Rhinoplasty Information

Anaesthesia

• Options: General anaesthesia (common) or local anaesthetic with sedation (rare).

Inpatient or Outpatient Stay

• Options: Same-day outpatient procedure or short inpatient stay (overnight), depending on your individual case.

Duration of Surgery

• Approximately 2–6 hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.

After Surgery

Following rhinoplasty, many patients report mild discomfort rather than significant pain (note that the experience of pain is highly individualised). Some swelling, congestion, and mild nasal bleeding/spotting are common in the first 24 hours.
Pain management typically involves simple analgesics (only if required), which will be prescribed to you. Rest is important, and elevating your head with two to three pillows (including pillows at your sides) for seven days can aid recovery.

Additional aftercare includes:

• Use of prescribed nasal decongestant sprays (Oxymetazoline or Xylometazoline) and high volume saline rinses

• Gentle cleansing of suture line at the nostrils with hydrogen peroxide (3%)

• Application of antibiotic ointments as directed

• Swelling and bruising, particularly under the eyes, may occur but generally resolve within one to two weeks.

• Feelings of congestion or low mood can be a normal part of recovery.

Important: Avoid forceful nose blowing for six weeks. Gentle nasal clearing with high volume salt water wash is preferable.

Pain Management

• Pain Score: Typically minimal, controlled with simple painkillers.  Stronger pain killers will be prescribed for you in case your pain is not controlled with simple analgesics.

Nasal Packing

In most cases, internal nasal packing is not used, allowing patients to breathe through their nose post-operatively. Nasal cleaning with saline rinses will be encouraged.

Recovery Timeline

• Return to work: 2 weeks

• Social activities and light travel: 2–3 weeks

• Strenuous activities (exercise, heavy lifting): 6 weeks

Expected Outcomes

Some improvements are visible shortly after splint removal (around 7-10 days post-surgery).
However, it is important to understand that:

• Swelling may persist for 3–12 months.

• Subtle shape changes can occur for up to 5 years post-procedure.

• Final results are typically seen after 1-5 year period.

Revision surgery is very uncommon but can occasionally be required (less than 1%). This is generally considered after tissues have fully settled, approximately 12 months post-surgery.

Duration of Results

• Generally long-term, although natural ageing and lifestyle factors can affect outcomes.

Pre-Operative Instructions

• Fast from midnight before surgery unless otherwise directed.  You need to be fasted at least 6 hours prior to your surgery.

• Avoid heavy, fatty meals the evening before.

• Certain medications may need to be taken with a sip of water (you will be advised).

• Shower and shampoo the night before and again the morning of surgery using an anti-microbial wash (containing Tea Tree Oil, Chlorhexidine, or Cetramide).

• Remove all facial and nasal piercings.

• Trim nasal hair carefully with scissors.

• Avoid alcohol, smoking, herbal supplements, and anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen, naproxen, fish oil, vitamin E) for two weeks before and after surgery.

• Maintain good hydration and a healthy diet rich in green leafy vegetables.

Skin preparation using a specialised skincare regime may be recommended to optimise healing.

Immediate Post-Operative Care

• Inform nursing staff immediately if you experience pain, nausea, or discomfort.

• Prevent injury to the nose by minimising activity and keeping your heart rate low.

• Sleep with your head elevated for two weeks post-surgery.  Do this only if it does not interfere with your sleeping.

• Cleanse your nostrils gently using 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment as directed.

• Regular nasal rinsing with saline sprays (4–6 times daily) is essential for healing.

• Avoid forceful nose blowing (for two weeks) and heavy physical activities (for 6 weeks).

• Follow medication instructions, including any antibiotics or decongestants prescribed.

• Avoid wearing glasses that rest on the bridge of the nose for at least 6 weeks (alternatives such as forehead taping may be advised).

Note: Various degrees of swelling, bruising, or nasal congestion are normal parts of recovery.

Monitoring After Surgery

Please contact the practice immediately if you experience:

• A sustained elevated temperature

• Severe or escalating pain

• Significant redness or heat at the surgical site

Regular post-operative appointments will be scheduled to monitor healing progress.

Cost of Rhinoplasty in Perth

Understanding the Costs of Your Surgery

• The total cost of your surgery depends on several factors and includes fees from different providers who are involved in your care. Here’s what you need to know:

   

  1. Surgical Fee

  • This is the fee for Specialist surgeon’s services and is based on the complexity of your surgery and the surgeon’s expertise and experience.

  • You will receive a detailed surgical fee estimate after your consultation outlining the possible inclusion of any Medicare and Private health insurance rebates .

   The cost of rhinoplasty varies depending on individual needs, the complexity of the surgery, and the surgeon's expertise. The surgical costs vary between $5,000-$35,000.00.

  2. Hospital Fees

  • These include costs for your hospital admission and operating room use, charged on an hourly basis.

  • Quotes are provided directly by the accredited hospitals where your surgeon operates at.

  • If your procedure meets certain clinical criteria, private health insurance may cover some or all of these fees, especially if the surgery qualifies under the Medicare Benefits Schedule (MBS).

  • Our staff will guide you through obtaining this quote.

   

  3. Anaesthetist Fees

  • If general anaesthesia is required, a specialist anaesthetist (FRANZCA-accredited) will be involved.

  • They charge separately and will provide their own hourly rate quote.

  • Again, we’ll assist you in connecting with them to obtain the necessary details.

  • You do not have to source an anaesthetist; we have set specialist anaesthetist who work with your surgeon on designated dates.

   

  4. Other Incidental Costs

  • These may include:

  o Medications

  o Post-surgery garments

  o Travel or hotel stays (especially if you're coming from outside the Perth metropolitan area)

   

  Important Notes

  • We are only able to provide the quote for the surgical fee. Hospital and anaesthetist fees are separate and managed independently.

  • Our team is here to support and guide you through obtaining all the necessary quotes.

  • Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply if your surgery is deemed medically necessary and includes an eligible MBS item number.  

  If you have any questions or need help at any stage, please don’t hesitate to reach out—our friendly staff are here to assist you.

   
  

Important Considerations

• All surgical procedures carry risks, including infection, bleeding, and complications related to anaesthesia.

• Individual results can vary based on anatomy, healing response, and lifestyle factors.

• Before proceeding, it is advisable to seek a second opinion from a qualified specialist surgeon.

• Information provided here is general in nature and does not replace personalised medical advice.

• A referral from your general practitioner is required to consult with a specialist surgeon.

  
  

  Rhinoplasty with Dr. Imani — FAQ

  ---

  1. What type of anaesthesia is used?

  Answer:
  General anaesthesia or local anaesthetic with sedation.

  ---

  2. Is it inpatient or outpatient surgery?

  Answer:
  It can be either a short-stay inpatient (overnight) or an outpatient (same-day discharge).

  ---

  3. How long does rhinoplasty surgery take?

  Answer:
  Approximately 2–6 hours.

  ---

  4. What should I expect immediately after surgery?

  Answer:

  • Minimal pain (note that the experience of  pain is highly individual), managed with simple painkillers.

  • Nose bleeds and nasal congestion in the first 5-7 days

  • Elevate your head with pillows for 14 days, if it does not interfere with your sleep. 

  • Use prescribed nasal saline douches, hydrogen peroxide (3%) to clean the suture line, and antibiotic ointment.

  • Swelling and bruising under the eyes usually resolves within a week or two.

  ---

  5. How painful is rhinoplasty recovery?

  Answer:
  Pain is minimal and typically relieved with simple painkillers. The experience of pain is very individual as pain is perceived differently by all patients.  

  ---

  6. Will I have nasal packing after surgery?

  Answer:
  Dr. Imani almost never uses nasal packing, allowing you to breathe through your nose upon waking. Packs will only be used in cases of severe bleeding.

  ---

  7. When can I return to work or regular activities?

  Answer:

  • Work: 2 weeks

  • Social/recreational activities: 2–3 weeks

  • Strenuous activities and exercise: 6 weeks

  • Avoid impact sports and direct sun exposure: 6–8 weeks

  ---

  8. When will I see final results?

  Answer:

  • Noticeable improvements after splint removal (14 days)

  • Long-term results take 6–24 months, up to 5 years due to residual swelling and tissue remodelling.

  ---

  9. How long do rhinoplasty results last?

  Answer:
  The results are long-term.

  ---

  10. How much does rhinoplasty with Dr. Imani cost?

  Answer: 

  You will be provided with a detailed surgical quote estimate following your consultation.  Further, seperate costs for provision of anaesthesia  by a  FRANZCA accredited anaesthetist and hospital admission fees may apply, depending on the level of your private health insurance.

  ---

  11. What should I do before surgery?

  Answer:

  • Fasting: No food or fluids from midnight before surgery.  Six hour prior to surgery.

  • Medications: Take daily essential medications only, as advised.

  • Hygiene: Shower and shampoo with antimicrobial soap the night before and morning of surgery.

  • Avoid: Smoking, alcohol, aspirin, herbal supplements, heavy fatty meals.

  • Prepare: Trim nasal hairs, remove facial piercings, and arrange transport and supervision for 24 hours post-surgery.

  • Skin care: Begin IMANI Specialized Skincare Regime 2 weeks before surgery as advised.

  ---

  12. What are the instructions for the day of surgery?

  Answer:

  • Wash your face and hair.

  • No food or water after waking up.

  • Take regular medications with a small sip of water if allowed. Unless advised otherwise by Dr Imani.

  • Remove all makeup, contact lenses, and valuables.

  • Men should shave.

  • Organise transport home and supervision.

  ---

  13. What should I expect immediately after surgery?

  Answer:

  • Inform nurses if you experience pain or nausea.

  • Prevent injury to the nose; avoid exertion.

  • Clean nostrils gently using 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment.

  • Regular nasal irrigation with saline washes.

  • Sleep with your head elevated (30–45 degrees) for 2 weeks, if it does not interfere with your sleep.

  • Stick to a cold diet and avoid bending or heavy activity. Icy slushes are the best for the first 48 hours.

  ---

  14. How do I care for my nose after surgery?

  Answer:

  • Clean nostrils with 3% hydrogen peroxide and apply antibiotic ointment twice a day.

  • Wash nose 4–6 times daily with saline wash.

  • Use the prescribed Oxymetazoline nasal spray (for 5 days only).

  • Continue prescribed antibiotics.

  • Massage the nose starting 7–14 days after surgery as instructed.

  • Avoid wetting the nasal cast.

  ---

  15. Are there any restrictions after surgery?

  Answer:

  • No heavy exercise (running/jumping) or direct sun exposure for 6 weeks.

  • Avoid wearing glasses on the bridge of the nose for 6 weeks (tape glasses to forehead if needed), or wear contact lenses.

  • Avoid wide mouth smiling, excessive facial movements, and vigorous chewing for 1–2 weeks.

  • Wear front-fastening clothing.

  ---

  16. What are warning signs to report to Dr. Imani?

  Answer:

  • Fever or elevated temperature.

  • Uncontrollable pain or headaches.

  • Excessive redness, swelling, or feeling unwell.

  ---

  17. What is the follow-up schedule after surgery?

  Answer:

  • 7–14 days post-op: Splint removal by Dr. Imani.

  • New nasal tapes may rarely be applied for another 7–10 days.

  • Start gentle massage of the nose.

  • Continue nasal irrigation and antibiotic ointment application.

  ---

  18. Are there any risks with rhinoplasty?

  Answer:
  Yes, all surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. Individual results vary. You should always seek a second opinion and consult your GP before proceeding.  

  
  

  19. What are the specific risks of rhinoplasty?

  Answer:

  1. General anaesthesia and its inherent risks, including death, allergic reactions, airway compromise, dental injury, DVT/PE, AMI, CVA.

  2. Bleeding :1% risk of serious bleeding requiring packing or surgery, 100% risk of slight to small bleed in the immediate and medium post-operative period

  3. Bruising/Ecchymosis – 10-20% of the patients bruise under/around the eyes

  4. Infection - Acute and Chronic/Recurrent – less than 1%

  5. Swelling in the short, medium and long term/Steroid injection and risk of dermal atrophy

  6. Recurrent long term swelling

  7. Contour irregularities – 100% to palpation

  8. Septal Perforation - rare

  9. Anosmia/Hyposmia/Dysosmia: sense of smell can be interrupted, transient usually return to normal

  10. Over correction and under correction - rare

  11. Recurrence of the problems which were present initially – 100% risk of some recurrence

  12. Nasal tip numbness 6-12 months and oedema up to 5 years

  13. Nasal asymmetry both in airway and contour – 100%

  14. Nasal obstruction/Vasomotor rhinitis/Rhinorrhoea/Gustatory Rhinorrhoea – Transient 6/12

  15. Smile and lip position variation/change – 100% with a preexisting droopy tip

  16. Columella scar – hypertrophic and or keloid, Columella loss – very rare

  17. Skin damage and scarring/Pigment changes – very rare

  18. Revision surgery/Reconstructive Surgery less than 1 %

  19. Eye injury/Orbital injury/tear duct injury/Blindness/Corneal injury – very rare

  20. Patient dissatisfaction/Suboptimal result – short term 5%, long term less than 1%

  21. Rib graft: scar-related problems (2.9%), pleural tear (0.6%), infection (0.6%), seroma (0.6%), severe donor site pain (0.2%), and pneumothorax (0.1%). Warping (5.2%), infection (2.5%), graft resorption (0.9%), displacement/extrusion (0.6%), and graft fracture (0.2%)

  22. Ear pain and paraesthesia/deformity, scarring, numbness, if conchal graft is used

  23. Intracranial injury/infection/CSF leak/Carotid-cavernous fistula – very rare

  24. Acute or chronic sinusitis/Silent sinus syndrome - rare

  25. Contact dermatitis - rare

  26. Nasopalatine nerve injury- Incisor numbness: transient, can last up to 3 months

  27. Reassurance demand – very common

  28. Psychological disturbance-short and long term/Adjustment disorder – moderately rare

  29. Intranasal scarring/Intranasal packing/Splints - rare

  30. External nasal deformities – Polly beak, inverted V - rare

  31. Nasal valve collapse - rare

  32. Nasal stenosis – very rare

  33. Recurrent meningitis – extremely rare

  34. Olegranuloma – extremely rare

  35. Dorsal cyst – extremely rare

  36. Change in voice – transient, rare

  37. Empty nose syndrome – extremely rare

  
  

  Important Information and Disclaimers:

  • Any surgical or non-surgical procedure carries risks.

  •  Individual outcomes, results, experience and recovery times vary based on individual’s genetics, environmental factors, diet, exercise, sun protection, smoking and general health. Individual’s outcomes are only relevant for that individual and they do not necessarily reflect or guarantee the same outcome for another individual given the same treatment.

  •  The information provided is general and educational in nature.

  •  It does not constitute medical advice nor replace consultation with a qualified health professional.

  •  We encourage all patients to seek a second opinion and consult their general practitioner for a referral before engaging in a surgical and non-surgical consultation with us.

  Still have questions?

  Contact us to arrange your consultation with Dr Imani.