Rhinoplasty (Nose Job Surgery) in Sydney

Rhinoplasty is a general term used to describe a range of surgical procedures that can reshape the nose or relieve blockages by correcting nasal deformities. Cosmetic rhinoplasty or a “nose job” usually refers to surgery that reshapes the cartilage, bone and sometimes soft tissues to produce a different nasal appearance whilst maintaining correct function of the nose. Functional rhinoplasty is the designation for nasal surgeries that serve a medical purpose.

Dr Ellis Choy performs Sydney rhinoplasty procedures with skill and a high degree of personalisation for each specific patient.

THE BENEFITS OF RHINOPLASTY SURGERY

Rhinoplasty has long been one of the most sought-after procedures in the cosmetic surgery world. From elective cosmetic procedures designed to improve a patient’s appearance to functional procedures that clear nasal obstruction, there are various reasons for considering nose surgery.

The goals of cosmetic rhinoplasty may include:

• Reducing the size of the nose
• Increasing the projection of the nasal bridge
• Smoothing a hump on the nasal bridge
• Narrowing the nasal bridge
• Refining the shape of the nasal tip
• Elevating a drooping nasal tip
• Narrowing the nostrils
• Straightening a crooked nose
• Altering the angle between the nose and upper lip

Functional rhinoplasty typically addresses airway problems, such as septal deviation. It can also restore normal form and function after nasal injury.

RHINOPLASTY CANDIDATES

The first step in the rhinoplasty process is a consultation with Dr Choy to discuss your desires and determine your suitability for the procedure. During this appointment, Dr Choy will take a complete medical history and conduct a detailed facial evaluation. He will explain the realistic improvements rhinoplasty can make in your appearance and ensure he has a complete understanding of the goals you hope to achieve. In rhinoplasty, every detail — no matter how small — is significant.

Additional factors that help determine your candidacy include your age, physical health, emotional well-being and expectations for surgery. If Dr Choy confirms rhinoplasty is an option for you, he will develop a customised plan based on your anatomy and aesthetic goals.

WHAT TO EXPECT DURING THE RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE

Broadly speaking, the surgical approaches to rhinoplasty fall into two categories: open or closed.

In a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon places the incisions inside the nostrils. Patients sometimes believe this is the preferable option as there is no external incision and therefore no visible scar. However, there are significant trade-offs for this approach. Closed rhinoplasty provides a limited view of the anatomy and can hamper the surgeon’s ability to make precise changes. With a procedure as delicate as rhinoplasty, this may not be a worthwhile compromise.

When using the open approach, Dr Choy makes a small bridging incision across the columella, the external portion of the septum that separates the right and left nostrils. He can then lift the skin upward to allow an unobstructed view inside the nose. This approach provides the most options for the surgeon, including reshaping bone and cartilage or using grafts, and therefore more versatile outcomes for patients. While there is an external scar, it is small.

Dr Choy exclusively performs open rhinoplasties for these reasons.

NONSURGICAL RHINOPLASTY

For patients who do not want surgery, or who want a temporary “test run” before committing to surgery, a nonsurgical rhinoplasty may be an option. This treatment can help in adding dorsal height, camouflaging a dorsal hump, making the nose appear narrower, correcting minor asymmetries and rotating the tip. However, it’s important to note that a so-called “liquid nose job” cannot replace surgical results. It also cannot make the nose smaller or fix functional issues like a deviated septum.

WHAT TO EXPECT AFTER RHINOPLASTY

Upon waking from rhinoplasty surgery, your nose will be splinted for protection. There will be some discomfort and pressure within your nose, as though you are congested from a bad cold, and there may be swelling or bruising under your eyes. The splint and sutures will be removed at about one week post-op.

Patients generally wait one to two weeks before they are comfortable in public. Your nose will not yet have its final shape, and you must wait a little longer to resume full physical activity. Around the three to four month mark, you will be able to appreciate your results more thoroughly. Some residual swelling may be lingering and changes can still occur, but you may be the only person who can see these subtle shifts. At one year post-op, your nose will have taken on its final form.

Click here to view our rhinoplasty (nose surgery) before and after photos

SCHEDULE A SYDNEY RHINOPLASTY CONSULTATION WITH DR ELLIS CHOY

Dr Choy takes a refined approach to rhinoplasty that aims to avoid an “overdone” look. His skill and interest in innovation have led to him becoming the first plastic surgeon in Australia to utilise certain advanced rhinoplasty techniques.

The ability to precisely manipulate and restructure the nose, whilst maintaining or improving functional breathing issues, requires expertise that takes years to acquire. If you are interested in rhinoplasty in Sydney, choose an experienced Specialist Plastic Surgeon who has dedicated their career to the art of aesthetic and functional enhancement. Contact Dr Choy for a consultation today.

Making an Informed Decision

Undergoing plastic surgery is a significant decision that should be made only after careful consideration of all aspects involved, including the potential risks and complications.

General Risks and Complications

There are general risks and complications that apply to most plastic surgery procedures. These are discussed in detail on our Risks and Complications page.

Specific Risks and Complications

In addition to those that apply generally to plastic surgery, each individual procedure comes with its own specific risks and complications. For rhinoplasty, these may include: 

• Prolonged swelling
• Numbness or reduced sensation
• Breathing difficulties
• Cartilage graft warping
• Septal perforation (a hole in the nasal septum)
• Nasal valve collapse
• Possibility of revisional surgery

Next Steps

Request a consultation with Dr Choy for a detailed discussion of these considerations. Dr Choy will conduct a thorough risk assessment based on your individual factors and outline the measures that can be taken to minimise these risks. He and his team are here to support your decision-making process, providing all the information you need to make well-informed choices about your care.