The duration of surgery is linked to the extent and complexity of the surgery. It can vary from just over an hour for minor refinements to over 3 hours for more complex, revision rhinoplasty procedures.

There are several different types of rhinoplasty surgery, however in the majority of rhinoplasty surgeries performed by Dr Oosthuizen, the surgery usually involves a combination of both cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty.

The aim is to ensure that any cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure does not cause breathing issues and equally that any functional rhinoplasty procedure improves the shape of the nose at the same time.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty:
The aim during cosmetic rhinoplasty is to change or refine the shape of the nose.

• The nose can be straightened, made smaller or bigger, and bumps may be removed.
• The tip of the nose can be changed (nasal reshaping, nasal enhancement).
• The angle between the nose and upper lip (also known as rotation) can be changed.

Functional Rhinoplasty:

• To improve and resolve functional concerns such as nasal obstruction.
• This is commonly performed in conjunction with a septoplasty
• Functional rhinoplasty is often performed to improve nasal valve collapse where the side of the nose tends to collapse inwards.
• As there is an intricate relationship between the function and shape of the nose, the aim is to improve both the function and the shape of the nose at the same time.

Augmentation Rhinoplasty:

• This type of rhinoplasty aims to increase the size of the nose.
• It is often performed during revision rhinoplasty where too much of the nose had been removed during the previous surgery.
• Augmentation rhinoplasty frequently requires grafts from other parts of the body such as cartilage from the ear / rib.

Reduction Rhinoplasty:

• The most common form of reduction rhinoplasty is reducing a dorsal hump / bump.
• The overall size of the nose can be reduced simultaneously.
• This can include reducing the size of the nostrils as well.

Revision rhinoplasty:

• In some instances, following rhinoplasty surgery issues may arise following the procedure.
• This can include dissatisfaction with the cosmetic appearance of the nose or functional issues that develop as a result of the surgery.
• Revision rhinoplasty aims to address these concerns.

During rhinoplasty:

• The nose can be straightened, made smaller or bigger, and bumps may be removed.
• The shape of the tip of the nose can be changed (nasal reshaping, nasal enhancement).
• The angle between the nose and upper lip can be changed.
• Pieces of cartilage or bone may be removed from or added to the nose to help change its shape.

When planning rhinoplasty, Dr Chris Oosthuizen looks at the whole picture and will consider your other facial features, the skin on your nose and what you would like to change.

Frequently the internal wall (nasal septum) that separates the nose cavities is twisted. This may need to be corrected at the same time (Septoplasty). The combined operation is called a septorhinoplasty.

There are limits to how much a nose can be altered. The final result will depend on the size of your nose, the condition of your skin, your age and how well it heals after surgery.

Dr Chris Oosthuizen will put your health first with surgery focused on achieving the ideal balance of both form and function.

Rhinoplasty surgery is surgery that changes the external shape of the nose.

Rhinoplasty surgery can address breathing difficulties (known as functional rhinoplasty) or alter the appearance of the nose (cosmetic rhinoplasty) or both.

Dr Oosthuizen’s practice is focused on all aspects of nose surgery, and he performs both functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty procedures as well as revision rhinoplasty.