Rhinoplasty Perth
Rhinoplasty in Perth: what you need to know
Your nose plays a major role in how your face looks and how well you breathe.
Maybe you’ve always wanted a more balanced shape, or perhaps an old injury has left you with a crooked nose and breathing issues. Whether it’s for cosmetic or functional reasons, rhinoplasty (often referred to as ‘nose surgery’) is one of the most precise and transformative procedures in facial plastic surgery.
But what does it actually involve? How long is the recovery? And will it look natural? Here’s what you need to know before making a decision.
What's covered
What rhinoplasty can and can’t do
Rhinoplasty is about refinement and improvement, not perfection. The goal is to bring balance to your features while maintaining a natural look.
What rhinoplasty can do
- Refine the size or shape of your nose
- Remove a nasal hump
- Reshape the tip or bridge
- Adjust nostril width
- Straighten or reshape a crooked or misshapen nose
- Change the angle between the nose and upper lip
- Correct and enhance breathing function
- Augment the nasal bridge (augmentation rhinoplasty)
- Correct congenital deformities such as a cleft nose and lip
What rhinoplasty won’t do
- Make you look like a completely different person
- Guarantee a ‘perfect’ nose
- Stop natural ageing changes
Why people choose rhinoplasty
Some people have never liked the shape of their nose. Others struggle with constant nasal congestion or obstruction due to a deviated septum or past injury. If you’re thinking about rhinoplasty, it’s important to ask yourself:
- Am I doing this for myself, not because of pressure from others?
- Do I have realistic expectations about the outcome?
- Have I researched a qualified surgeon who understands both aesthetics and function?
If the answer is yes, rhinoplasty might be worth exploring.
Types of rhinoplasty
Not all nose surgeries are the same. The right approach depends on your concerns, facial structure, and goals.
- Cosmetic rhinoplasty i
- Functional rhinoplasty i
- Revision rhinoplasty i
A consultation with Dr Tuan Pham will determine the best approach for you.
What is the earliest age for rhinoplasty?
Your nose needs to be fully developed before surgery. That’s around 15–16 years for females and 16–17 years for males.
But there are exceptions—if breathing problems are severe, surgery may be done earlier. On the other end, rhinoplasty can be performed up to around 80 years old, as long as you’re in good health.
If you’re unsure whether now is the right time, a consultation with Dr Pham can help you decide.
What can be done for a low nasal bridge or underdeveloped nose?
If your nose has a low nasal bridge or a small, round tip—common in some ethnic backgrounds (such as East Asian) or due to genetics, trauma, or past surgery—rhinoplasty can help enhance the shape and bring better balance to your face.
To build up the bridge or refine the tip, two main approaches are used:
- Autologous material (from your own body) – Cartilage (from the nose, ear, or rib), bone, or fascia
- Synthetic implants – Gortex, or Medpor
- Homograft Material – Cadaver Costal Cartilage
Each option has its pros and cons. Dr Pham usually prefers natural tissue (autologous) first and only uses synthetic implants if needed.
A consultation will help determine the best approach for your nose shape and goals.
Combining cosmetic treatments
Rhinoplasty isn’t always just about the nose—it’s about how it fits with the rest of your face. In some cases, adding another procedure can enhance your overall balance and create a more natural, harmonious look.
- One of the most common combinations is rhinoplasty with chin surgery. If your chin is small or recessed, it can make the nose appear larger than it really is. A chin implant or mentoplasty (chin reshaping) can improve facial proportions, creating a stronger, more balanced profile.
Other procedures often combined with rhinoplasty include:
- Eyelid surgery (blepharoplasty) – Refreshes tired-looking eyes
- Brow lift – Lifts sagging brows and smooths forehead lines, complementing the refined look of your nose.
- Face lift – Addresses lower-face sagging and jowls, often performed alongside rhinoplasty for those looking for full-face rejuvenation.
- Lip lift – correct a long upper lip and enhance hormone with nasal tip.
- Cheek surgery – restore volume to hollow cheeks reducing the appearance of nasal length
The right combination depends on your facial structure and goals. Dr Pham will assess your features and discuss whether additional treatments could help create the most natural, well-balanced result.
Not sure about nose surgery? Here’s what to consider
Rhinoplasty is a big decision, and it’s natural to feel unsure. You might be worried about how different you’ll look, whether the results will suit your face, or if you’ll regret making a change.
That’s where VECTRA 3D imaging comes in.
This advanced technology allows you to see a preview of your potential results before committing to nose surgery. Here’s how it works:
- A 3D image of your face is taken in Dr Pham’s office, giving a realistic starting point.
- Using special simulation software, different changes to your nose are applied in real time, so you can explore how it could look after surgery.
- You and Dr Pham can review the options together, making sure that the proposed changes match your personal goals and facial proportions.
- Once you’ve found a look you feel comfortable with, this simulation becomes the foundation for your surgical plan.
- Please note: The simulation is for illustrative purposes only and does not guarantee a perfect outcome.
The entire process takes only 10–15 minutes, giving you clarity and confidence before making any decisions.
If you’re unsure whether rhinoplasty is right for you, this technology can help you visualise the possibilities—before you even step into facial surgery.
What happens during rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is one of the most customised surgeries, as every nose is different. Here’s an overview of the process:
- The anaesthesia – Surgery is done under general anaesthesia to keep you comfortable.
- The incisions – Depending on the technique, incisions are made inside the nostrils (closed rhinoplasty) or with a small cut under the nose (open rhinoplasty).
- The reshaping – Cartilage and bone are adjusted to achieve the desired structure. In some cases, additional cartilage (from the septum, rib or ear) may be used for support.
- The duration – Most rhinoplasty procedures take two to four hours, but complex cases may take longer.
- The splint & packing – A soft nasal pack is placed inside the nose to stop bleeding and is removed the next morning, or alternatively a dissolvable pack may be used. A small external cast (thermal splint) is worn for one week to protect the nose.
- The recovery – A splint is placed on the nose to help with healing. Swelling and bruising are common but improve over time.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is a safe and well-performed procedure, but like any surgery, there are potential risks. Dr Pham follows the highest standards to reduce complications, but some issues can still occur.
General risks of surgery:
- Infection – may require antibiotics
- Bleeding or blood clots – can cause swelling or fluid buildup (seroma)
- Sore throat – from the breathing tube used during anaesthesia
- Scarring – incisions are usually well-hidden, but some scars may become raised (hypertrophic or keloid)
Specific risks of rhinoplasty:
- Nasal blockage – temporary swelling inside the nose can cause congestion
- Persistent swelling – can take 18 months to fully settle, especially at the tip
- Changes in sensation – numbness or reduced feeling, usually temporary (the nasal tip will take 6 months and the lip will take 6 weeks)
- Breathing difficulties – rare but may require further treatment
- Asymmetry – subtle differences between the left and right sides of the nose
- Unsatisfactory appearance – some patients may want a revision to refine results
- Cartilage or bone irregularities – may require additional adjustments
- Skin changes – rare cases of skin thinning or irritation over grafts or implants
- Prolonged healing – final results take 12–24 months as swelling gradually improves
While these risks exist, most patients heal well and are happy with their results. Dr Pham will assess your specific concerns and discuss how to achieve the best outcome for you.
What about scarring?
One of the biggest concerns people have is whether rhinoplasty will leave noticeable scars. The good news is that modern techniques minimise visible scarring.
- In closed rhinoplasty, all incisions are inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scars
- In open rhinoplasty, the small incision under the nose fades significantly over time and is imperceptible
What to expect after nose surgery: post-recovery timeline
Healing from rhinoplasty takes time, and patience is key. Here’s a general timeline:
Swelling and bruising peak. A small cast is placed on the nose for protection and is removed after a week. By then, much of the swelling will have improved.
Most bruising fades, and many people feel comfortable returning to work and social activities.
About 60% of swelling has subsided, but subtle changes are still happening.
80% of swelling is gone, and the nose shape continues to refine.
90% of swelling has resolved, but some minor changes may still occur.
The final result is fully visible as the skin settles and adapts to the new nasal framework.
Most people are back to their usual routine in about two weeks, but sticking to post-op care is key to getting the best results.
What pain relief can I take after rhinoplasty?
Take only the medications prescribed by Dr Pham. For pain relief, you can use:
- Paracetamol (Panadol)
- Stronger painkillers like Panadeine Forte, Celebrex, Tramadol, or Tapentadol
- Antibiotics (if prescribed)
Avoid Aspirin, Plavix, Ibuprofen, and other anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks after surgery, as they can increase bleeding.
If you’re taking blood-thinning medication like Warfarin, let Dr Pham know before your procedure.
How do I keep my nose clean after rhinoplasty?
It’s important to keep the inside of your nose clean and moist while healing. This helps with comfort and reduces the risk of infection.
Use a saltwater rinse 4–6 times a day to flush out any dried blood or mucus. You can buy a pre-made saline solution like FESS or Flo from the chemist or make your own using Dr Pham’s formula:
- 500ml of cooled, boiled water
- 1 teaspoon of sea salt
- 1 teaspoon of baking soda
- Mix well and use a 5ml syringe or squeeze bottle to irrigate your nostrils.
If you have a FESS or Flo bottle, you can reuse it by filling it with this homemade solution.
How do I rinse my nose properly?
- Bend over a sink and gently irrigate each nostril, letting the solution drain out.
- Don’t inhale or swallow the liquid.
- Repeat 4 times per nostril, 4 times a day, for 6 weeks.
When can I blow my nose or sneeze normally?
- After 1 day, you can gently blow your nose.
- If you need to sneeze, do it with your mouth open to reduce the risk of bleeding.
- After 2 weeks, you can blow your nose more normally.
- By 3 weeks, you should be able to resume your usual routine.
Real talk: is rhinoplasty worth it?
This isn’t about chasing perfection—it’s about feeling more confident in your own skin. If you’re constantly adjusting your nose in the mirror or struggling with nasal congestion, rhinoplasty could make a real difference.
What’s next? (Your options & next steps)
- Not sure if rhinoplasty is the right choice? A consultation can give you clarity on what’s possible.
- Thinking about a minor adjustment? Non-surgical options like dermal fillers can reshape the nose without plastic surgery.
- Struggling with blocked breathing? A detailed assessment can determine if structural issues are the cause.
Dr Tuan Pham will walk you through your options—straightforward, expert advice with no pressure.
Let’s talk!
Still have questions? Let’s chat.
- Book a consultation to discuss your goals.
- Follow Dr Tuan Pham on Instagram for insights, tips, and before-and-after examples.
Your nose, your confidence. Let’s find the right solution for you.
Topics
# Rhinoplasty Perth
# Nose Surgery Perth
# Cosmetic Rhinoplasty
# Functional Rhinoplasty
# Dr Tuan Pham
# Plastic Surgery Perth