The operation is performed under a general anaesthetic and takes between 2-3 hours. Dr Rahdon usually performs Rhinoplasty as day surgery although occasionally one night in hospital may be required.

There are a number of ways rhinoplasty can be performed depending on the specific features of the nose to be corrected.

In some cases the operation can be done with all the incisions (cuts) hidden on the inside of the nose- a “closed” rhinoplasty. In most cases however an “open” rhinoplasty is performed. Here most of the incisions are still on the inside of the nose but there is an additional small incision on the skin of the nose half way down the columella (the thin piece of skin in the midline between the tip of the nose and the upper lip. Through these access incisions, the nose is reshaped by a number of techniques. Aspects that can be addressed include reducing any hump on the top of the nose, augmenting flatness with cartilage grafts, straightening the nose, narrowing the bridge by resetting the bones of the nose, straightening the septum to improve the air passages and altering the tip of the nose by either reshaping and sculpting the existing cartilage, or adding more cartilage to give better support.

Of course, not all these techniques are required in every rhinoplasty, and some operations may be simpler, whilst others may be very complex. The wounds are then closed with dissolving stitches and the nose is covered with a splint support.

Not everyone is suitable for a rhinoplasty. Suitability is a matter for you and Dr. Rahdon to discuss, following an analysis of your medical history and a thorough clinical consultation. If you are suitable, Dr. Rahdon will discuss the details of the operation with you during your consultation.

The aims of surgery are to change the shape of your nose to suit your desire, and to preserve or improve the airway. The operation can be very successful at improving the balance and proportion between the nose and the rest of the facial features. It usually results in a better airway if a septoplasty is also performed.

In a closed rhinoplasty all the scars are hidden within the inside of each nostril. In an open rhinoplasty there is an additional scar on the skin of the nose half way down the columella (the thin piece of skin in the midline between the tip of the nose and the upper lip). The type of rhinoplasty performed will depend on what results you are hoping to achieve and the complexity of the surgery involved. In the vast majority of cases Mr Rahdon performs an open rhinoplasty.

A rhinoplasty is not a particularly painful procedure. An anaesthetist will monitor you to ensure that you are completely comfortable before, during and after your operation. The procedure is performed under general anaesthesia (fully asleep) and local anaesthetic is used so that when patients wake up from the surgery they will be comfortable. On discharge from hospital, any discomfort can usually be managed with simple tablet type painkillers such as paracetamol.

Bruising and swelling can last for several weeks following surgery. The splint and dressings are removed 1 week after the operation and most people feel able to return to work 2 weeks after the surgery. Patients should refrain from contact sports for 3 months.

After your procedure is completed, a splint is placed on the outside of your nose to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.

This splint is to be worn for the first week, then at night for a further 2 weeks. You may have slightly limited breathing capacity initially but this is normal and to be expected.

You will be given specific instructions to follow during your recovery from rhinoplasty, but in general there is not too much to do other than to avoid blowing your nose for 2 weeks and to protect your new nose.

Dr Rahdon likes to review his patients regularly. You will be called by one of his nurses the night of your procedure or the next day to ensure that you are comfortable and if you have any questions or concerns they can be addressed. You will be required to see Dr Rahdon at 1 week, then at regular intervals following this. 

You should expect swelling for the first 72 hours; this can be both of the nose and surrounding areas such as the cheeks and eyes. Bruising can also occur especially if the nasal bones have been reset. This swelling and bruising will subside in the first few days and although mild swelling can persist for up to 6 months, in a lot of cases this is so minor that patients tend not to notice or worry.

The improvement in the appearance of the nose will be immediately apparent following removal of the splint at the one week review. However, there will be some bruising and swelling which may last several weeks. There will be some residual swelling and firmness lasting several months. The final result can usually be judged at around 9 months following surgery. The tip of the nose takes a few months to regain its normal sensation.

Other surgical procedures can be done at the same time. Dr Rahdon often performs other surgeries such as tummy tucks and breast surgery at the same time as a rhinoplasty. Other smaller procedures such as removal of moles or skin lesions and TCA peels may also be performed on the same day as your rhinoplasty.

A review of your GP referral, completion of a Body Dysmorphic Disorder form and your patient information. You will be required to complete a registration form and your medical history will be reviewed and assessed. For those considering cosmetic surgery, Dr Rahdon will spend plenty of time with you discussing your specific concerns as well as the possible procedural options that you may benefit from. Photographs will usually be taken and you will receive an information pack. It is strongly encouraged that you learn about your procedure of interest prior to your first consultation with Dr Rahdon. If you have a date in mind for your surgery, it may be booked during your first or subsequent consultation.

For larger procedures you will often be encouraged to attend a second consultation. This allows time for you to consider all the information you have been given, prepare questions and conduct your own research. It also allows time for a cost estimate to be prepared and sent to you. A suitable date and time for your surgery will be organized.

An initial consultation with Dr Rahdon is $260. You will receive a rebate from Medicare of $78.05. The first consultation for rhinoplasty generally lasts about 45 minutes to an hour. A consultation with Dr Rahdon is always required to determine suitability and decide on the rhinoplasty method and of course to have all your questions answered thoroughly.

Yes, GP referrals are mandatory for all cosmetic surgery procedures.

Any operation carries with it the risk of complication. Major complications, however are uncommon following a rhinoplasty. As with any operation the main risks include bleeding, infection, haematoma, adverse reactions to anaesthesia and scarring. Fortunately with correct post operative care these are rare.

During your initial consultation Dr. Rahdon will have a full discussion with you about the risks and complications of surgery. It is important that you should be reassured that Dr. Rahdon will not agree to perform any cosmetic procedure on you unless he feels the benefits significantly outweigh the risks.

We have a large number of patients who travel to Geelong in order to have their surgery performed by Dr Rahdon. It is expected that you be available for review appointments when required.

With all surgical procedures there are three costs that need to be considered. These are the surgical fee, the anaesthetic fee and the hospital fee. For those with private health insurance your theatre and bed fee may be covered unless you have an excess. The anaesthetic fee and hospital fee are dependent on the duration of the operation. Following your initial consultation you will be provided with a written estimate of the fees involved for the procedure.

Your surgical fee is required three weeks prior to surgery, as is your anaesthetic fee. The hospital fee and any medications you are sent home with will be paid on the day of your surgery to the hospital.

• Dr Rahdon is a highly skilled plastic surgeon and an expert in rhinoplasty surgery.
• We are able to offer you the best facilities- St John of God Day Surgery Centre has been voted the best surgery centre in Australia for 3 years running. It also boasts some of the best personnel- nurses, theatre nurses, anaesthetists etc.
• We are able to offer you the best post-operative care with on-call nursing follow-up and regular reviews with Dr Rahdon to ensure you are 100% happy with your beautiful new nose. Geelong also has a plastic surgeon on-call at all times.
• Post-operative laser scar revision is complimentary at Body Recon Cosmetic Clinic.
• We are able to provide you with revisionary surgery where required- a luxury not offered for overseas surgeries.
• We provide the most up to date methods and technology with rhinoplasty surgery.