Face and Head
RHINOPLASTY
RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty improves the external shape of the nose. People commonly refer to this popular cosmetic surgery as a “nose job”. Apart from cosmetic reasons, many patients turn to rhinoplasty surgery to fix breathing issues, congenital abnormalities or nasal deformities as a result of a nose injury or trauma. Generally, though, patients consider rhinoplasty surgery to fix structural issues that include:
- The size or width of the nose
- The angle or shape of the tip of the nose
- The bridge of the nose
- The size of the nostrils
Procedure
Rhinoplasty, also called nose surgery, reshapes the nose by reducing or increasing the size, removing a hump, changing the shape of the tip or bridge, narrowing the span of the nostrils, or changing the angle between the nose and upper lip. This procedure may also relieve some breathing difficulties when combined with surgery performed on the nasal septum (known as a functional rhinoplasty).
The surgery takes approximately 60- 90 minutes, but in some cases, more. The length of the procedure depends on the complexity of the surgery required.
General or intravenous sedation and local anaesthesia are used.
This is an outpatient procedure.
Temporary swelling, bruising around the eyes and/or nose, and some bleeding and nasal stuffiness.
Infection, asymmetry, unsatisfactory nasal shape and incomplete improvement (which would require additional surgery) are possible.
The patient may go back to work after one week. A metal or plastic splint protects your nose and retains its new shape after rhinoplasty surgery. Usually, the plastic surgeon advises the patient to keep the splint in place for a week after rhinoplasty, after which, the surgeon will remove the stent. More strenuous activities may be resumed after two to three weeks. The patient should avoid any activity that could impact on the nose or allow it to become sunburned for at least eight weeks. The use of a sunblock that provides both UVA and UVB protection is useful. The final results may take one year and sometimes longer to be visible.
Rhinoplasty results are permanent.
WHEN YOU CHOOSE A DOCTOR WHO IS A MEMBER OF APRASSA, YOU CAN BE ASSURED THAT YOUR SURGEON IS QUALIFIED IN ALL ASPECTS OF COSMETIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY.
Find a Surgeon
The Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons of Southern Africa was formed in 1956. All our members are fully qualified Plastic surgeons that have been approved for APRASSA membership and will endeavour to provide you with excellent care throughout your plastic surgery journey.
