Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty (or what is sometimes referred to as a ‘nose job’) is simply the surgical procedure to change the appearance of the nose.

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 alone 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 required cuts just inside the rim of each nostril. Working through these incisions, Dr Shahidi can shave any excess bone and cartilage to reduce the hump, reposition the cartilage and bone to narrow the nose and sculpt the nasal tip. In many 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. In this way, pain and bruising is minimised. Other times, 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 needed.

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.

Improving the function of the nose: If your initial consultation reveals nasal blockage, breathing trouble 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 specialised x-rays. Dr. Shahidi can advise you as to whether a procedure can be done concurrently with your nasal operation in order to manage sinus symptoms.

Video about how Open & Closed Rhinoplasty Surgery Works

The following video presentations show how open and closed rhinoplasty surgery works. Contact us for more information or to book an appointment.