Nose Surgery & Reshaping

How is rhinoplasty performed?

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthetic in St. Georges, Forte Health and Southern Cross Hospital in Christchurch. While you are asleep, the skin of your nose is lifted away from the cartilage and bony skeleton so that the cartilage and bone can be reshaped. The appropriate operative plan is decided at a pre-surgery consultation with Dr. Kenton-Smith. Most rhinoplasties involve refining the upper two thirds of the nose, as well as the tip. Rhinoplasty may also include removing a hump, if present. After the desired reshaping, the nose is stitched and a splint applied. Temporary packing may be placed inside the nose to support healing.

Rhinoplasty surgery generally takes 1-2 hours. Following surgery you will be taken to Recovery and then 2 hours later to the Ward. Most patients prefer an overnight stay during which cold ice packs are applied to the eyes to minimise bruising. Patients then leave hospital after review the following morning.

How long do I need off work?

Most patients take two weeks off work while they recover. At this stage there may still be some bruising, although a person's general appearance is socially acceptable, especially with foundation. Dr. Kenton-Smith will review your results at one week, when he will remove your stitches and nasal splint.

How long will it take to see my final result?

When the splint is removed at one week, much of the nose reshaping is visible. Swelling gradually settles over the following weeks. The final result from rhinoplasty takes approximately one year to be seen, although a very good idea of it is visible at 2-3 weeks.

What are the risks of surgery?

There is small chance of nose bleeds in the first few weeks after surgery. Long-term minor irregularities of the nose may become visible up to a year following surgery. Approximately 10% of rhinoplasties require touch-ups. In the case of straightening a very crooked nose it is unrealistic to expect perfect symmetry.

How much does it cost?

The approximate cost of rhinoplasty surgery, including hospital costs, anaesthetic costs and surgeon's fee is around $19,000. A more exact price guide will be calculated after your consultation with Dr Kenton-Smith.

Dr Kenton-Smith can see and advise patients on secondary rhinoplasty, these are patients who have been previously operated on by other surgeons and who still wish to have further surgery. These patients will be encouraged to return to their original surgeon in the first instance, if possible. The approximate cost of secondary rhinoplasty surgery, including hospital costs, anaesthetic costs and surgeon's fee is around $23,000. A more exact price guide will be provided should secondary rhinoplasty with Dr Kenton-Smith be advised.