Open and Closed Rhinoplasty in Richards Bay

Optimal age: 18 to 45. The nose is fully formed by this time, and tissues still heal well. Where medically indicated, surgery can be performed at an older age if your general health allows

At its core, rhinoplasty is a comprehensive solution. It corrects both congenital and acquired nasal deformities, for example after a nasal injury. Patients are often bothered by a dorsal hump or an overly wide nose. Nose correction can also target the tip (tip rhinoplasty) or the nostrils (alar rhinoplasty). The surgical plan is created individually for each patient, taking every feature of their nose into account.

Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and, depending on complexity, takes 1.5 to 3 hours.

The surgeon determines the extent and course of the surgery at the consultation, based on your goals and the anatomy of your nose.

Rhinoplasty — surgery to change the appearance of the nose (an aesthetic goal) and improve its function if breathing is impaired.
Septoplasty — an operation correcting the nasal septum to restore normal breathing; the external shape of the nose stays the same.
Often both surgeries are combined, especially when a patient has a deviated septum and aesthetic concerns. This gives a harmonious look and restores full breathing. At City Medical Centre we perform rhinoseptoplasty — a combined surgery that solves both tasks at once

For a successful operation, preparation should begin 21 days before rhinoplasty. At the first appointment our plastic surgeon will give you a list of the required tests.

One week before surgery you should

• Stop smoking and drinking alcohol
• Cut out foods that promote swelling: salty, fatty, fried and spicy food; stop taking medicines that affect blood clotting (agree this with your doctor)
• Limit physical exertion
• Avoid cosmetic procedures that damage the skin: scrubs, peels and the like

Preparation includes consultations with the plastic surgeon, lab tests (CBC, biochemistry, coagulation, infection tests), ECG, chest X-ray, and an X-ray or CT of the nose. A week before surgery stop anticoagulants, alcohol and smoking. The day before — light meals; fast 6 hours before surgery

Important!

• Each test result must be on a separate form
• The medical facility's stamp and the doctor's signature are required
• For your hospital stay, buy compression stockings (class 2 compression) in advance and bring them with you
• On the day of surgery, your last food and any fluids must be taken at least 6 hours before the scheduled time of the operation
• If you have chronic conditions, including being under regular medical follow-up, you need a report from the relevant specialists confirming that planned surgery under general anaesthesia is possible

Although nose surgery is one of the most popular and well-established aesthetic operations, like any surgery it carries certain risks. To minimise the likelihood of complications after rhinoplasty, our clinic provides thorough pre-operative preparation and post-operative monitoring.

Possible complications after surgery

Swelling and bruising

A normal body response, but need monitoring if excessive

Bleeding

May occur in the first days, especially if restrictions are not followed

Infection

A very rare complication that occurs when hygiene requirements are not followed

Nasal shape irregularities

Asymmetry, septal displacement, uneven cartilage fixation

Impaired breathing

Possible with excessive tissue resection or due to individual anatomy

Thick scarring

Possible if you are prone to keloids

Psychological dissatisfaction with the result

More common in patients with unrealistic expectations

How to avoid complications after rhinoplasty?

• Choose an experienced surgeon. The doctor's qualifications and experience are the key to safe rhinoplasty.
• Full diagnostics before surgery. Includes lab tests, CT, ECG, and examination by the doctor and the anaesthetist.
• Follow the recovery regimen. Do not remove the dressing yourself, do not touch your nose, avoid sport, sun, alcohol and cigarettes.
• Antibiotic prophylaxis. Prescribed when indicated to prevent infection.
• Follow-up check-ups. Regular visits to the surgeon make it possible to spot the slightest deviations and correct them early.
• Psychological readiness. The patient should understand that the final result will be visible in 1–1.5 years.

Important: if after rhinoplasty you have difficulty breathing, severe pain, a high temperature or a change in the shape of your nose, contact your doctor immediately.

Rhinoplasty at City Medical Centre is performed with modern technology, safe materials and constant medical supervision, which keeps the risk of complications to a minimum.

We also provide post-operative monitoring and prescribe recovery therapy.

Ask a doctor

Recovery after nose surgery is just as important as the operation itself. Proper recovery determines how aesthetic and harmonious the final result will be. At City Medical Centre recovery is closely monitored and divided into three phases: early, intermediate and late

Early phase Days 1–7

1. The patient spends the first 24 hours after rhinoplasty under observation in the inpatient unit
2. Days 1–3: breathing is through the mouth, with splints in the nostrils
3. Expect swelling; nasal congestion and bruising may develop
4. Day 7: the splints are removed. The aluminium nasal cast is worn for up to 14 days; stitches are removed on day 14 together with the cast
5. Do not bend over, touch your nose or wear glasses

Intermediate phase Days 8–30

1. Swelling gradually subsides, but the tip and bridge of the nose may stay swollen
2. For one month, physical exertion, steam baths, saunas, swimming pools, hot baths and sun exposure are not allowed
3. Sleep only on your back, in a semi-upright position
4. Avoid wearing glasses and applying make-up around the nose

Late phase Months 1–18

1. For 1–1.5 months after nose surgery you may feel slight congestion
2. The nose takes its final shape after 1–1.5 years
3. During this time it is important to keep seeing your surgeon for follow-up

What not to do after rhinoplasty

• Remove dressings and splints yourself
• Take hot baths or use a solarium
• Do sport or heavy physical work
• Smoke or drink alcohol for at least one month
• Rub your nose, wear glasses or sleep face down

To speed up recovery and get the best result after rhinoplasty, we recommend that you

1. Keep a regular rest and sleep routine
2. Humidify the air indoors
3. Have a course of microcurrent or ultrasound therapy.
4. Follow the prescribed diet and avoid salty and spicy food

Book a consultation

The first improvements emerge with reduced swelling (2–3 weeks), though the final rhinoplasty result becomes clear in 1–1.5 years, once tissues are fully stable

The nose needs to be protected after surgery. An aluminium cast is placed over the nose, with special silicone splints inside the nasal cavity. Nasal function is limited in the first days but recovers quickly. The final result of rhinoplasty can be assessed after 1–1.5 years, once the swelling has fully subsided.

Important: if nasal function is impaired after the first operation or you are not satisfied with the result, revision (secondary) rhinoplasty may be needed. It is a more complex procedure, performed no earlier than one year after the primary operation.

Splints or swelling may partly obstruct the nasal passages in the first days after surgery. Within 1–2 weeks full breathing usually returns, depending on the extent of the surgery and your body

Our doctors use microsurgical techniques and quality sutures to keep scars minimal

Rhinoplasty balances facial features and improves aesthetics while preserving individuality. 3D modelling lets you see the predicted result early and discuss and agree on the changes with your surgeon

Rhinoplasty is a serious step. A well-performed rhinoplasty means the new nose is in perfect harmony with your facial features and works flawlessly. At the consultation the nasal surgeon assesses every parameter in detail: the size of the nose, tip projection, and the condition of the septum and nasal mucosa. We use 3D modelling so you can see the future proportions of your nose before the surgery is performed.

Don't just browse rhinoplasty photos online. Book a consultation to discuss what modern rhinoplasty can and cannot do for you. Correcting external nasal deformities and reshaping the nose is our speciality.

Rhinoplasty at City Medical Centre costs $4,200 (≈ R71,000) instead of $6,000 (≈ R105,000) with the current discount. The first consultation is free.

The final cost depends on the scope of surgery and is set at the consultation, with the doctor naming the exact price after examining your nose and facial proportions.

Surgery under general anaesthesia, one day in the inpatient unit, monitoring by a doctor, a free check-up post-surgery. The clinic backs the result with a lifetime guarantee.

At City Medical Centre the first consultation costs nothing. The doctor checks your nose, assesses your facial proportions and gives the exact surgery cost.