Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) — Enhancing Facial Harmony to Patients in Sydney and around Australia

Cosmetic nose surgery can make a significant difference to overall facial appearance. A rhinoplasty procedure involves changing the shape and size of your nose to improve appearance and proportion to other facial features. Those seeking rhinoplasty often want to alter the size and shape of the bridge and tip of the nose.

The face is the most important part of your identity and has long been felt to be the personification of a person’s soul. Throughout history, facial harmony, proportion and symmetry have been considered the most important aspects of facial beauty. Although every component of the face can be assessed, the nose is particularly important. It is the central and the most prominent part of the face, and cannot be hidden with glasses, hairstyle or makeup, like other facial features.

The nose itself has cultural, ethnic, emotional and psychological significance. Deformities of the nose can give rise to certain assumptions, and affect the way you are perceived. For example, there is a widely held belief that a large, long nose gives the impression of being lethargic and aged, and a droopy nose tip can be seen as ‘witch-like’, therefore conveying wickedness. However, a well-shaped, symmetrical and well-proportioned nose generally gives the impression of goodness, success and honesty.

Individual variation needs to be considered. A nose that looks good on one person may look out of place on another. Males traditionally have stronger noses than females, therefore a father’s nose may not necessarily suit his young daughter.

Dr. Warwick Nettle of Silkwood Medical in Sydney specialises in rhinoplasty (nose surgery) and has trained under leading nose surgeons in Australia and the United States. His training and experience, combined with his artistic eye, qualifies him to perform initial nose surgery, as well as revision rhinoplasty procedures for patients who are dissatisfied with another surgeon’s work. Dr. Nettle also performs male rhinoplasty to address the specific needs and goals of men.

Main Areas of Concern

Dr Nettle’s patients most commonly have two major areas of concern: appearance and breathing difficulties. The nose is extremely sensitive to the influence of angles, droop, upturn, nostril show and flare, and nasal width. Just millimetres can make a significant difference to overall facial appearance.

There are many parameters that are used as a guide to bring the nose into proportion and alignment. The Golden Mean of 1 to 1.618 as identified by the Fibonacci Sequence (a sequence of proportions which occurs in nature and is associated with harmony and beauty) can be applied to correct symmetry and restore harmony. Specifically, Dr. Nettle will evaluate your nasal tip, your bridge, the alar rims, the width of the nose and the harmony between these aspects to determine the right shape, angle and proportion.

During consultations at Silkwood Medical in Sydney, Dr. Nettle takes photographs, and uses computer imaging to demonstrate how nose surgery can restore beauty, harmony and symmetry, and to what degree with rhinoplasty.

Since breathing is a significant issue in rhinoplasty, Dr. Nettle applies his strong training in ENT surgery and reconstructive nose surgery to maximise the function of the nasal airway.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure
Recovery from Nose Surgery
Frequently Asked Questions

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

The goal of rhinoplasty is to create a natural-looking result, so that the nose fits harmoniously with other facial features and functions normally. Reshaping is usually done either through incisions inside the nose or a well-hidden incision on the underside of the nose. The size is either reduced or built up, by adjusting its supporting structures – by removing or adding bone and cartilage. In some cases, an internal deformity may affect breathing, due to an irregularity in the septum (central cartilage inside the nose) or problems with the internal side walls of the nose. Adjustments to improve the nasal airway can be made at the same time as alterations to the external appearance. Most nose surgery is performed under general anaesthesia.

Recovery from Nose Surgery

After nose surgery, you should be up and about in a day or two, but plan on taking it easy for the first week. If nasal packing is used (which helps reduce swelling and bleeding), it is removed a few days after surgery. You may experience some bruising and swelling around the eyes, but this will begin to fade within a week. Sutures are removed after five or six days, and most people can return to work seven to 10 days after undergoing rhinoplasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Nose surgery is an individualised procedure, so the planning process is very important. It requires a thorough evaluation of the bones and cartilages in your nose, as well as your other features to ensure facial harmony is achieved. In the first consultation, we discuss our shared goals for the surgery, focusing on how to achieve maximum improvement in the most natural-looking manner.

What happens in rhinoplasty consultations?
Nose surgery is an individualised procedure that requires a thorough evaluation of the bone and cartilage that make up the skeleton of your nose. In your consultations, the structures on the inside of the nose are carefully assessed, and the relationship of the nose to your overall facial structure is evaluated.

Before surgery, you should discuss your goals for rhinoplasty with your surgeon, focusing on how to achieve maximum improvement in the most natural-looking manner. At Silkwood Medical we routinely take photos of your nose and work with you to “morph” them on the computer into your desired outcome.

My friend had her nose done but there weren’t any visible cuts. Why?
Normally the incisions used to access the underlying structures are made inside the nose to ensure no cuts are visible. Occasionally, with some difficult nasal shapes, a tiny incision is made on the underside of the nose, but this is difficult to detect afterwards.

Is cosmetic nose surgery painful?
This depends on the individual and the extent of the surgery, but most people are pleasantly surprised at how little pain is associated with rhinoplasty. Immediately after surgery, any pain or discomfort can be controlled with medication, but this should only last one to two days.

How do you avoid the “facelifted” look?
In order to avoid a tight, “lifted” look, choose your surgeon well. The skill and care of your surgeon are a reflection of their training and understanding of this field. Simple techniques to avoid the “facelifted” look are standard practice for surgeons specifically trained in facial surgery. It is important to choose a qualified surgeon who you have confidence in and trust, and to discuss any concerns before the procedure.

I am 18. Is this too young for cosmetic nose surgery?
Although there is no age limit for rhinoplasty, the mid-teens, when the nose is near full development, is the earliest recommended age. Most people’s noses stop growing by about the age of 16 or 17 so what you have now is likely to be what you’ll keep. There are no medical reasons, specifically related to your age, why your nose shape couldn’t be improved if desired.

Does Medicare pay for cosmetic rhinoplasty?
No. However, if rhinoplasty is going to improve your breathing or correct previous nasal trauma (such as birth trauma or a broken nose) a contribution from Medicare for your nose surgery may be possible.

I am a student from Hong Kong and am aiming for a more defined Western nose. How is this done?
It is an interesting cultural difference that, whilst most Westerners seeking nose surgery want to decrease their nasal hump, many Asian people want to make this more prominent and defined. There are many ways to build this area up with both implants or with your own bone or cartilage, depending on the individual.

I like Nicole Kidman’s nose. Can I change mine to look like hers?
This depends on what you start off with. Plastic surgeons can aim towards certain shapes, proportions, and features and will advise on what can be done in each specific nose surgery. During rhinoplasty consultations, we routinely take photos of your nose and work with you to “morph” them on the computer using special software to show you what can realistically be achieved.

Learn More About Rhinoplasty Surgery

Rhinoplasty (nose surgery) is an effective treatment offered at our Sydney practice to correct a crooked, large, or misshapen nose and restore facial balance. Please contact our skilled cosmetic plastic surgeons to learn more about rhinoplasty. You can also read case studies and experiences of actual patients who have undergone nose surgery at our practice.