Rhinoplasty FAQs
How much does a Rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of a Rhinoplasty is dependent on whether the surgery is for functional or cosmetic reasons. Other factors include whether you have private health cover and what level of cover this is. It really does depend on how much work is being done. When you come in for a consultation Dr Roth and his team will work out your out of pocket cost for you.
How much time off work do I need to take?
You will need about one week off work. This can vary depending on your job and how strenuous it is. With different skin types swelling and bruising can last different amounts of time. It is important you talk to Dr Roth in depth about this if you are unsure. For the first three weeks after surgery you will not be able to do any heavy lifting, bending over or vigorous activity.
Will Medicare or insurance cover my rhinoplasty?
Medicare and your private health insurance both make up a schedule fee which is part of your surgery. The level of cover will depend on what type of health insurance you have and what item numbers are part of your procedure. It can often vary how much of a rebate you will receive depending on these variables. If the rhinoplasty is purely for cosmetic purposes there may be no cover from Medicare or your health fund.
Will a rhinoplasty improve my breathing?
There are functional procedures that work to improve your breathing. If you are looking into rhinoplasty for functional reasons it is important you explore what the many causes of this breathing impairment might be with Dr Roth. There are almost always ways to improve breathing with a rhinoplasty procedure.
What is the difference between primary and revision Rhinoplasty?
The difference between a primary Rhinoplasty and a revision Rhinoplasty is that a revision rhinoplasty is when you have already had a rhinoplasty procedure done and you either do not like it or something has not gone to plan. The primary rhinoplasty is when it is your first rhinoplasty procedure.
Is rhinoplasty difficult?
Yes. Rhinoplasty is usually considered the most complicated cosmetic procedure on the body. It is also the most complicated nose and sinus operation.
Can a Rhinoplasty help with my sinus problems?
Yes there are certain procedures that work to improve sinus problems in patients. Dr Roth will explore these different avenues when you are speaking to him in your consult. Find out more here (link to page)
Can a Rhinoplasty help with my snoring?
Yes there are certain procedures that work to improve snoring problems in patients. Dr Roth will explore these different avenues when you are speaking to him in your consult. Find out more here (link to page)
Am I a good cosmetic rhinoplasty candidate?
To be a good rhinoplasty candidate you first of all need have been thinking about changing your nasal appearance for some time. Changing any structure on your face should not be a spur of the moment decision. Your face is linked very closely with your sense of personal identity and it is important to have thoroughly thought things through before proceeding.
A good rhinoplasty candidate has had one or possibly two thorough consultations with their surgeon and understands exactly what is to be undertaken. It is not unreasonable to discuss what you would like changed with your surgeon and then discuss how they would achieve that. Your surgeon should be able to explain this in lay terms.
Individuals with moderate skin thickness usually have the best rhinoplasty results. Very thin skinned patients can have excellent results but there is margin for error. With thin skin any asymmetry of the underlying cartilage will be seen. Patients with very thick skin are sometimes limited in how much the nasal shape can be changed. The thick skin tends to form a kind of cast over the nose that resists any change.
A good rhinoplasty candidate is also realistic about what rhinoplasty can achieve and the chance of minor irregularities after surgery. Most surgeons quote a revision rate of at least 10% in rhinoplasty.
What if I am not happy with my rhinoplasty?
Generally with careful planning rhinoplasty achieves predictable results. Occasionally things do go wrong. This can take the form of unexpected scar tissue pulling structures away from where they were left, breathing problems or minor problems with healing. The nose can also change shape over the years naturally.
Some of these minor problems will correct over time. Others may need a small touch-up procedure in the office. More major problems may require a return to the operating theatre. It is important to understand the policies of your surgeon for what happens if a revision procedure is required.
For patients having a cosmetic rhinoplasty it is also very important to have a very clear idea of what you would like changed in the nose. Revision surgery is frequently much more complicated than the primary procedure and most changes performed in the first surgery can be difficult to reverse.
Can you make my nose perfect?
When we perform cosmetic rhinoplasty we make every effort to create a symmetrical, beautiful nose that closely matches the planned shape. Usually your surgeon will be able to achieve a shape that very closely matches the plan.
Unfortunately the body then goes through an extensive healing phase over a number of months. During this period the new nose will have to resist the negative pressure inward pulling that occurs with breathing, minor bumps to the nose (often done when you are sleeping) as well as the contracting effects of scar tissue as it shortens. Minor asymmetries may occur as well as small irregularities when you feel the bones of the nose. Many of these will disappear with time. Others are not very noticeable. It is never really possible to create a “perfect” nose. Generally we aim to create a nose that looks more aesthetically pleasing, natural and functions better.
