Understanding Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty planning must consider both appearance and function. Even when the main goal is cosmetic refinement, changes to the nasal bridge, tip, septum, or nostrils can affect airflow. Similarly, functional correction for a deviated septum, turbinate enlargement, nasal valve collapse, or post-traumatic deformity may also influence nasal shape.
What is achievable in any individual case depends on existing anatomy: skin thickness, cartilage structure, bone shape, and prior surgical or traumatic change are all factors that Dr Turner assesses at consultation. There are no guaranteed outcomes from rhinoplasty, and individual results vary.
Cosmetic vs Functional Rhinoplasty
Many patients researching nose surgery are not sure whether their concerns are cosmetic, functional, or both. In practice, the two overlap more often than expected. A nose that appears out of proportion may also have internal structural issues affecting breathing. Equally, a nose causing breathing difficulty may have cosmetic asymmetry caused by the same underlying deviation.
Cosmetic rhinoplasty addresses the external appearance of the nose: the profile, the tip shape, dorsal hump, nostril width, or the overall balance between the nose and face.
Functional rhinoplasty addresses the nasal airway. Common functional issues include a deviated nasal septum (the internal wall dividing the nasal cavity), which can cause chronic obstruction on one or both sides, disturbed sleep, and difficulty breathing during exercise. Turbinate hypertrophy (enlarged soft tissue structures inside the nose that reduce effective airway space) is another frequent cause of breathing difficulty. Nasal valve collapse, where the sidewalls partially cave inward on inhalation, is less well known but more common than most patients realise.
When both cosmetic and functional concerns are present, a combined procedure addressing both in a single operation is often the most appropriate approach. There are also Medicare rebate implications when functional pathology is documented with a valid GP referral in place. This is discussed at consultation once Dr Turner has assessed what is present internally.
What Rhinoplasty May Address
Rhinoplasty may be considered for:
- Dorsal hump or visible bump on the nasal bridge
- Wide nasal bridge
- Crooked or deviated nose
- Bulbous, drooping, pinched, or asymmetric nasal tip
- Wide or flared nostrils
- Post-traumatic nasal deformity
- Septal deviation
- Nasal valve collapse
- Turbinate enlargement (turbinate hypertrophy)
- Breathing obstruction not responding to medical management
- Revision rhinoplasty concerns following previous surgery
- Combined cosmetic-functional concerns where shape and airway issues overlap
Rhinoplasty Techniques
Open Rhinoplasty
Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella (the narrow strip of tissue between the nostrils) in addition to incisions inside the nose. This approach provides direct access to the underlying cartilage and bone structures, making it suited to more complex cosmetic reshaping, revision cases, and combined cosmetic-functional work where extensive internal changes are required.
Closed Rhinoplasty
Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nostrils, with no visible external scar. It may be appropriate for less complex changes and typically involves a shorter recovery period. The choice between open and closed technique depends on what is being addressed; Dr Turner determines the appropriate approach after assessing your anatomy at consultation.
Additional Techniques
Depending on your anatomy, the surgical plan may also incorporate:
- Septoplasty: Correction of a deviated nasal septum to improve airflow. See septoplasty surgery for more on the standalone procedure.
- Turbinate reduction: Reducing enlarged turbinates to improve nasal airway capacity, often combined with septoplasty.
- Alarplasty: Addressing nostril width or flaring through targeted nostril surgery. See alarplasty (nostril surgery).
- Cartilage grafting: Using septal, ear, or rib cartilage to provide structural support to the nasal tip, bridge, or airway where required.
- Ultrasonic rhinoplasty: Using piezoelectric instruments for precise bone reshaping in selected cases.
- Ethnic rhinoplasty: Rhinoplasty planning that accounts for ethnically specific nasal anatomy and preserves ethnic characteristics rather than imposing a single aesthetic ideal.
- Revision rhinoplasty: Surgery for patients who have had previous rhinoplasty and present with ongoing concerns, asymmetry, breathing change, or dissatisfaction with a prior result. Revision is more complex because previous surgery alters scar tissue, support, skin envelope, and cartilage availability.
Are You a Suitable Candidate?
Suitability for rhinoplasty depends on overall health, nasal anatomy, skin quality, prior surgical or traumatic history, and the specific concerns being addressed. A consultation is required to assess this properly; there is no way to determine suitability remotely.
You may be a suitable candidate if you have:
- A prominent dorsal hump or visible bump on the bridge
- A drooping, bulbous, or undefined nasal tip
- Asymmetry between the two sides of the nose
- Disproportionate nostril size or flaring
- A nose that feels mismatched with the rest of your face
- Chronic nasal obstruction on one or both sides
- A confirmed deviated septum
- Breathing difficulty that has not responded to medical management
- Good general health
- Realistic expectations about what surgery can and cannot achieve
- No active smoking or vaping (or willingness to stop for the required pre- and post-operative period)
When Rhinoplasty May Not Be Appropriate
Rhinoplasty may not be appropriate if you are seeking a guaranteed nose shape, a celebrity-style result, or a change that would compromise breathing or facial balance. Surgery may also need to be delayed if you smoke or vape, have uncontrolled medical conditions, have unrealistic expectations, or require further functional investigation before planning.
Suitability is determined during specialist assessment, not before. For more on the importance of consulting with a FRACS-qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon, see FRACS vs Cosmetic Surgeon in Canberra.
Your Consultation at the Canberra Clinic
Dr Turner consults with Canberra patients at the Campbell clinic.
Canberra clinic: G24/6 Provan Street, Campbell ACT 2612 Consultation days: Fridays by appointment Phone: 1300 437 758 Consultation fee: $450 (a partial Medicare rebate may apply with a valid GP referral)
The Canberra clinic is used for consultation, assessment, surgical planning, and selected post-operative follow-up appointments. Surgery is performed in accredited private hospital facilities in Sydney.
At your consultation, Dr Turner will:
- Review your medical history, previous nasal surgery or trauma, medications, allergies, and smoking history
- Assess the external appearance of your nose (shape, profile, tip, dorsum, and proportions relative to your face)
- Conduct an internal nasal examination to identify any structural airway issues
- Take clinical photographs from multiple angles for surgical planning
- Explain which surgical approach may be appropriate and why
- Discuss Medicare rebate eligibility if functional pathology is documented
- Answer your questions about technique, recovery, risks, and possible outcomes
Patients commonly attend from Canberra, Queanbeyan, Yass, Goulburn, Cooma, and the wider Southern NSW region. Further information for patients travelling for surgery is available on the Out of Town Patients page.
Medical Board and AHPRA Requirements
Cosmetic surgery patients require a careful assessment process. Under Medical Board and AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines (July 2023):
- A referral from your GP or another independent GP or eligible medical specialist is required before consultation
- At least two pre-operative consultations are required with the operating surgeon, with at least one in person
- Patients must not be asked to sign consent forms or pay deposits at the first consultation
- A cooling-off period of at least seven days applies after the second consultation and informed consent before surgery can be booked or a deposit paid
Suitability assessment also includes discussion of motivation and expectations, and screening for body dysmorphic disorder using a validated psychological screening tool. Referral for further independent assessment may be recommended where clinically indicated.
How Surgery Works for Canberra Patients
The Canberra surgical pathway allows patients to consult and complete much of their follow-up locally, with surgery itself performed in Sydney.
The usual process is:
- Initial Canberra consultation. Nasal and facial assessment, internal airway examination, medical history, breathing symptoms, what you are hoping to address, and suitability.
- Planning and second consultation. Confirmation of the proposed procedure, surgical plan, photography, consent, written quote, functional documentation if relevant, and travel logistics.
- Sydney surgery. Surgery is performed at an accredited private hospital facility in Sydney.
- Post-operative review. An early review usually takes place in Sydney before you return to Canberra. Selected later follow-up may occur at the Canberra clinic or via telehealth where clinically appropriate.
Canberra patients should plan travel, accommodation, a support person, and time away from work, exercise, and caring responsibilities. Most patients arrive the evening before their procedure and stay for two to three nights post-operatively before returning home to Canberra. For practical planning advice, see Travelling from Canberra to Sydney for Plastic Surgery.
Rhinoplasty Cost Canberra
Rhinoplasty cost depends on whether the procedure is cosmetic, functional, revision, or combined cosmetic-functional surgery. The final quote also depends on hospital fees, anaesthetist fees, procedure duration, complexity, grafting requirements, and whether septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or alarplasty is included.
As a guide:
| Procedure type | Indicative range |
|---|---|
| Cosmetic rhinoplasty | From approximately $18,000 to $30,000 |
| Functional rhinoplasty / septorhinoplasty | Quoted after assessment; Medicare and private health insurance rebates may apply in selected cases |
| Revision rhinoplasty | From approximately $25,000 to $40,000+ depending on complexity |
| Alarplasty or nostril refinement | Quoted after assessment |
Your final quote can only be provided after consultation and clinical assessment. An itemised written quote outlines the relevant surgical, hospital, anaesthetic, and post-operative components. The surgical deposit ($1,000) is only payable after the second consultation and the seven-day cooling-off period.
Medicare and private health insurance rebates generally do not apply to cosmetic rhinoplasty. Rebates may apply in selected functional cases where specific criteria are met and documentation supports a Medicare item number. The practice does not endorse, partner with, or recommend any specific loan providers or BNPL services for surgical fees.
Recovery After Rhinoplasty
Recovery from rhinoplasty is measured in weeks and months, not days. The general pattern is set out below.
Week 1
A nasal splint protects the new structure and remains in place for approximately one week. Swelling and bruising are at their most significant, particularly around the eyes, during this period. Most patients rest at home with their head elevated.
Days 5 to 10
Splints and any internal packing are removed. A post-operative review with Dr Turner in Sydney usually takes place before returning to Canberra.
Weeks 2 to 3
Bruising fades for most patients. Some light social activity is possible, though visible swelling remains.
Weeks 4 to 6
Most patients return to desk-based work. Strenuous exercise and contact sport should continue to be avoided.
Months 3 to 12
The final result emerges gradually. The nasal tip holds swelling longer than anywhere else, and full resolution can take 12 months or more, particularly in patients with thicker skin. Comparing the appearance at six weeks to the final result is rarely useful.
Risks and Complications
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure and carries risks. Potential complications include bleeding or haematoma, infection, adverse reaction to anaesthesia, prolonged swelling and bruising, temporary or persistent numbness, asymmetry, visible scarring (particularly with open rhinoplasty), septal perforation, difficulty breathing through the nose, dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome, and outcomes that do not match what was discussed pre-operatively. Revision surgery is more complex than primary rhinoplasty because altered anatomy limits what is possible.
Risks may be higher in patients who smoke or vape, who have poorly controlled medical conditions, who have had previous nasal surgery or significant trauma, or who do not follow post-operative instructions.
Dr Turner will discuss procedure-specific risks, alternatives, limitations, and recovery during consultation so you can make an informed decision. For general information about surgical risk, see Risks and Complications.
Rhinoplasty and Facial Balance
Rhinoplasty is often assessed in the context of overall facial balance. Some patients considering nose surgery also ask about eyelid, brow, facelift, or neck concerns. These procedures are not automatically combined, but they may be discussed if relevant to your anatomy and what you are hoping to address.
Relevant Canberra procedure pages:
- Blepharoplasty Canberra: For upper or lower eyelid concerns.
- Brow Lift Canberra: For brow descent, upper-face heaviness, or brow-related eyelid hooding.
- Deep Plane Facelift Canberra: For lower-face descent, jowls, and jawline change.
- Short Scar Facelift Canberra: For selected early lower-face ageing.
- Ponytail Facelift Canberra: For selected upper-face, temple, or early midface concerns.
- Neck Lift Canberra: For neck laxity, platysmal bands, or jawline-to-neck contour.
- Male Face Surgery Canberra: For male patients considering rhinoplasty, blepharoplasty, facelift, or neck lift.
About Dr Scott J Turner
Dr Scott J Turner is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon and Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons in Plastic Surgery (FRACS), and an AHPRA registered medical practitioner (MED0001654827). He consults with Canberra patients at the Campbell clinic and performs surgery in accredited private hospital facilities in Sydney.
His facial surgery practice includes cosmetic rhinoplasty, functional rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, blepharoplasty, brow lift, ponytail facelift, deep plane facelift, short scar facelift, neck lift, and male facial surgery. The consultation focuses on clinical assessment, anatomical and airway planning, suitability, risks, and whether surgery is appropriate for your individual anatomy and what you are hoping to address.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you offer rhinoplasty consultations in Canberra?
Yes. Dr Turner consults with Canberra patients at the Campbell clinic. Surgery is performed in accredited private hospital facilities in Sydney, with selected follow-up available at the Canberra clinic or via telehealth where clinically appropriate.
What is the difference between cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty?
Cosmetic rhinoplasty changes the external appearance of the nose: shape, profile, tip, or proportions. Functional rhinoplasty addresses the nasal airway, typically a deviated septum, enlarged turbinates, or nasal valve collapse causing breathing difficulty. The two concerns coexist more often than patients realise, and a combined procedure addressing both in a single operation is often appropriate. Medicare rebates may apply to the functional component when pathology is documented with a valid GP referral.
What is the difference between rhinoplasty and septoplasty?
Rhinoplasty changes nasal shape and structure. Septoplasty corrects deviation of the septum to improve airflow. Some patients require septorhinoplasty when cosmetic and functional concerns overlap and both areas need to be addressed in a single procedure.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is surgery performed after a previous rhinoplasty. It is usually more complex because scar tissue, altered cartilage, grafting requirements, and skin envelope limitations need to be considered. Outcomes can be less predictable than primary rhinoplasty, and the consultation will address what is and is not achievable in your specific case.
Can rhinoplasty improve breathing?
Rhinoplasty may improve breathing when functional issues such as septal deviation, nasal valve collapse, turbinate enlargement, or post-traumatic deformity are addressed. Functional improvement depends on the underlying cause of obstruction, and an internal nasal examination is part of the consultation regardless of whether breathing is your primary concern.
Is open or closed rhinoplasty better?
Neither approach is best for every patient. Open rhinoplasty may be more appropriate for complex structural, tip, or revision cases. Closed rhinoplasty may be suitable for selected cases where less surgical exposure is required. The choice depends on your anatomy and what the surgical plan needs to achieve.
Will Medicare cover any part of my rhinoplasty?
Medicare does not cover cosmetic rhinoplasty. If functional pathology is documented, such as a significantly deviated septum or turbinate hypertrophy, and the procedure meets the criteria for a relevant Medicare item number, a partial rebate may apply to the functional component. Private health insurance may also contribute to hospital costs for functional procedures depending on your level of cover. Eligibility is discussed at consultation once Dr Turner has assessed what is present internally.
How much does rhinoplasty cost in Canberra?
The cost depends on whether the procedure is cosmetic, functional, revision, or combined cosmetic-functional rhinoplasty. As a guide, cosmetic rhinoplasty typically ranges from approximately $18,000 to $30,000, and revision rhinoplasty typically ranges from approximately $25,000 to $40,000 or higher depending on complexity. Functional rhinoplasty and alarplasty are quoted after assessment. A personalised written quote is provided after consultation. The surgical deposit ($1,000) is only payable after the second consultation and the seven-day cooling-off period.
How long is recovery after rhinoplasty?
The first week is the most uncomfortable, with swelling and bruising peaking around days two to four before beginning to resolve. The nasal splint is removed at approximately one week. Most patients are comfortable returning to desk-based work and social activity by weeks two to three, though visible swelling will still be present. Strenuous exercise should continue to be avoided until around six weeks. The final result, particularly nasal tip refinement, can take 12 months or more to fully emerge.
Can rhinoplasty be combined with blepharoplasty or facelift?
Some patients may be assessed for additional facial procedures, but procedures are not automatically combined. Any combined plan depends on anatomy, safety, what you are hoping to address, recovery, and surgical priorities. The consultation determines whether a single procedure, a combined procedure, or a staged approach is more appropriate.
Do I need a GP referral?
Yes. For cosmetic surgery consultation, a GP referral is required under Medical Board and AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines (July 2023). A valid referral is also required for Medicare rebate claims where functional surgery is recommended. A partial Medicare rebate may apply to the consultation fee. Referrals are valid for 12 months.
Book a Consultation in Canberra
To arrange a rhinoplasty consultation at the Campbell clinic, contact the practice or call 1300 437 758.
Dr Turner consults at the Campbell clinic on Fridays by appointment. Your consultation includes nasal and facial assessment, internal airway examination, discussion of cosmetic and functional options, review of risks and recovery, and planning for the Canberra-to-Sydney surgical pathway if surgery is appropriate.
Canberra Clinic: G24/6 Provan Street, Campbell ACT 2612 Phone: 1300 437 758 Email: [email protected] Consultations: Fridays by appointment
