Rhinoplasty aims to change the shape and the external appearance of the nose, while septoplasty surgery does not alter the external shape or appearance of the nose and is most commonly performed to improve the function of the nose.

Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty surgery are often combined in one surgery which is called a Septorhinoplasty.

After rhinoplasty surgery it is best to avoid the following:

Exercise and strenuous activities:
You will be encouraged to take walks and stay active after your surgery however it is important to avoid strenuous activity for 3 weeks after surgery. This includes running, aerobic exercise, heavy lifting, cycling – anything that gets your heart rate up significantly. During the third week it is possible to gradual ease back into your training regime. Swimming should be avoided for 6 weeks after rhinoplasty and ideally contact sports should be avoided as far as possible.

Nose blowing:
It is natural to want to blow your nose after rhinoplasty surgery as it will feel congested. It is vital however not to do so especially for the first two weeks after surgery. You will be encouraged to use the nasal wash provided instead of blowing your nose to relieve the congestion and to help dissolve the soft packing that is used during surgery. Avoid crowed areas, people that are unwell with a cold or flu and wash your hands regularly to try and avoid getting sick during the first few weeks of recovery.

Getting the splint wet:
After surgery a splint is applied to the outside of the nose. This helps limit the amount of swelling and helps to keep everything in position. If the splint gets wet, it will come off too early which can in turn affect your final result.

Wearing glasses:
It is recommended that you do not wear glasses including sunglasses for six weeks after rhinoplasty. This is to limit pressure on the bridge of your nose which can interfere with the result of your operation. There are several solutions available including cheek pads that lift the glasses off your nose to ensure that there is no pressure placed over the bridge.

Sun exposure:
Avoid sun exposure for the first 6 months after rhinoplasty surgery. The skin can be quite sensitive and excessive sun exposure, can increase the risk of complications. Use a high index (50+) sunscreen and wide brim hat to keep your new nose cool.

Smoking and alcohol:
Smoking reduces blood flow interferes with wound healing. If you are a smoker, it is best to consider deferring surgery until you have been able to stop smoking. This will ensure that you have the best possible result. Drinking alcohol can interfere with other prescribed medications following the procedure and excessive amounts can impair you balance and may put your new nose at risk. It is best to avoid both for the first 3 weeks after surgery.

Touching your nose:
Following surgery, the nose can be quite itchy and there are often areas of scabbing and crusting along the incision sites, both inside the nose and on the outside between the nostrils where the sutures are. The natural tendency is to try and clear this away to alleviate the irritation.

The hands and fingers are, however, full of bacteria that live on your skin. It is quite possible to transfer these into the wound which can lead to a wound infection. Even though infection is relatively uncommon after rhinoplasty surgery it can affect the end results when it does occur and is best avoided.

“Nose job” is a broad term that is commonly used in everyday language to refer to surgery on the nose. The two main surgeries often referred to as a “nose job” includes septoplasty, which focusses on straightening the internal partition between the nostrils, and rhinoplasty which aims to change the external appearance of the nose.

Septoplasty surgery does not alter the external shape or appearance of the nose and is most commonly performed to improve the function of the nose. Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty surgery are often combined in one surgery which is called a Septorhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty surgery is widely considered to be one of the most technically challenging procedures to perform. Selecting the right surgeon is therefore of the utmost importance. Some of the things to look out for include:

• Qualifications: Rhinoplasty surgery should only be performed by fully qualified specialist surgeons. It is commonly performed by both Otolaryngologists (ENT surgeons) and Plastic surgeons. It is important to ensure that your chosen surgeon is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS) – this means that the surgeon is a fully qualified and certified specialist surgeon in Australia.
• Experience: There is a significant learning curve associated with Rhinoplasty surgery and getting consistently good results after surgery takes a lot of experience. Don’t be afraid to ask your surgeon about their experience level.
• Previous results: Most surgeons can extensively demonstrate their previous results with before and after photos of previous cases. This often includes photos at different stages of the healing process to demonstrate how the swelling gradually subside over the course of 12 months after surgery.
• Communication Skills: Look for a surgeon who is easy to talk to and understands your concerns and expectations. It is important that they take time to explain the procedure as well as the possible risks in a manner that you can understand and that you feel comfortable with
• Consider a second opinion: Seeking a second opinion often helps to put you mind at ease regarding the procedure. It can also help to make sure that you are happy and confident with your decision to have surgery and your choice of surgeon.

After rhinoplasty it is advisable to sleep with you head in an elevated position. This will help to minimse swelling during the recovery period. Ideally your head should be raised on 2-3 pillows for the first two weeks after surgery and avoid sleeping on your stomach during this time.