Rhinoplasty

Personalised nose surgery designed to address nasal shape, proportion and, where required, breathing concerns.

What is a rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery that changes the shape, structure or proportions of the nose. It may be performed to address concerns about appearance, improve nasal breathing or combine cosmetic and functional changes within the same procedure.

Depending on your anatomy and goals, rhinoplasty may involve reshaping the nasal bridge or tip, correcting asymmetry, adjusting the width or projection of the nose or supporting areas that affect airflow.

Because the nose is central to the face, even relatively small changes can influence the overall profile. Treatment planning therefore considers your nasal structure, skin characteristics, breathing, facial proportions and the features you would like to preserve.

Is rhinoplasty right for me?

Rhinoplasty may be considered if you are concerned about:

  • a prominent hump or irregularity along the nasal bridge

  • the size, shape, projection or position of the nasal tip

  • nasal asymmetry or deviation

  • the width or proportions of the nose

  • changes following an injury or previous surgery

  • breathing difficulties associated with structural obstruction

Suitability depends on your nasal anatomy, general health, skin characteristics, expectations and whether facial growth is complete.

During your consultation, Dr Webster will assess what is contributing to your concerns and explain what surgery can realistically address. She will also discuss whether your treatment requires cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional airway surgery or a combination of both.

Your rhinoplasty journey

Every rhinoplasty is planned individually because nasal structure, skin thickness, breathing and facial proportions vary considerably between patients. Understanding the stages of consultation, surgery and recovery can help you make an informed decision and prepare for the gradual development of your result.

  • Your consultation begins with a discussion about the aspects of your nose that concern you, any breathing symptoms you experience and what you would like surgery to achieve.

    Dr Webster will assess the nose from the front, side and base, as well as its relationship with the chin, lips and wider facial profile. The nasal bridge, tip support, septum, nostrils, skin thickness and internal airway will also be examined.

    Your medical history, medications, smoking status, previous nasal injuries and any earlier surgery will be reviewed. Clinical photographs may be taken to assist with planning and discussion.

    Dr Webster will explain which changes may be possible, which features should be preserved and whether an open or closed surgical approach is likely to be required. The consultation should also provide a clear understanding of scars, recovery, limitations and the possibility that revision surgery may sometimes be needed.

  • Rhinoplasty is generally performed under general anaesthesia in an accredited hospital setting.

    A closed rhinoplasty uses incisions placed inside the nostrils. An open rhinoplasty also includes a small incision across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, allowing greater access to the underlying framework.

    The chosen approach depends on the changes required rather than one technique being universally better.

    During surgery, bone and cartilage may be reshaped, repositioned, reduced or supported. Cartilage grafts may be used where additional structure is needed, commonly using tissue from the nasal septum or ear. More extensive reconstruction may occasionally require another graft source. The existing page identifies both open and closed approaches and the possible use of cartilage grafting.

    An external splint is commonly placed over the nose, and internal splints may also be used depending on the procedure.

  • Swelling, congestion, bruising and a feeling of pressure are expected during the early recovery period. Bruising around the eyes may occur, particularly where the nasal bones have been treated.

    The external splint is commonly removed after approximately one week. Many patients plan around one to two weeks away from work and social commitments, although visible swelling and individual recovery vary. The current page gives similar indicative timeframes.

    Strenuous activity, pressure on the nose and situations where it could be knocked will need to be avoided while healing. Dr Webster will provide specific advice about exercise, sleeping position, glasses and returning to normal activities.

    The nose will remain swollen after the early recovery period. Most swelling gradually settles over several months, but refinement of the nasal tip can take longer. It may take approximately 6 to 12 months, and sometimes longer, for the final contour to become apparent.

A personalised approach to facial balance

Rhinoplasty is not about creating the same nose for every patient.

The size and shape of the nose need to be considered in relation to the forehead, chin, lips, face shape and profile. Skin thickness and the strength of the underlying cartilage also influence which changes are achievable and how the final contour develops.

Dr Katie-Beth Webster’s approach is centred on understanding the specific features you would like to address while preserving nasal support, function and the characteristics that make your face individual.

The aim is to develop a proportionate surgical plan rather than follow a standardised shape or trend.

Individual outcomes vary, and no particular result can be guaranteed. This measured wording is also consistent with Australian requirements that cosmetic surgery advertising remain realistic and avoid unsupported claims about outcomes or psychological benefits.

Why choose Dr Katie-Beth Webster?

As a specialist plastic surgeon, Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides detailed assessment and individualised surgical planning for rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty requires careful consideration of both external appearance and the structural support of the nose. Dr Webster will assess these together, explain the available approaches and discuss what can realistically be achieved for your anatomy.

You will receive information about the proposed surgery, expected recovery, scars, limitations and potential risks so that you can make a properly informed decision.

Her focus is on evidence-based care, clear communication and planning that respects both nasal function and your individual facial features.

Considering rhinoplasty?

A consultation with Dr Katie-Beth Webster provides an opportunity to discuss your cosmetic or breathing concerns, understand the available surgical options and receive advice tailored to your nasal anatomy and facial proportions.

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

Book a consultation

Common questions about rhinoplasty

  • Closed rhinoplasty is performed through incisions located inside the nostrils, leaving no external incision. It may be suitable when the required changes can be completed through this more limited access.

    Open rhinoplasty also involves a small incision across the columella. This allows the skin to be carefully lifted so the underlying cartilage and bone can be viewed and treated more directly.

    The most suitable approach depends on your anatomy, previous surgery and the degree of structural reshaping required. Dr Webster will explain why she recommends a particular technique for you.

  • Rhinoplasty may improve breathing where obstruction is caused by structural problems within the nose.

    This may involve correcting a deviated septum, supporting narrowed areas of the airway or treating other structures that restrict airflow. When septal correction and external reshaping are performed together, the procedure is commonly called septorhinoplasty.

    However, breathing difficulties can have several causes, and cosmetic rhinoplasty alone does not necessarily improve nasal airflow. Your symptoms and internal nasal anatomy will need to be assessed before the likely functional benefits can be discussed.

  • Swelling is expected after rhinoplasty and is usually most noticeable during the first few weeks. While the majority gradually improves over the following months, subtle swelling can remain for considerably longer, particularly around the nasal tip.

    The nose will continue to refine as the tissues heal, and it may take approximately 12 months or longer for the final contour to become apparent. Healing varies according to the procedure, skin characteristics and individual response.

  • Glasses may not sit normally while the external splint is in place.

    Once the splint is removed, care may still be required to avoid sustained pressure over the healing nasal bridge, particularly if the nasal bones have been repositioned. Depending on the operation, glasses may need to be supported or adjusted temporarily.

    Dr Webster will provide advice based on the structures treated and how your nose is healing. The current page also advises monitoring glasses to avoid excessive bridge pressure.

  • Many patients plan approximately one to two weeks away from work and social activities, depending on the extent of surgery, visible bruising and the nature of their work.

    Light walking is generally encouraged during recovery, but strenuous exercise, heavy lifting and activities that could place pressure on the nose must be avoided until Dr Webster advises that it is safe. Contact sport will usually require a longer break because the healing nose must be protected from impact.

  • With closed rhinoplasty, the incisions are located inside the nostrils.

    Open rhinoplasty includes a small additional incision across the columella. This scar is permanent but is positioned beneath the nose and commonly becomes less noticeable as it matures.

    Additional incisions may occasionally be required where the nostril width is being adjusted. Dr Webster will explain the anticipated scar pattern before surgery.

  • Potential risks include bleeding, infection, delayed wound healing, visible or unfavourable scarring, asymmetry, contour irregularity, persistent swelling and changes in sensation.

    Other risks may include ongoing or worsened breathing difficulty, septal perforation, changes to the sense of smell, graft movement or resorption and dissatisfaction with the appearance.

    Healing can occasionally produce changes that were not predictable at the time of surgery. Some patients may require revision surgery, although further treatment cannot guarantee a particular result.

    Dr Webster will discuss the risks relevant to your anatomy and proposed procedure during the consultation and consent process. The existing page already identifies bleeding, infection, delayed healing, asymmetry, breathing concerns and possible revision among the principal risks.

  • Rhinoplasty may be performed to address changes caused by trauma or concerns following previous nasal surgery.

    Revision cases are often more complex because scar tissue, altered cartilage and reduced available graft material can affect planning. Additional cartilage grafting may be needed to restore support or improve the contour.

    A detailed examination and review of any previous procedures will be required before Dr Webster can advise what may be achievable.