Rhinoplasty in Sydney

Rhinoplasty reshapes the nose to improve breathing, refine appearance, or both. ENT surgeons bring a deep understanding of nasal anatomy and airway function to rhinoplasty, ensuring that cosmetic changes do not compromise, and ideally improve, the way you breathe. At Central Sydney ENT, our surgeons perform functional rhinoplasty, cosmetic rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty and nasal valve reconstruction.

Types of Rhinoplasty

Functional Rhinoplasty

Functional rhinoplasty corrects structural problems inside and outside the nose that restrict nasal breathing. This includes straightening a deviated septum, repairing collapsed nasal valves and reducing enlarged turbinates. The external appearance of the nose may change subtly, but the primary goal is restoring a clear nasal airway. Functional rhinoplasty performed to correct a documented breathing obstruction may be partially covered by Medicare and private health insurance.

Cosmetic Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the shape, size or proportions of the nose. Common goals include reducing a dorsal hump, refining a wide or bulbous tip, narrowing the nasal bridge, correcting asymmetry and adjusting the angle between the nose and upper lip. Your surgeon will discuss your goals in detail during the consultation and may use clinical photography to plan the procedure.

Septorhinoplasty

Septorhinoplasty combines septoplasty (straightening the internal nasal partition) with rhinoplasty (reshaping the external nose) in a single operation. This is the most common approach when both breathing obstruction and cosmetic concerns are present. Addressing both in one procedure means a single anaesthetic, one recovery period and a coordinated result.

Nasal Valve Reconstruction

The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located just inside the nostril. Weakness or collapse of the nasal valve, whether from previous surgery, trauma or natural anatomy, is a common and underdiagnosed cause of nasal obstruction. Nasal valve reconstruction uses cartilage grafts (spreader grafts, alar batten grafts or butterfly grafts) to widen and strengthen the valve area, significantly improving airflow.

The Surgical Approach

Rhinoplasty can be performed using two approaches:

Closed rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nostrils. There is no external scar. This approach is suitable for less complex reshaping.
Open rhinoplasty: A small incision is made across the columella (the skin bridge between the nostrils) in addition to internal incisions. This provides the surgeon with direct visibility of the nasal framework and is preferred for complex reshaping, tip work and revision cases. The columellar scar heals to become virtually invisible.

Your surgeon will recommend the approach best suited to your anatomy and goals during your consultation.

Our Rhinoplasty Surgeons

All rhinoplasty procedures at Central Sydney ENT are performed by FRACS-qualified ENT surgeons with specialist training in nasal surgery. Our team includes:

Related Conditions

Rhinoplasty may be recommended for patients with:

Deviated Septum: crooked nasal partition causing breathing obstruction
Nasal Fractures: broken nose affecting shape or airflow
Snoring: nasal obstruction contributing to snoring
Obstructive Sleep Apnoea: nasal blockage as a contributing factor

Common Questions

Rhinoplasty FAQ

What is the difference between functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty? +

Functional rhinoplasty corrects structural problems that impair nasal breathing, such as a deviated septum, collapsed nasal valves or enlarged turbinates. Cosmetic rhinoplasty reshapes the external appearance of the nose. Many patients benefit from septorhinoplasty, which addresses both function and form in a single operation.

How long does rhinoplasty recovery take? +

The external splint is removed after one week. Most bruising resolves within two to three weeks, and the majority of swelling subsides within six to eight weeks. However, subtle refinement of nasal shape continues for twelve to eighteen months as residual deep swelling gradually settles. Most patients return to desk work within seven to ten days.

Will rhinoplasty leave a visible scar? +

Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions entirely inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scar. Open rhinoplasty involves a small incision across the columella, the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils. This scar is typically very fine, heals well and becomes virtually invisible within a few months.

Does Central Sydney ENT perform rhinoplasty? +

Yes. Central Sydney ENT has six FRACS-qualified ENT surgeons who perform functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty and nasal valve reconstruction. We operate at accredited hospitals in Burwood, Campbelltown, Gregory Hills, Ultimo, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill and Miranda.