Rhinoplasty

What is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty combines aesthetic refinement with functional airway improvement. Dr Webster performs nose reshaping surgery in Melbourne to enhance your nasal profile to complement your natural facial features. Rhinoplasty reshapes and refines the nose to improve facial harmony and, when required, correct functional issues such as nasal obstruction. The procedure addresses proportions, contour irregularities, and structural deviations while preserving a natural appearance.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Patients may consider a rhinoplasty if they are concerned by:

    • Prominent nasal hump or wide nasal bridge

    • Drooping, bulbous, or asymmetric nasal tip

    • Deviated septum causing breathing difficulty

    • Desire for refined nasal shape in balance with facial features

    • Performed under general anaesthesia

    • Two main approaches:

      • Closed rhinoplasty: incisions placed inside the nostrils; suitable for minor reshaping

      • Open rhinoplasty: small incision across the columella (between nostrils) for direct visibility and precise control of tip and bridge structures

    • Bone and cartilage are sculpted or repositioned for aesthetic and functional correction

    • Grafts (from septum or ear cartilage) may be used to support structure or improve symmetry if extensive support is required cadaveric or your own rib cartilage may also be utilised for a graft.

    • External splint ± internal splints will be applied to maintain shape during healing

    Important aspects of consultation may include:

    • your goals and concerns

    • previous facial or neck procedures

    • assessment of cervicomental angle

    • skin quality and elasticity

    • the degree of neck laxity or banding

    • facial balance and profile

    • general medical history

    • medications and smoking status

    • factors that may affect healing and recovery

    Some patients asking about the neck are also showing age-related changes in the lower face. For this reason, treatment planning should be individualised rather than based on a one-size-fits-all approach.

    • Day surgery or overnight stay dependent on severity and patient preference

    • Swelling and bruising around nose and eyes peak at 48 hours, resolving over 1–2 weeks

    • Nasal splint removed after 7 days; internal splints (if used) after 5–7 days

    • Breathing improves gradually as swelling subsides

    • Return to work in 1–2 weeks; avoid contact sports for 6 weeks

    • Nose appears refined and balanced once swelling resolves over several months

    • Final definition visible at 6–12 months

    • Scarring minimal — hidden inside nostrils or nearly invisible at the columella base

    • Results are permanent, with natural ageing continuing gradually

    • Bleeding, infection, or delayed healing

    • Asymmetry or contour irregularity

    • Persistent swelling or breathing difficulty

    • Septal perforation (rare)

    • Need for minor revision if healing causes subtle distortion

  • Rhinoplasty results are stable and enduring. Protecting the nose from trauma during early healing and avoiding smoking optimises recovery. The procedure can be combined with chin augmentation or facial balancing procedures to enhance overall proportion.

  • Yes. Many patients undergo "Septorhinoplasty," which combines cosmetic reshaping with functional correction of a deviated septum or enlarged turbinates. This improves airway function while enhancing the external appearance of the nose.

  • While you are wearing your splint your glasses may not fit normally. After your splint is removed glasses can be worn but should be monitored to avoid excessive pressure over the nasal bridge.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster offers rhinoplasty consultations in Melbourne, with appointments available in Box Hill and East Melbourne.

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