Rhinoplasty or Nose Surgery FAQs

If you feel that your nose is too big and bulky or that it obstructs your eyes and mouth from being seen or if you have problems breathing, then rhinoplasty surgery may be the procedure for you. This procedure focuses on removing extra tissue from your nose, restoring both its functionality as well as, its look.

Our specialist FRACS surgeons, Dr Stephen Kleid, MB BS FRACS and Dr Patrick Briggs FRACS (Plas.), can help restore your nose and its functionality, whether the cause is hereditary factors or an injury.

Nose Job Surgery Guide

Learn more on Rhinoplasty

What Is Rhinoplasty FAQs

What is rhinoplasty?

• A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reshapes your nose.
• In fact it can; reshape, reduce or enlarge your nose, remove a dorsal hump or correct any asymmetries, be they the way your nose is or a consequence of an injury.

Does rhinoplasty change your face?

• A rhinoplasty may slightly change the look of your face since the nose, is one of the focal points of the face.
• To ensure you are satisfied with the way your nose and face look after your rhinoplasty, have the surgery done only by an experienced specialist surgeon and never by a cosmetic surgeon or a non-certified surgeon.
• Understand that most surgeries that go bad can not be corrected.

What is the perfect nose?

• The perfect nose is a combination of realistic desires and understanding how proportions work on the face.
• What’s perfect for one person wont be perfect for another.
• Sometimes, no matter your surgeon’s level of expertise, your new nose may not make you as happy as you originally wanted.
• Think about your perfect nose and discuss your ideas with your specialist plastic surgeon. Together, you will be able to work out the nose that is realistic and perfect for you.
• A nose that wont stick out and look too ‘fake’.

Will a nose job make me prettier?

• Most patients say they feel prettier, whatever the scope of the nose job.
• A rhinoplasty will remove asymmetry, humps, and other features of your nose you may not be happy with.
• Consult your specialist plastic surgeon and discuss what a rhinoplasty could do for you.

Can a nose job change your voice?

• No, a nose job does not change your voice. However, while the swelling is present, during the rhinoplasty recovery, you may notice that your voice is slightly altered.
• This will pass as soon as the swelling is gone.

Can rhinoplasty make you look younger?

• Yes, a well-done rhinoplasty can make you look younger.
• A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that, in most cases, reduces the size of your nose, and a small nose can be perceived as younger-looking. For this reason, your face may look younger.

Is wide nose attractive?

• What an attractive nose looks like depends on you and the way you perceive your nose.
• Some people may find a wide nose attractive whilst others may find a slimmer nose more attractive.
• You can speak with your specialist plastic surgeon about nose proportions and attractiveness.

What causes a big nose?

• A big nose can be a result of several factors:
  • Ageing
  • Genetics
  • Trauma to the nose
  • Bumps,
  • Sebaceous cysts.

Your specialist plastic surgeon will be able to assess your nose, tell you where the enlargement comes from and how they can resolve it.

What is the perfect female nose?

• A perfect female nose is relative to your facial proportions.
• If you have a wide face, a wide nose may suit you the best.
• On the other hand, if you have a slimmer, oval face, a smaller nose may suit you the best.
• Most women say that a shorter nose with an upturned tip looks the best.

Am I The Right Candidate / Nose Surgery Prerequisites FAQs

What is the best age to get a nose job?

• It is best to get a nose job in early adulthood or even as a teenager.
• Boys can get a nose job done from the age of 18, whilst girls can from the age of 16 (with parental permission).
• Your experienced plastic surgeon may suggest different ages, depending on how developed your nose is for your age.
• There is no upper age limit to getting your nose surgery. In general, you should be healthy enough to undergo such a procedure and fully recover from it.

Is 50 too old for a nose job?

No, 50 is not too old for a nose job. Speak with your specialist plastic surgeon about any concerns about your age and having cosmetic surgery. They can check your eligibility.

Is 52 too old for rhinoplasty?

No, 52 is not too old for a rhinoplasty, provided you are physically and mentally healthy enough to undergo surgery. Your specialist plastic surgeon will take down details of any chronic conditions you may have, as well as any medication you may be taking. They may suggest a temporary adjustment in your medication. Always follow your surgeon’s advice on rhinoplasty and medication.

What are realistic expectations of a rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a procedure that can address a wide variety of nose-shape problems. You may have a rhinoplasty to correct your dorsal hump (nose hump reduction surgery), to straighten a nose that has suffered trauma, to make your nose look smaller or to have better contours.

Rhinoplasty Preparation FAQs

What should you avoid before rhinoplasty?

• If you are a smoker, you will need to quit at least six weeks before your rhinoplasty procedure.
  • Smoking can increase the complication rate.
• You should also avoid drinking alcohol for at least two weeks before surgery
  • Alcohol can promote swelling and inflammation
• Sun tanning should be avoided for at least two weeks before your procedure.
  • Sun tanning can damage your skin. You don’t want to go into your procedure with a sunburn or extra sensitive skin due to sun exposure.

Should I shave before rhinoplasty?

• If you are a male then yes, you should shave before your rhinoplasty.
• Moustaches and beards can be home to many bacteria. Getting rid of the hair on your face will help prevent infections and post-op complications.
• You may want to delay shaving after rhinoplasty for around two weeks.

Can I take vitamin C before rhinoplasty?

• You should never take vitamin C before or after rhinoplasty.
• Vitamin C increases the scarring of the tissues and may cause a wider scar, an unsightly or a hyperpigmented scar, as well as keloid formation.
• Although the nostrils are not a place where keloids would normally appear, it can develop on your columella, which is the column between your nostrils.

Can I brush my teeth before rhinoplasty?

• Yes, you can brush your teeth before a rhinoplasty. If brushing your teeth the morning of the rhinoplasty, make sure that you:
  • Use a brand new, out-of-the-box soft toothbrush,
  • Do NOT use any toothpaste – getting the toothbrush wet with water will suffice,
  • Do NOT swallow any of the water – it is best to not rinse your mouth after tooth brushing the morning before your rhinoplasty.

How do I choose a rhinoplasty nose?

• Most male rhinoplasties are done to remove a dorsal hump and correct a nasal deviation.
• In women, most rhinoplasties are done to correct the shape of the nose. For example, making it narrower, creating an upturned nasal tip, or reducing the nostril size.
• When choosing your rhinoplasty nose, always consult a specialist plastic surgeon because they can tell you what nose will best suit your face.
• Taking Paris Hilton’s nose and putting it on Kim Kardashian would look ridiculous, so the nose you like and desire my not be a nose that will suit your face.
• Plastic surgeons have a thorough understanding of the human body, its proportions and aesthetics.

How do I choose the best surgeon?

• The best rhinoplasty surgeon will be a surgeon that:
  • Is board-certified,
  • Has ample experience and education in the field,
  • Has international recognition
  • Can operate in hospitals, as well as, clinics,
  • Has a great support team,
  • Has thousands of satisfied patients.

Avoid cheap surgeons and backroom clinics. You risk becoming a dissatisfied patient with below average results, that may be unfixable and your nose can not be hidden.

Nose Surgery Procedure FAQs

What is Reduction Rhinoplasty?

• Reduction rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reduces the size of the nose.
• The procedure means that your specialist plastic surgeon reduces the length and width of your nose’s protrusion.
• It is by far the most common rhinoplasty procedure for both men and women. This is because it restores both the balance and proportions of the face.

What’s Augmentation Rhinoplasty?

• Augmentation rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that enlarges the nose.
• The nose can be too small due to various reasons, including; hereditary factors, ruined rhinoplasties, injuries or infections.
• The procedure improves both the size and the contour of your nose and creates a more aesthetic and proportionate look.

What is Alarplasty?

Alarplasty is a type of rhinoplasty, it’s focus is to remove some tissue from the base of the nose, by doing this the surgeon reduces the size of the nose base (it can also improve ‘flaring nostrils’ if that is something the patient has).

This is a common procedure, especially for those with Asian and South American descendants. If you think your nose is too wide at the base, this may be a procedure for you. Schedule a consultation with our specialist plastic surgeons and have them assess your nose and give you some options.

What is Septoplasty?

• Septoplasty is a surgical procedure that focuses on straightening both the nose bone and cartilage.
• The nose may be bent or crooked for multiple reasons, including:
  • Injury/trauma
  • Genetics
  • Previous break/s
  • Or other factors, such as nasal cartilage infection.
• Septoplasty surgery can correct/improve this, regardless of the level and scope of deformity.

What’s a Turbinectomy?

• Turbinectomy is a procedure that removes the turbinate’s or protrusions in your nose that warm and moisten the air as you breathe.
• When this get too big, they can cause breathing problems and block the airways.
• To relieve the symptoms, your specialist plastic surgeon can remove them (turbinectomy procedure), or they can reduce their size or change their shape (turbinoplasty procedure).

What is Osteotomy?

• Osteotomy is any procedure that changes the shape of your bones by cutting or shaving them.
• Surgeons often perform Osteotomy rhinoplasty for dorsal hump reduction or nose bump removal.
• Only a specialist plastic surgeon with training and experience has the qualifications to perform this (or any) nose surgery procedure.
• It takes approximately 2-3 hours to complete in an operating theatre.

How long is a nose job surgery?

• A nose job surgery can take anywhere between 2-4 hours.
• Sometimes, the procedure can take longer, depending on your case and the type of procedure your surgeon is performing. Whether they are doing other procedures at the same time (lower face lift) also affects the operating time.
• Since nose surgery is one of the most difficult and complicated procedures to master (it’s a combination of science-medicine and art-aesthetic), it is VITAL you choose the best rhinoplasty surgeon.

What percentage of nose jobs go wrong?

• Around 10% of nose jobs go wrong. Normally due to either a patient’s unrealistic expectations or because they choose a non-certified surgeon to do the operation.
• A certain percentage of rhinoplasties can cause dissatisfaction, even when the best available surgeons do them.
• That being said, choosing the best-specialized plastic surgeon can significantly reduce the likelihood of something going wrong.

Rhinoplasty Recovery FAQs

How painful is a rhinoplasty?

• You are not in pain during a Rhinoplasty.
• During the procedure, you will be under general anesthesia. In other words, you are not conscious, therefore you do not feel any pain or discomfort.
• After the procedure, your surgeon will give you instructions on how to manage any pain.
• Any pain usually dissipates within a few days.
• You may still feel some discomfort after a few days, but any pain should dissipate by this stage.

Why is my nose so big after rhinoplasty?

• Your nose will be bigger after rhinoplasty due to swelling.
• Swelling is a normal part of recovery after any surgical procedure. It can take a significant amount of time for ALL of the swelling to clear, however, most should clear around the two week mark.
• It can take up to a year for the nose to fully settle and ALL swelling to clear.
• Having a healthy diet and mild physical activity can promote blood flow and reduce inflammation. This can help speed up post-rhinoplasty healing.

How long does it take for a nose job to heal fully?

• The initial healing stage of rhinoplasty takes approximately 2-3 weeks.
• During this period, you will experience swelling and bruising and you may feel some discomfort.
• Six weeks after rhinoplasty, you will be able to resume most activities, however some swelling will persist.
• It can take up to a full year to see the final rhinoplasty results.

How long will my nose be blocked after rhinoplasty?

• After a rhinoplasty, you will have nasal splints in place, these will block your nose.
• One week after your rhinoplasty, your specialist plastic surgeon will remove the nasal splints.
• Any obstruction in the airway that is present after your surgeon removes the splints is the result of swelling and will clear on its own as the swelling subsides.
• Once the recovery is over, you will enjoy your new nose and much clearer airways.

Will the tip of my nose go down after rhinoplasty?

• Yes, your nasal tip will go down after a rhinoplasty. However, it may take several weeks to several months for it to completely restore to the normal size.
• If you have undergone a tipoplasty or a tip rhinoplasty, the swelling can be somewhat smaller than that of a regular rhinoplasty.
• After a tip reduction rhinoplasty, the recovery time is generally the same.

How long does the nose stay swollen after rhinoplasty?

• Your nose will stay swollen for approximately two weeks after a rhinoplasty.
• After this period, your swelling will begin to dissipate. However, it may take several months for the swelling to disappear completely.
• To reduce the swelling, you can follow a healthy lifestyle, and stay as healthy as you can.
• Any blows or trauma to the nose can increase the rhinoplasty swelling and prolong recovery.

Does rhinoplasty change your smile?

• No, rhinoplasty (or a nose job) does not change the smile.
• You may look or feel prettier after a rhinoplasty procedure, but this is the result of a new balance that your specialist plastic surgeon has given to your face.
• You may also feel that your smile is more ‘open’ because the dorsal hump removal took place, and now the nose is not the focal point of your face.

Can I brush my teeth after rhinoplasty?

• Yes, you can, and you should brush your teeth after a rhinoplasty.
• When brushing teeth after a nose job, you should be careful not to exert too much pressure, as touching the upper lip can promote discomfort in the nose.
• Use a soft toothbrush and use mild, short strokes to brush your teeth.
• When rinsing, use a cup of water to rinse. We suggest this because, not only does rinsing directly from the faucet or your palm increase the likelihood of your nose getting wet (which increases the risk of infection) but it also increases the chances of knocking your nose.

What can you not do after rhinoplasty?

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, stress, and inflammatory foods BOTH before and after your rhinoplasty.
• These choices can make you healthier, which in turn promotes fast and healthy healing of your nose.
• See How Alcohol and Recreational Drugs can Impact your Cosmetic Surgery Results.

Why do I throw up after surgery?

• Throwing up after surgery is a common side effect of anesthesia.
• It can also be a result of taking medication on an empty stomach, eating food that your healing body may not be able to digest as easily as before, and also dehydration.
• To avoid vomiting after a rhinoplasty, always listen to your surgeon’s advice and take medicine to prevent nausea.

How do I not throw up after rhinoplasty?

• If you have issues with throwing up after a rhinoplasty, there is a medication that you can use to reduce the urge to vomit.
• Your doctor will prescribe medication that can offer significant relief.
• If you find you still have the urge to vomit after your rhinoplasty, talk to your specialist plastic surgeon and discuss changing your medication.

Can I take Sudafed after rhinoplasty?

• No, you should not take Sudafed after a rhinoplasty.
• Sudafed will not relieve your rhinoplasty nose congestion.
• In fact it may cause the drying of the mucous membrane in the nose. If this happens, developing an infection may be significantly easier, and you may experience the urge to sneeze, which can be very painful and dangerous after a rhinoplasty procedure.
• Always consult your surgeon before using any medication after plastic surgery.
• Your surgeon will be able to tell you exactly what medication you should use without compromising your results.

How long after a nose job can you kiss?

• Depending on the scope of your rhinoplasty, you may want to wait for up to eight weeks before engaging in any activities involving the face, such as kissing and other intimate activities.
• Kissing as soon as one month after your rhinoplasty can pose serious stress on the nose that is still healing, and any blow or trauma to the face can compromise the results.

Nose Surgery Longer-Term Results FAQs

Do nose jobs last forever?

• Yes, a nose job lasts forever.
• The bone and cartilage and even the skin removed during a reduction rhinoplasty are removed for good.
• However, the nose will keep growing, though, this is a normal part of the ageing process.
• No hump will return, and the general shape of the nose will stay the same as after the rhinoplasty.

How does a nose job age?

• How well your nose job ages depends primarily on the techniques that your surgeon uses, as well as hereditary factors and any trauma to the face you may suffer.
• In general, a reduction rhinoplasty can weaken the base of the nose, and some collapsing can be seen decades after your initial rhinoplasty.
• There are now techniques that are part-reductive, part-reconstructive, that can provide longer-lasting results. However, some patients may choose not to have this kind of rhinoplasty since it is open rhinoplasty and takes significantly longer to heal.
• The best way to prevent any long-term undesired effects is to have realistic expectations, respect your body and choose the best plastic surgeon you can find.

Will my nose bump come back after rhinoplasty?

• No, your nose bump will not come back after a rhinoplasty.
• The nose bump removal or dorsal hump rhinoplasty is a procedure that completely removes the bone and cartilage so they cannot grow back.
• If you notice a bump on your nose years after rhinoplasty, consult your specialist plastic surgeon, as this may be a sebaceous cyst and may have to be removed.

Nose Surgery Risks And Complications FAQs

Can you ruin your rhinoplasty?

• Yes, you can ruin your rhinoplasty. The best ways to ensure good rhinoplasty results include the following:
  • Always choose a board-certified specialist plastic surgeon with ample experience in rhinoplasty surgery
  • Always follow the advice given by your surgeon, to ensure a quick and safe recovery
  • Avoid any trauma to the face following your rhinoplasty
  • Avoid unnecessary surgical procedures to your face after a nose job, and make sure to communicate to your surgeon that you have had a rhinoplasty if you intend to have another plastic surgery.

Can smiling ruin rhinoplasty?

• Smiling should not ruin your rhinoplasty. However, extensive smiling, laughing, talking too often and for too long, prolonged chewing or using chewing gum days after your surgery can cause irritation and discomfort. It can also prolong the rhinoplasty recovery period and compromise the results.
• Avoid any strenuous activities and keep your face as calm as you can for at least a week or two after your rhinoplasty.

Is it bad to cry after rhinoplasty?

• You should not cry after your rhinoplasty since crying can be a strenuous facial activity.
• When you cry after rhinoplasty, your nasal muscles shrink, and the tears from your eyes enter the nasal canal.
• This increases the chances of infection and prolongs the recovery time.
• Crying after a nose job can also significantly increase discomfort and cause complications.

Can I sniff after rhinoplasty?

• You should not sniff or blow through your nose after a rhinoplasty.
• Although this may be an unwilling, even a reflexive action, you should try to resist the temptation to sniff or blow your nose, as the pressure can compromise rhinoplasty results.
• Always follow your specialist plastic surgeon’s advice and rhinoplasty recovery timeline.

Can I wear a mask after rhinoplasty?

• In the initial few days after rhinoplasty, you should not wear a mask. Instead, you should spend as much time inside as you can to make sure that your recovery is quick and safe.
• If you have to go outside, make sure to wear a disposable, single-use or cloth face mask on your nose, and make sure they fit loosely around your nose.

What are the cons of getting a nose job?

• A long recovery time, pain and swelling are the biggest cons of getting a nose job.
• However, it is still one of the most common plastic surgery procedures, as it yields life-long effects and has a high satisfaction rate.
• You can discuss any concerns you may have about the cons of a nose job with your specialist plastic surgeon.

Can a nose job make your nose bigger?

• Initially, after your nose job, your nose will be bigger due to swelling.
• Swelling after rhinoplasty is normal and will subside on its own in a matter of weeks.
• However, if you want to have an augmentation rhinoplasty, your specialist plastic surgeon can use a cartilage graft (they take cartilage from one part of the body and graft it to your nose to enlarge it).
• Alternatively there are also synthetic nose implants that can alter the size, shape and structure of the nose.

Do you throw up after a nose job?

• You may feel nausea after a nose job.
• This is a normal occurrence, and your specialist plastic surgeon will give you anti-nausea medication for you to take.
• The urge to vomit after rhinoplasty may come from the anaesthetic or from a quick return to a normal diet.
• Always eat small, light and easily digestible meals after your rhinoplasty.

Has anyone died during rhinoplasty?

• Extreme complications after rhinoplasty are extremely rare.
• Death during a rhinoplasty is a rare instance and is usually a result of extreme malpractice and a surgeon who does not know what they are doing.
• A rhinoplasty is such a common procedure that even bleeding during rhinoplasty surgery is very rare.
• This concern should not deter you from having this procedure.
• Schedule an initial screening with your specialist plastic surgeon today and discuss this and any other rhinoplasty concerns you may have.

Rhinoplasty Financing FAQs

Is Rhinoplasty worth the money?

• Yes, rhinoplasty is worth the money.
• A Rhinoplasty can be both a cosmetic and a functional procedure. As such, it removes any airway blockage as well as, restoring the shape, improving both the look and function of the nose.

How much is a good nose job?

• A good nose job in Australia can cost anywhere from AUD 8.000 to AUD 20.000.
• This estimate includes basic work and costs, such as the surgeon’s fee, the anesthetist’s fee and hospital expenses.
• Depending on your case, the cost may be even higher, as every patient is unique, with different needs and desires. Therefore the price varies drastically.

Does insurance cover rhinoplasty?

• Insurance will ONLY cover rhinoplasty if it is medical necessity. This is determined by a strict set of Medicare criteria. (if you do not meet Medicare item number criteria your private health fund often wont cover any surgery costs)
• If you experience temporary or permanent obstruction of your airways, you should consult your experienced plastic surgeon and see if you qualify for insurance coverage.

Is rhinoplasty covered by Medicare?

• Rhinoplasty is an elective cosmetic surgery that Medicare rarely covers.
• To qualify for partial coverage, you should have your surgeon assess your case and see whether the turbinate’s in your nose may obstruct the airways.
• Even if you do qualify for Medicare coverage, Medicare will only cover that part of the surgery deemed as medical necessity and will not cover any other costs, such as a dorsal hump removal.

What rhinoplasty is considered medically necessary?

• Turbinoplasty and turbinectomy are two types of rhinoplasty that are considered medically necessary.
• If you have issues breathing and want to have a full breath again, consult your specialist plastic surgeon and see if your case qualifies for insurance coverage.

Is rhinoplasty worth it?

• Yes, the rhinoplasty procedure is worth it.
• You will be able to breathe better, have higher self-esteem and have a better-balanced face than before this procedure.
• A rhinoplasty is a very common procedure. It is considered a safe procedure with good results.