Understanding the cost
Cost is often the first question, and you should have a clear answer before you commit to anything. A rhinoplasty involves three separate accounts: my surgical fee, the anaesthetist’s fee and the hospital’s fee. After your consultation I provide an itemised written quote covering all three. The initial consultation is charged separately, and your follow-up visits after surgery are included in my fee. The cost of rhinoplasty explains each part in more detail.
When Medicare may help. Surgery done only to change the appearance of the nose is not covered by Medicare or private health funds. If your nose is also blocked, part of the operation may attract a Medicare rebate where the criteria are met: a NOSE Scale score above 45, or a significant acquired, congenital or developmental deformity, documented at your consultation. Your fund may then contribute if your cover is adequate. Because I examine your breathing at every consultation, this is assessed whether or not you raise it. There is more on functional rhinoplasty and septoplasty.
Planning your visits from the Sunshine Coast
It begins with a referral from your GP, addressed to Dr Chris Oosthuizen for “assessment for rhinoplasty”. From there:
- First consultation, ideally in person. At my Indooroopilly rooms, this is typically a full examination: your history, your nose inside and out, and your airway with a small camera (video endoscopy). I listen to what you would like to change and give you a frank view of what is possible. If the trip is difficult, it can be done by video from home.
- Next, your second consultation. In person, focusing on photo morphing of your own photographs to show what a change might look like, and on answering your questions. If we first met by video, I examine your nose at this visit.
- A week to reflect. The Medical Board of Australia requires a cooling-off period of at least seven days after your second consultation and signed consent before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.
- Your operation, at Herston Private Hospital, followed by a review seven to ten days later when I remove the splint.
- Then, from home again. Routine check-ins at six to eight weeks, six months and twelve months can be done by video, with photographs.
Where to find me
For Sunshine Coast patients, these are the rooms and hospital I suggest. From Maroochydore, each is a little over an hour by car.
- My rooms: Suite 8, 66 Station Road, Indooroopilly. There is free on-site patient parking, entered from Foxton Street, and Indooroopilly station is a short distance away. See the Indooroopilly rooms page for more.
- The hospital: Herston Private Hospital, 7 Wren Street, Bowen Hills.
I also consult at Springfield and Ipswich, and operate at Mater Private Hospital Springfield and Westside Private Hospital in Taringa, if either is more convenient for you. I do not consult on the Sunshine Coast itself. If anything worries you once you are home after surgery, call my rooms on (07) 3202 4636 and we will arrange to see you if needed.
After surgery elsewhere
Some patients come to me after a rhinoplasty performed by another surgeon. Your visits are planned in the same way, and revision rhinoplasty explains what a second operation involves.
Your surgeon
I am a Specialist Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon and a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons, and my adult practice is limited to the nose: breathing, appearance and revision surgery.
Qualifications: MBChB, MSc, MRCSI, DOHNS, FRCSI (ORL-HNS), FRACS (ORL-HNS)
AHPRA registration: MED0002054579, Specialist registration in Surgery, Ear, Nose and Throat Surgery.
There is more about my background on the about page, and the gallery shows my own patients, each photographed with the time since surgery. To take the first step, send an enquiry or call (07) 3202 4636.
