoplasty +
A rhinoplasty can change the shape of a nose to make it smaller and is termed a reduction rhinoplasty, to increase the size and structure of the nose which is termed an augmentation rhinoplasty or to refine the direction or shape of the nose either from a front on, side view or a view from looking below or above the nose.
Reduction rhinoplasty is typically undertaken for noses that have a bump (termed a dorsal hump) on a side view, overly broad noses or nose that are over projected.
Augmentation rhinoplasty uses a variety of grafts and techniques. They are typically performed on noses that have lost parts of their structure due to injuries, previous operations, infections and rarely malignancies. They are also carried out on people whose nose is too small in relation to their face. Especially in the case of previous injuries, a septoplasty may also need to performed at the same time.
Refinement rhinoplasty may not need removal or replacement of the tissue structure of the nose but in some aspects can be considered to be more challenging procedures to reshape the nose. For example, if the tip of the nose is drooping or asymmetrical.
As the nose is the central axis of the face, its appearance needs to be balanced with other facial features and enhancement of other facial elements such as through a mentoplasty may be required to arrive at the optimal aesthetic result.
* Functional rhinoplasty +
In some individuals, the external shape and support structure of the nose may be causing a sensation of a blocked nose. The feeling of nasal blockage may affect one or both nasal passages. Occasionally, these cases may benefit from an augmentation rhinoplasty or a reduction rhinoplasty dependant upon the shape of the nose and its supporting elements. However, nasal blockage may also be due to deviations of the nasal septum which needs to addressed through a septoplasty operation or increased swelling of structures called the nasal turbinates the size of which can be reduced through a turbinoplasty procedure. These operations may be undertaken together with the rhinoplasty.
* Revision rhinoplasty +
Revision rhinoplasty can be undertaken for noses that are not satisfactory from a cosmetic and/or functional perspective. These cases are amongst the most difficult of rhinoplasty operations as the tissue and structures that make up the nose can be very scarred or absent. This often requires restoring structural support through grafting. Grafts are ideally obtained from remaining elements of the nose but owing to removal of tissue from prior operations, material can be limited. This may necessitate harvesting of graft from other sites such as rib cartilage. These techniques are challenging and only a limited proportion of rhinoplasty surgeons are experienced in performing these procedures.