RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE

Rhinoplasty

Commonly known as a “nose job”, rhinoplasties can be performed for either medical or cosmetic reasons.

As our nose occupies the central part of the face, it is an important facial feature that helps provide balance to and define our overall appearance.

TYPES OF RHINOPLASTY

At our clinic, our rhinoplasty surgeon Dr Colin Tham practices a minimal-pain-smoother-recovery approach, to help patients achieve natural-looking results in style and comfort.

We offer two types of rhinoplasty – open and closed. Each has its pros and cons and Dr Tham will advise on the preferred surgery type based on each patient’s situation and the complexity of the surgery required.

OPEN RHINOPLASTY

In an open rhinoplasty, a small incision of around 5mm is made at the base of the columella, between the nostrils. This allows the rhinoplasty surgeon to lift the skin off for a clear visualisation of the nasal structure. With this access, Dr Tham can make better diagnosis and judgement during the procedure. This open approach is recommended if extensive sculpting and reconstruction of the nose are needed. Dr Tham is able to insert implants or cartilage into the desired location with precision and reshape the nose for the best results.

While open rhinoplasty will produce an external scar (at the columella), it is virtually imperceptible to the eye. An open surgery results in slightly more swelling and a longer downtime, with most patients returning to work within 10 days.

Pros

Open rhinoplasty gives the plastic surgeon a clearer view and more access to the nose structure, making it suitable for more complex surgeries that require extensive reshaping and reconstruction
Increased visibility of the nasal structure during the procedure also means better accuracy and results
Applicable for full range of corrective and reconstructive nose surgeries
Under the hands of an experienced plastic surgeon and with proper scar management, scars from an open rhinoplasty will be hidden and/or become inconspicuous with time

Cons

Longer surgery duration
More swelling and bruising, about 2 weeks
Longer downtime of 10 days to 2 weeks

CLOSED RHINOPLASTY

A closed rhinoplasty involves making tiny incisions inside the nostrils to augment the nose. As all incisions are hidden within the nostrils, it will not leave any external scars.

Combined with less swelling and a more rapid recovery, a closed approach is generally preferred for simpler procedures. Rhinoplasties which are less complex, such as tip or implant augmentation surgery, can be done via this method.

Pros

No visible external scars
Shorter surgery duration
Reduced swelling and bruising, about 1 to 2 weeks
Faster recovery of one week

Cons

Limited visibility of nasal structures reduces accuracy and precision
Cannot be used for extensive reconstructive surgeries or complex rhinoplasties

HOW CAN RHINOPLASTY BENEFIT ME?

A rhinoplasty can correct most nasal medical conditions or unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance. Be it an overly-large nose or breathing issues, a carefully-tailored rhinoplasty procedure is a relatively low-risk solution to these problems.

AM I A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR RHINOPLASTY?

To undergo rhinoplasty, the nose must have developed fully, which means after the ages of 14 and 16 for girls and boys respectively. Besides the nose’s physical development, it is also important for younger patients to possess a certain level of maturity and knowledge about plastic surgery.

Dr Tham also provides detailed consultations pre-surgery to learn more about the patient’s desires and expectations. Through this, Dr Tham can better assess the patient’s condition and advise if he or she is a suitable candidate for rhinoplasty.

HOW LONG DOES A RHINOPLASTY PROCEDURE TAKE?

The surgery time for a rhinoplasty depends on the type of surgery - open or closed - and the complexity of the procedure. The duration for typical rhinoplasties ranges from 30 to 120 minutes. For example, one of the more popular rhinoplasty procedures, “tip surgery”, which enhances the tip of the nose to make it sharper and more defined, usually takes about 60 minutes to complete.

IS RHINOPLASTY SURGERY PAINFUL?

Again, depending on the type of rhinoplasty, the surgery may be performed under either local or general anaesthesia.

One of Dr Tham’s goal in rhinoplasties is to achieve natural-looking results with minimal discomfort. He does this by skillfully making finer incisions during rhinoplasty that can be easily concealed and heal faster.

WHAT TYPES OF IMPLANTS AND MATERIALS ARE USED IN RHINOPLASTY?

Many rhinoplasties involve inserting implants or grafts into the nose to create the desired appearance. These implants may be made from silicone. Grafts are usually cartilage harvested from the ear, septum or rib. A combination of both silicone and cartilage are frequently used.

HOW LONG IS THE DOWNTIME FOR RHINOPLASTY?

The downtime is mainly dependent on the type of rhinoplasty performed. Most patients return to work within a week of a closed rhinoplasty. However, an open rhinoplasty may result in slightly more swelling and a longer downtime with most patients able to return to work within 10 days.

ARE THERE ANY SIDE EFFECTS?

Nose surgeries are generally safe procedures. The risk of damaging nasal structures or obstructing nose function is very low.

Post-rhinoplasty, some swelling and bruising is to be expected, but most resolve within 2 weeks. There may also be some nasal obstruction because of the swelling, and this will improve significantly as the swelling subsides.

DOES DR THAM USE NOSE PACKING?

Nose packing refers to the absorbent gauze that is stuffed up the nose after a nasal surgery, and may cause more unwanted pain. To help patients achieve a smoother recovery and reduce pain, Dr Tham does not use any nose packing in our rhinoplasty surgeries. Instead, a nasal splint is placed on top of the nose for a few days, to give the nose structure support and reduce any swelling.

WHAT IS THE RHINOPLASTY AFTERCARE LIKE?

Besides wearing a nasal splint to support the nose, medications including antibiotics and analgesics will be prescribed to aid your recovery. Generally, patients are advised to be cautious with the facial area for the first month post-surgery. This includes avoiding the wearing of heavy spectacles over the nose bridge or exerting force on the nose.

WHEN CAN I EXPECT THE FINAL OUTCOME OF MY RHINOPLASTY?

Full recovery after all swelling has receded will be complete by 6 months - which is usually the final outcome of a rhinoplasty.

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OUR CLINIC ADOPTS AN INTRICATE BLEND OF ART & SCIENCE PATIENT CARE

DR COLIN THAM

Plastic & Cosmetic Surgeon

MB ChB (Aberdeen), FRCS (Ireland), FAMS

WHY CHOOSE US

Modern Technology

Dr Colin Tham is proficient in a plethora of safe and proven techniques of rhinoplasty and is supported by a competent team of medical staff.

Trusted Experience

With decades of rhinoplasty experience and a keen eye for beauty, Dr Tham aims to deliver some of the most pleasing, natural-looking results for patients.

Patient-Centric Service

Each and every of our rhinoplasty procedures is meticulously tailored to complement the patient’s facial features.

Dr Colin Tham is an accomplished plastic surgeon in Singapore with more than two decades of experience in rhinoplasty. By combining rich expertise and professional care, Dr Tham delivers a fully-tailored treatment experience with satisfied results for all patients.

For a detailed one-to-one consultation with Dr Tham, please call 6235 8411 or enquire using the form below. Our clinic will be in touch with you shortly.