Rhinoplasty: Assessment, Planning and Recovery Considerations

Rhinoplasty, also known as nose surgery, is a surgical procedure that may be considered when assessing nasal structure, nasal function, or both. The procedure may involve changes to bone, cartilage, soft tissue, or the nasal septum depending on the patient’s anatomy and clinical assessment.

The suitability of rhinoplasty varies between individuals. A consultation and examination are required to assess nasal structure, breathing, previous injury or surgery, skin thickness, cartilage strength, medical history, medications, healing factors, and the reasons a person is seeking information about surgery.

This article provides general information about rhinoplasty. It is not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

What is rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery involving the nose. Depending on the patient’s anatomy and surgical plan, it may involve the nasal bridge, nasal tip, nostrils, septum, cartilage, bone, or nasal airway.

Rhinoplasty may be discussed for structural, functional, or appearance-related reasons. Suitability depends on clinical assessment and individual patient factors.

No specific outcome can be predicted from the procedure name alone.

Nasal structure and function

Assessment may include the external nasal structure and the internal nasal airway. The practitioner may assess the nasal bridge, nasal tip, nostrils, septum, nasal valves, turbinates, skin thickness, and cartilage support.

Some patients seek information about rhinoplasty because of breathing symptoms. Structural factors such as septal deviation, nasal valve narrowing, turbinate enlargement, previous trauma, or other airway issues may contribute to nasal obstruction.

The presence of breathing symptoms does not mean rhinoplasty is suitable for every patient. The expected functional effect of surgery varies and should be discussed with the treating practitioner.

Surgical planning

Surgical planning should be based on the patient’s individual anatomy, medical history, nasal function, previous surgery or trauma, and suitability for surgery.

Photographs may be used during consultation to support assessment and communication. They should not be interpreted as a guarantee of outcome.

A consultation should also include discussion of alternatives, the option of not proceeding with surgery, the limitations of surgery, and the risks and recovery process.

Surgical approach

Rhinoplasty may be performed using different approaches. In some cases, incisions are made inside the nose. In other cases, an external incision may be made across the columella, which is the tissue between the nostrils.

The approach selected depends on the patient’s anatomy, nasal function, previous surgery or trauma, and the surgical plan. Where functional nasal surgery is being considered, this should be discussed as part of the consultation and consent process.

Recovery after rhinoplasty

Recovery after rhinoplasty varies between individuals. Swelling, bruising, nasal congestion, discomfort, altered sensation, temporary breathing changes, changes in smell, and visible swelling around the nose or eyes may occur.

Some swelling may improve during the early recovery period, while residual swelling can take longer to settle. The time required to return to work, exercise, sport, and usual activities depends on the procedure performed, individual healing, and the treating practitioner’s post-operative advice.

Follow-up appointments are important so that healing, nasal structure, and breathing can be reviewed.

Scarring and healing

Rhinoplasty may involve internal or external incisions, depending on the surgical approach. Scarring is an expected part of surgery. Scar appearance varies between individuals and may be affected by skin type, genetics, wound healing, infection, tension on the wound, smoking or vaping, and post-operative care.

No practitioner can guarantee how a scar will heal or how visible it will be over time.

Risks of rhinoplasty

All surgery has risks. Risks of rhinoplasty may include, but are not limited to:

• bleeding or haematoma
• infection
• scarring
• delayed wound healing
• pain or discomfort
• bruising and swelling
• nasal blockage or altered breathing
• changes in smell
• altered sensation or numbness
• asymmetry
• septal perforation
• changes in nasal shape over time
• skin or soft tissue healing problems
• dissatisfaction with the outcome
• anaesthetic complications
• need for revision surgery

Rare but serious complications can occur. Personal risk factors should be discussed with the treating practitioner before deciding whether to proceed.

Suitability and decision-making

A consultation is required to assess whether rhinoplasty is appropriate. The consultation should include discussion of the patient’s reasons for seeking information about surgery, medical history, breathing symptoms, risks, recovery, alternatives, costs, and the option of not proceeding with surgery.

Surgery should not be presented as a way to achieve a particular social, emotional, or psychological outcome. Individual experiences vary, and surgery may not address broader concerns about appearance, self-image, confidence, relationships, work, or wellbeing.

Patients should have adequate time to consider the information provided before deciding whether to proceed.

Consultation and further information

A consultation with Dr Adam Honeybrook can be used to discuss rhinoplasty, available surgical options, risks, recovery, alternatives, and whether surgery is suitable for your circumstances.

Dr Adam Honeybrook is a registered medical practitioner with specialist registration in Surgery – Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery. Registration number: MED0001602935.

To contact the practice, call:

• New patients: 07 3485 0596
• Existing patients: 07 3488 8118

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