Rhinoplasty is one of the most researched procedures patients consider before booking a consultation.
They arrive having watched videos, read forums, and formed opinions about techniques and surgeons, often before speaking to anyone qualified to assess their face.
That research is not wasted, but it is easier to process when it is organised.
This guide covers the essential topics in a logical order, from understanding what rhinoplasty is to knowing how to choose the right surgeon. Each section is a starting point rather than a complete treatment, and where we have covered a topic in more depth elsewhere in this series, we have noted it.
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that changes the shape, size, or structural function of the nose. It may be performed for cosmetic reasons, functional ones, or both. Because the nose sits at the centre of the face and is essential for breathing, any surgical change to it must account for appearance and function together.
The procedure is technically demanding and highly individual. No two noses are the same, and no two rhinoplasty plans should be either.
Rhinoplasty can serve different purposes depending on what a patient needs. Two of the most commonly misunderstood are ethnic and functional rhinoplasty, both of which are worth understanding before consultation.
Nasal characteristics vary considerably across ethnic backgrounds, and the goals a patient brings to consultation will often reflect both personal preference and cultural identity. Ethnic rhinoplasty is not a separate technique so much as a considered approach to planning: one that treats the patient’s heritage as a feature to be respected, not corrected.
A surgeon working in this space should be able to demonstrate results across a range of backgrounds and skin types. The question is never whether a nose should conform to a particular standard, but what the patient wants and what genuinely serves their face.
Functional rhinoplasty addresses structural problems that affect breathing. Common causes include a deviated septum, a narrowed nasal valve, or structural changes following injury.
Many patients are surprised to learn that functional and cosmetic goals can be addressed in the same procedure, often using overlapping surgical steps. A surgeon who evaluates both will produce outcomes that are more stable over the long term.
For much of rhinoplasty’s history, making a nose smaller meant removing material: shaving bone, trimming cartilage, reducing the overall structure. The results were sometimes dramatic, but they carried a risk of structural weakening that could become apparent years later.
Preservation rhinoplasty takes a different approach. Rather than removing the existing framework, the surgeon repositions or refines it, keeping the cartilage and bone largely intact. Results tend to look more like the patient’s own nose, corrected, and hold their shape more predictably over time.
Neither approach is universally superior. The right technique depends on what a patient’s nose specifically requires, and a good surgeon will explain their reasoning rather than defaulting to a single method. We cover this topic in full in a separate post in this series.
Many patients who consider rhinoplasty have been thinking about their nose for years. Surgery can genuinely improve facial balance and confidence. What it cannot do is resolve a broader uncertainty about appearance or meet expectations that go beyond what any physical change can deliver.
Surgeons who take this seriously spend time in consultation understanding what is driving the request, not just what the patient wants changed. A patient who is emotionally prepared and realistic about outcomes is far more likely to be satisfied with their result.
Several widespread misconceptions about rhinoplasty are worth addressing directly:
Most first-time patients focus heavily on the surgery itself and underestimate how much the post-operative period shapes the final outcome. Recovery and the possibility of revision are both worth understanding before you commit.
Recovery after rhinoplasty follows a broadly predictable pattern. A protective splint is worn for the first week. Bruising fades through week two, and most patients return to daily activities within ten to fourteen days.
The final result takes considerably longer. The nasal bridge approaches its final shape within three to six months, but the tip may continue to refine for up to twelve months or beyond in patients with thicker skin. We cover the full timeline in detail in a dedicated post in this series.
Some patients seek a second procedure to refine a result that has not fully met expectations, or to address a functional concern that has emerged during healing. Revision rhinoplasty is more technically demanding than primary surgery, because previous procedures alter the internal environment of the nose and leave less structural material to work with.
Patients considering revision are generally advised to wait at least twelve months after their original procedure before making a decision. An independent assessment from an experienced surgeon is a sensible first step.
Rhinoplasty is one of the few surgical fields where the difference between practitioners is wide enough to affect the outcome significantly. Technical skill, aesthetic judgement, and the willingness to communicate honestly all contribute in ways that cannot be separated.
Reviewing before-and-after photographs is a useful starting point, but what those photographs show matters more than how many there are. Look for results that are consistent, natural, and comparable to your own situation.
A surgeon who explains their approach clearly in consultation, and who is specific about what your nose can and cannot achieve, is demonstrating the same clinical judgement they will bring to surgery.
Dr Sim Lew-Gor practises rhinoplasty with a focus on structural preservation, facial harmony, and results that remain stable as the face ages. Every procedure is planned individually, with attention to nasal structure, skin characteristics, functional requirements, and the relationship between the nose and the rest of the face.
Every plan centres on refinement rather than transformation. Patients should look like themselves, only more balanced, rather than like someone who has undergone a procedure. This reflects a broader commitment to surgery that serves the patient’s face rather than demonstrating what surgery is capable of doing.
If you are considering rhinoplasty and would like to understand what is possible for your face specifically, a consultation with Dr Lew-Gor is the right starting point.
Consultations are available in Melbourne and Wagga Wagga. Dr Lew-Gor will assess your nasal structure, discuss your goals, and outline a surgical approach appropriate to your circumstances. There is no obligation to proceed, and no decision needs to be made on the day.
To arrange a consultation, contact Vitae Aesthetica directly.
A guide like this one is a reasonable first step. The more useful second step is a consultation where a surgeon can look at your face specifically, rather than describing rhinoplasty in general.
Every productive conversation about rhinoplasty begins with what a particular patient’s nose requires.
Is rhinoplasty always a cosmetic procedure?
Not always. Many patients have functional concerns, such as breathing difficulties, that can be addressed alongside cosmetic goals. A thorough consultation will assess both.
What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty?
Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, to allow direct access to the nasal structures. Closed rhinoplasty is performed entirely through the nostrils with no external incision. The choice depends on the nature and complexity of the corrections required.
How do I know which approach is right for me?
This is determined through consultation rather than self-assessment. A surgeon will evaluate your nasal structure, discuss your goals, and explain which approach is appropriate. Finding a surgeon who can articulate clearly what your nose requires, and why, matters more than the terminology.
Can rhinoplasty be performed under local anaesthetic?
Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed under general anaesthesia, particularly when structural corrections are part of the plan. Your surgeon will confirm what is appropriate for your circumstances.
How far in advance should I book a consultation?
Wait times vary depending on availability. Contacting Vitae Aesthetica directly will give you the most accurate indication of current scheduling.
