Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty Magazine #64

nose
The
FAQs
of
rhinoplasty
Sydney plastic surgeon Dr Darryl Hodgkinson answers some of the
most common questions about nose reshaping surgery.
Of all the cosmetic plastic surgery procedures, nose
enhancement, or rhinoplasty, remains one of the
most common and satisfying for patients. Just as
no two noses are alike, no two rhinoplastic procedures are
alike. Every operation must be customised so that the result
for the patient is a nose that is not only attractive but one
that fits their face and is in balance with all of their features.
Rhinoplasty can take the form of nose reduction surgery
to reduce the size, or plastic surgery to modify the size and
shape of the nostrils, tip or bridge of the nose, or to alter
the slope or angle of the nose. Rhinoplasty can also be
performed to repair birth defects or injuries to the nose.
Because of the many factors involved in communicating
with the patient, planning the operation and carrying out
the procedure, the experience and expertise of the surgeon
are the major determinant in the quality of the result. I
have performed thousands of rhinoplasties in my years in
practice and have found that the following are some of the
most common questions that patients ask.
How will my new nose likely look?
At the clinic we use digital imaging technology as a tool
to communicate with prospective patients so that both
surgeon and patient can agree not only on what is desired
but also what is possible in terms of creating their ‘new
look’ nose. I also encourage patients to bring in pictures of
noses that they do and do not like.
Clear and accurate communication between surgeon
and patient using visual tools allows the patient not only
to explain their expected result but also allows for a proper
assessment to be carried out and realistic advice to be
given by the surgeon.
What is the right age to get your nose fixed?
Many patients come to us in their late teenage years
and early 20s asking about rhinoplasty. They have been
incorrectly told when they were younger and already selfconscious
about the shape of their nose that they should
only consider surgery when they are much older.
In fact, the nose is completely grown by 18 years of
age, and the end of high school is a popular time for young
people to have nose surgery, as they are then entering the
workforce or moving on to university.
Can a rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
If a breathing problem is present, in addition to imaging,
I test the breathing function of the nose and sometimes
X-rays are necessary to discover the cause of nasal
obstruction.
If the septum of the nose is crooked, often referred to
as a deviated septum, this can be corrected surgically at
the same time as a cosmetic rhinoplasty to improve both
breathing and appearance.
Breathing can also be improved by removing or adjusting
the turbinates which act as the internal humidifying
mechanisms of the nose. In most cases, any difficulties
with breathing can be improved at the same time as the
rhinoplasty surgery.
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