Rhinoplasty
Surgical techniques to alter the shape, position and inner workings of the nose have existed for thousands of years. This procedure, known as “rhinoplasty,” can produce noticeable changes to the appearance of the nose, which is integral to the character of the face. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Vlad Milovic, has undergone decades of training and education to acquire the skill needed to perform nose surgery.
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Risks of Surgery
All surgical procedures come with inherent risks and the chance for complications. Dr Milovic is experienced in many surgical techniques and proficient in several strategies to potentially limit these risks; however, it is important for patients to be aware of complications that could occur.
Risks associated with surgical procedures include, but are not limited to:
- Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
- Potential for an additional surgery
- Complications relating to anaesthesia
- Pain/discomfort
- Numbness or other changes in sensation in the treatment area
- Scarring
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Excessive bleeding
- Poor wound healing
- Skin discolouration/irregularities
- Hair loss at the incision sites which may be temporary or permanent
- Infection
- Nerve damage/weakness
- Asymmetry
- Visible deformities at or near the incision sites
- Thrombosis
- Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
- Blood clots
- Pulmonary complications
- Cardiac complications
- Death
All risks, potential benefits and other aspects of the procedure will be explained in detail during your consultation with Dr Milovic. Please contact our practice for more information.
What Is Rhinoplasty?
Derived from the Greek roots rhinos (nose) and plassein (to mold or shape), the word “rhinoplasty” literally translates to the restructuring of the nose. To achieve this goal, the surgeon must gain access to the bones, cartilage and tissue that line the inside of the nose and alter their position. The surgeon must also consider the patient’s gender identity, ethnic background and cosmetic concerns in order to create effects that look natural.
While many of Dr Milovic’s patients pursue rhinoplasty for solely cosmetic purposes, he is also often able to employ rhinoplasty to address certain breathing and respiratory problems, such as a deviated septum. This type of surgery is sometimes referred to as “septo-rhinoplasty.”
What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?
When performed by an experienced surgeon, rhinoplasty can offer the following benefits:
- A more proportionate or centred nose
- A more balanced facial structure
- A change in nose size
- Reduction of unwanted aesthetic phenomena
- Correction of respiratory issues (e.g. a deviated septum, congestion)
Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and Dr Milovic will strive to address whatever functional or cosmetic concerns you bring to his attention.
How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?
Your rhinoplasty procedure will begin with an initial consultation with Dr Milovic, during which he will use the advanced VECTRA®H2 3D imaging system to create a preview of your potential results. After discussing the methods he can use to create these effects and simulating them with the VECTRA®H2 3D’s state-of-the-art technology, he can work with you to build a customised treatment plan around your unique priorities.
Incisions can be placed either on the columella, which is the strip of flesh under the nostrils (“open rhinoplasty”), or entirely inside the nostrils (“closed rhinoplasty”). Dr Milovic will determine which method is right for you after evaluating your needs and simulating the process with the VECTRA®H2 3D system.
Traditionally, rhinoplasty involves the use of a surgical hammer and chisel to break apart and restructure the nasal bones; however, Dr Milovic typically utilises a technique called “ultrasonic rhinoplasty.” This method, which is also known as “Piezo rhinoplasty,” involves a tool called a “Piezoelectric wand” to safely apply high-speed ultrasonic energy to the nasal bones. With the wand, Dr Milovic can both more precisely target the bones and effectively limit contact with surrounding tissue, reducing the opportunity for bruising and other side effects. Whilst ultrasonic rhinoplasty is Dr Milovic’s preferred method, eligibility for this technique will depend on a patient’s specific case, as some aesthetic effects will require a different strategy.
Dr Milovic performs each rhinoplasty procedure in an accredited facility, most often as a day surgery with no need for an overnight stay. Patients can expect rhinoplasty to take up to three hours, and general anaesthesia is typically administered.
What Does Rhinoplasty Recovery Entail?
As he does for each of his patients, Dr Milovic will provide you with personalised instructions to follow as you recover from surgery. Most patients are instructed to take at least two weeks off of work and refrain from strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Some degree of residual bruising and/or swelling is normal and can usually be mitigated with mild pain medications or cold compresses. In addition, you will likely need to wear a splint for approximately 10 days following your rhinoplasty.
What Are the Typical Results of Rhinoplasty?
No matter your specific reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty (e.g. to address a hump, slim the nostrils, etc.), Dr Milovic’s goal is to produce a natural-looking improvement. This is why he uses the VECTRA®H2 3D imaging system to simulate the effects of surgery and is mindful of key aspects of a patient’s identity (such as their race and gender). Rhinoplasty results are permanent, and Dr Milovic wants each of his patients to be proud of their facial enhancement for years to come.
To schedule your initial rhinoplasty consultation with Dr Milovic, please do not hesitate to contact us today.