Rhinoplasty Surgery

There are two types of rhinoplasty: closed and open.

The method used for your surgery depends on the amount of reshaping you desire.

Closed Rhinoplasty – Minor reshaping. Many surgeons make incisions within the nose for this method. The skin of the nose is separated from the bone and cartilage and, once exposed, these can be removed, reshaped, augmented, or rearranged to achieve the desired new shape. After the cartilage and bone have been altered, the nose tissues are re-positioned over the new framework. 

Open Rhinoplasty – Major reshaping. Rather than being made inside the nose, incisions are made in the vertical strip of skin (the columella) separating the nostrils.

The best candidate for rhinoplasty is someone who is:

• Unhappy about the appearance of their nose, whether it be from an injury or not
• Displeased with how their nose has aged
• Past the teenage growth period, which occurs from ages 14 to 15 for girls and somewhat later for boys
• Seeking improvement, not perfection

As with any cosmetic surgery procedure, it is important to remember that your surgery will not turn you into someone else and you should not rely on your procedure to change your life. If you are considering undergoing a procedure it is imperative you speak to someone you trust, are happy in your life and are simply seeking to enhance your appearance and confidence, rather than looking to completely change who you are. It is equally important you are psychologically ready.

It is important to discuss with your doctors and with us any:

• Medical conditions you have
• Any medication you are taking - prescription, herbal and non-prescription

Once you arrive at your destination you will have a physical evaluation with your surgeon, where you will discuss your goals and concerns and finalise the plan for surgery. At this examination your surgeon will determine the best procedure for you and explain it to you in detail, including any limitations. It is important that you head into surgery with realistic goals. It is during this examination that your surgeon may also make recommendations for other procedures. 

In the lead-up to your surgery, it is important you do the following:

Stop smoking. Smoking can cause problems with circulation and increase the possibility of complications.

Length of surgery:

Rhinoplasty normally requires an hour or two in surgery, depending on the amount of reshaping to be done. Overnight stays in the hospital are also dependent upon the extent of reshaping, and the method used. You will be required to stay at least one night in the hospital for an open rhinoplasty.  

Recovery and post-op care:

Once the incisions have been closed, soft puffy material may be used inside the nose to maintain the structure of the nasal air passages. An external splint is applied to help the nose maintain its new shape and offer additional protection during the healing process. This splint is often worn for six to eight days.

After surgery, you can expect your nose area to be bruised, swollen and puffy. This bruising may extend to the eyes and other areas of the face. Common post-surgery instructions include using a cold compress to reduce swelling, along with pain medication to reduce discomfort. You will need to keep your head elevated for the first 24-hours after surgery. Any discomfort after surgery can be lessened with medication prescribed by your surgeon.

After seven days, most of your swelling and bruising should have disappeared. These seven days are important for recovery and while you will be moving around within a couple of days, it is important to take it easy and relax for a week or so. It is also imperative that you do not bump your nose, which is why the splint is so important. You should also avoid blowing your nose for the first seven days. 

After a few more days all stuffing, splints and post-surgical dressing can be removed. There will be internal swelling for a few months, but this will only be noticeable to you and your surgeon. It is important to remember that everyone recovers differently, and you can talk to your surgeon or our team should you have any concerns.

Length of stay:

Most surgeons recommend at least 10 nights on holiday, during which time you will have regular check-ups. To get the most out of your recovery time we suggest you partake in gentle exercise, yoga classes and treat yourself to some pampering. If you are feeling up to it, there is plenty to see and do in Phuket, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Risks and complications are minimised by using the care and services of our highly-skilled, trusted doctors and nurses. However, with every precaution taken complications can still occur. These are rare and few patients experience any issues. If you have any concerns about your procedure and the possible preconditions and risks, please discuss them with your doctor and nurses.

Potential risks include:

• Asymmetry
• Obstruction of nasal airways
• Under-correction or over-correction
• Bruising
• Swelling
• Bleeding

Many clients choose to have more than one procedure done to make the most of their trip. After having rhinoplasty it is possible you may want other facial procedures done to balance your face. These may include eyelid surgery, cheek and chin augmentation. There are also non-invasive skin treatments available, such as chemical peels or laser resurfacing which can rejuvenate and refresh your skin's texture and appearance and minimise lines.