Many men and women are unhappy with the shape or size of their noses. Rhinoplasty, which is one of the most sought after cosmetic procedures, is surgery performed to reshape or change the size of your nose. Rhinoplasty can reduce or increase the size of your nose, change the bridge or tip, narrow the opening of the nostrils, or change the angle between your nose and your upper lip. It can be used to change inherited traits or correct changes secondary to injuries. Simultaneously it can be used to alleviate and correct the blocked nose, certain causes of snoring, nasal drip, and other complaints pertaining to nasal airflow problems, such as headaches, etc.

The cartilage, bone and even the soft tissues of your nose can be reshaped.
The typical patient is one who is unhappy with the shape or size of his/her nose. There are numerous ways in which the appearance of the nose can be changed. Thus it is of great importance for the patient and the surgeon to have an exact idea of his/her expectations. These expectations must be discussed in depth with your surgeon during your consultation.

Most surgeons prefer not to operate on anyone before bone maturity has been reached, usually at the age of 17 to 18 yrs of age.

Rhinoplasty can enhance self confidence and give one a renewed self image.

What will happen at your consultation?

With your initial consultation you can discuss your expectations with the surgeon. He will evaluate the structure of your nose and face and discuss the various possibilities of restructuring with you. He will also discuss all the factors that can possibly influence the final outcome. These include things like the structure of your nasal bones, the shape of your face, the thickness of your skin, etc.

Our in house nose surgeon has an unique computer assisted program with which he does a complete simulation/modulation of the suggested changes you want done to your nose structure. Thus nothing is left to chance.

The type of anaesthesia and the techniques used, will be discussed. The risks, if any, of the procedure will also be discussed.

Feel free to ask any questions you may have.

What happens during surgery?

Our in house nose surgeon prefers to do the entire procedure under conscious sedation with local infiltration anaesthesia which he applies in an absolute pain free manner with the aid of a computerised infiltration wand. An anaethetist is constantly in attendance to control and maintain the level of sedation. You will have the feeling of being on “cloud nine “during the entire procedure. Our surgeon prefers to do the so called “open rhinoplasty” as he has much better access, exposure and control of all the small cartilages involved to restructure the nose while definitely maintaining or improving nasal airflow and function in general. A small exposure incision is made across the column of the nose, heals rapidly and definitely leaves no scar. It is also in the shadow line of the nose –so it is not seen on views from the front or the side.

On completion of the surgery the nose is delicately taped and an aesthetic approved splint is applied for 5 to 7 days, and then removed. The nose may again be re-taped for another few days to keep the skin taut against the underlying cartilage and bony framework. This is done only if needed.

Small nasal packing is usually applied and kept inside nasal passages for about 12 – 24 hrs. and then painlessly removed. It is applied merely for the comfort of the patient to collect any slight ooze that may be present during the first hours after the procedure.

The length of surgical procedure varies according to the structure defects, etc. that are present. The average is about 3hrs.The patient is definitely unaware of duration of the surgery as he/she is on “cloud nine” during the procedure and has virtually complete amnesia of the entire operation. This is why the above method and technique is preferred by our surgeon. He has successfully done more than 1000 nose operations in this way over the past 7yrs.

The procedure can also be done under general anaesthetic.

What happens after surgery?

Pain is minimal and often absent. Discomfort of a blocked nose is the more common complaint. You will be issued with anti-inflammatory and mild painkillers. Your face will be slightly puffy and slight bruising and swelling around your eyes will possibly set in and be visible for 10 days.

Please do not take any painkillers (aspirin, etc), blood thinning meds or have heavy spiced meals or take herbal meds for the 10 days prior to the operation.

Keep on with your blood pressure, hormone and thyroid medication or feel free to ask if you are not asked during your initial consultation.

Please inform the surgeon of any allergies you may have.

You should not blow your nose for a number of days after the procedure –rather sniff back the phlegm that forms. You may go back to work after a few days; however it is recommended that you try to take 7- 10 days off work to facilitate initial healing.

Do not partake in any strenuous aerobic activities during the 3 weeks following the procedure. You must definitely try to do moderate walking as soon as possible after the procedure.

Drink as much fluid in the form of water and fruit juices as possible.


Are there any risks and complications?

Nose bleeds can occur after and during surgery but are really the exception.

Antibiotics are routinely given intravenously during the procedure. (Be sure to inform us of any antibiotic allergy you may have)

Your sense of smell can be affected for a period of time post operatively and this usually co-exists until the nasal blockage subsides.

The tip of your nose may feel numb and the sensation of your skin could feel different. This usually returns to normal after a varying period of time.

Some patients may still not be happy with the results and a second adjustment operation may be needed. This can be the case where your operation entailed revision surgery. Excessive fibrous tissue is then usually present, as well as possible extensive cartilage damage. These are variable factors which can influence the outcome of the nasal procedure performed by our in house surgeon. Please inform our surgeon of all your previous nose and other face operations and accidents you may have had, then our surgeon is forewarned and will have the necessary graft material available if needed.