Nose Surgery Procedures
Dr Turner offers a range of surgical procedures addressing both the cosmetic appearance and functional performance of the nose. Each is described briefly below — follow the links for full procedure detail.
Rhinoplasty (Cosmetic)
Rhinoplasty is surgery to alter the shape, size, or structure of the nose for cosmetic purposes. It may address a dorsal hump, nasal tip definition, overall nasal size, asymmetry, or post-traumatic deformity. Both open and closed techniques are used depending on the complexity of the case.
Functional Rhinoplasty
Functional rhinoplasty addresses structural problems inside the nose that affect breathing — nasal valve collapse, turbinate hypertrophy, or internal obstruction not caused by a deviated septum alone. It may be performed alongside cosmetic rhinoplasty or as a standalone procedure. Medicare rebates may apply where functional criteria are met.
Tip Rhinoplasty
Tip rhinoplasty focuses on the nasal tip only — the bridge, nasal bones, and overall profile are left unchanged. It is suited to patients with a specific concern such as a bulbous, drooping, or asymmetric tip who are otherwise satisfied with their nose. The procedure reshapes the lower lateral cartilages through an open or closed approach depending on what the anatomy requires. Operating time is shorter than a full rhinoplasty.
Septoplasty — Deviated Septum Surgery
Septoplasty straightens the nasal septum — the wall of cartilage and bone that divides the nasal passages. A deviated septum is one of the most common causes of nasal obstruction and is frequently combined with rhinoplasty in a single operation. Medicare rebates typically apply where the deviation is clinically significant.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is secondary nose surgery performed to address an unsatisfactory outcome from a previous procedure. It is among the most technically demanding operations in plastic surgery — scar tissue, altered anatomy, and depleted cartilage all add complexity. Thorough assessment and realistic expectation-setting are essential.
Ethnic Rhinoplasty
Ethnic rhinoplasty takes into account cultural context, facial harmony, and the structural characteristics specific to different ethnic backgrounds. The aim is to address the patient’s concerns while preserving features that are important to their identity and heritage. Dr Turner sees patients from a wide range of backgrounds and is experienced in nasal surgery across different anatomical presentations.
Alarplasty — Nostril Reduction
Alarplasty reduces or reshapes the alar base — the outer edges of the nostrils — to narrow nasal width or improve nostril shape. It is sometimes performed as a standalone procedure and may also form part of a broader rhinoplasty plan. Results depend on individual anatomy and healing.
Broken Nose Treatment
A broken nose may cause both cosmetic deformity and functional breathing problems. Surgical repair — either shortly after injury or once swelling has settled — may address structural displacement and restore nasal function. The timing of intervention matters and will be discussed during consultation.
Teen Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty in younger patients requires additional assessment criteria — nasal anatomy must be fully developed before surgery can safely proceed, and psychological maturity is an important factor. Parental consent is required for patients under 18. Functional concerns such as a deviated septum are more commonly considered at a younger age than purely cosmetic requests.
Cosmetic and Functional Concerns — Understanding the Difference
Many patients come to Dr Turner with both cosmetic and functional concerns. Some are primarily interested in how their nose looks. Others have breathing problems that significantly affect their daily life. A significant number have both.
Understanding the distinction matters for surgical planning, recovery expectations, and Medicare eligibility. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by Medicare. Procedures addressing documented functional obstruction — such as septoplasty or functional rhinoplasty — may attract a rebate where clinical criteria are met.
Where both cosmetic and functional goals are present, combining them in a single operation is often more efficient surgically and reduces overall recovery time.
What to Expect from a Consultation
A consultation with Dr Turner for nose surgery is a detailed discussion — not a brief overview. He will examine your nasal anatomy both externally and internally, review your concerns, discuss what surgery may realistically achieve in your specific case, and outline the process involved.
Digital imaging may be used as part of the planning conversation. It is important to understand that imaging is a communication tool, not a prediction of outcomes — surgical results depend on anatomy, technique, healing, and factors that vary between individuals.
Regulatory requirements — cosmetic surgery (effective 1 July 2023): Under AHPRA guidelines for cosmetic surgery procedures, the following apply before surgery can proceed:
- A referral from your GP or a specialist physician
- A minimum of two consultations with Dr Turner before surgery is booked
- A psychological evaluation to assess suitability
- A mandatory cooling-off period before formal consent is given
These requirements apply to all cosmetic surgical procedures performed in Australia and are in place to protect patients. Dr Turner’s team will guide you through each step.
Costs and Medicare
Rhinoplasty costs in Sydney vary depending on the type of procedure, surgical complexity, anaesthetic, and hospital fees. Where functional surgery is involved, a Medicare rebate may apply to certain components.
For a detailed overview of what contributes to cost, see the rhinoplasty cost guide for Sydney patients.
For information on Medicare eligibility for nose surgery, see Will Medicare Cover My Nose Surgery?
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most common type of nose surgery performed in Sydney?
Rhinoplasty — both cosmetic and functional — is the most frequently performed nose surgery. Septoplasty to correct a deviated septum is also very common, often performed as a standalone functional procedure or combined with rhinoplasty. Alarplasty (nostril reduction) is typically a shorter procedure and may be performed on its own or as part of a broader rhinoplasty plan. The right procedure depends on what you are trying to address — Dr Turner will advise during consultation after examining your anatomy.
Can cosmetic and functional nose surgery be done at the same time?
Yes — and in many cases it is the preferred approach. Combining cosmetic rhinoplasty and functional septoplasty (known as septorhinoplasty) means a single anaesthetic, one recovery, and the opportunity for a Medicare rebate to apply to the functional component where criteria are met. Surgical planning needs to accommodate both goals, which adds complexity and must be done carefully. Dr Turner will assess whether combined surgery is appropriate for your individual case.
How do I know which nose procedure is right for me?
This is determined during consultation. There is no way to answer this accurately without examining your nasal anatomy and understanding your specific concerns in detail. Some patients come in thinking they need rhinoplasty and leave with a recommendation for septoplasty. Others are surprised to find a functional issue contributing to a cosmetic concern they had not connected. The right starting point is a thorough in-person assessment with Dr Turner.
What are the risks of nose surgery?
All nose surgery carries risk. General surgical risks include bleeding, infection, and adverse anaesthetic reactions. Rhinoplasty-specific risks include asymmetry, changes to skin sensation, altered nasal airflow, scarring, and the possibility of a result that does not fully meet expectations. Revision surgery may be required in some cases. Functional procedures carry their own risk profile. Dr Turner will discuss risks specific to the procedure being considered during your consultation.
Are there age limits for nose surgery?
There are no strict upper age limits, though general health and anaesthetic risk become more significant considerations with age. At the younger end, nasal anatomy should be fully developed before cosmetic rhinoplasty is undertaken — typically by the mid-to-late teens, though this varies between individuals. Functional procedures such as septoplasty may be considered at a younger age where a breathing problem is clinically significant. Patients under 18 require parental consent and are subject to additional psychological assessment requirements. See teen rhinoplasty for more information.
Consult with Dr Scott J Turner
Dr Turner consults for nose surgery in Sydney (Bondi Junction and Manly), Brisbane, Canberra, Newcastle, and the Gold Coast. Surgery is performed in Sydney at Bondi Junction Private Hospital and Delmar Private Hospital, Dee Why.
Contact the practice to arrange a consultation, or read more about Dr Turner’s background and training.
Dr Scott J Turner | Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) | Sydney Clinic | DrTurner.com.au
