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Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty
$4,200
Instead of $6,000 (≈ R105,000) · First consultation — Free
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Results
Every case shown belongs to a real patient of the clinic.
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Comparison
We'll pick the most effective solution for you and produce an excellent outcome.
A primary nasal operation that adjusts appearance and improves breathing when airflow is restricted.

Discounted price
$4,200 $6,000
Repeat rhinoplasty: used to correct the nose following an operation that did not fully succeed. Scheduled no earlier than one year after the original surgery.

Discounted price
$5,400 $7,200
A single surgery addressing both the septum and the shape of the nose.

Discounted price
$5,000 $6,600
These benefits and recovery periods are averaged across surgery types and meant only as a guide — your own anatomy and features decide the actual correction and recovery, confirmed by the surgeon at the consultation.
At the consultation the doctor will make a 3D model of the future result and explain
the course of your rhinoplasty
It is a free, pre-surgery consultation with no obligation attached.
Book a consultationOur clinic
Every patient gets modern equipment, comfortable rooms and attentive care

Our team answers your questions and finds a convenient consultation slot
Get a consultationIf surgery isn't actually needed in your case, the doctor will tell you this at the consultation, saving you an unnecessary expense.


Not sure which column you belong to?
Message us on Telegram and send photos of your nose — the doctor will tell you whether rhinoplasty is right for you. Free and with no commitment to surgery.
Find out if it suits me
Prices
The cost is named at the free consultation, after result modelling, and fixed in the contract.
Discounted price
a new shape for the nose

$4,200$6,000
Discounted price
secondary, revision

$5,400$7,200
Discounted price
both the shape and the septum

$5,000$6,600
Free
surgeon's examination and 3D modelling

Free
the cost of surgery is named
and fixed in the contract
The doctor will review the anatomy of your nose, take note of your wishes
and choose the right correction technique. The cost is named at the consultation and fixed in the contract.

Message our coordinator
Free online consultation · Reply within 15 minutes
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Price
From your pre-surgery preparation
to follow-up support for 12 months.
Discounted price
$4,200$6,000Discounted price
How it works
An agreed plan of correction, time under inpatient observation, and a year of recovery monitoring.

The doctor examines your nose, talks through your wishes and runs the checks needed to choose the best correction technique

We hold a surgery date for you; the deposit may be paid at the clinic by card or online via bank transfer, with the terms fixed in the contract for medical services

Prior to surgery, you need the full panel of lab tests: blood count, biochemistry, coagulation, a chest X-ray and an X-ray of the sinuses

Using the chosen technique, the surgeon carries out the rhinoplasty under general or local anaesthesia, correcting both the shape and structure of the nose

Each procedure is performed in the inpatient unit of the clinic. After surgery, your stay lasts one day

Once surgery is done, you follow a recovery programme, with check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months to track progress. Consultations with your surgeon stay free for a year after surgery.
During the consultation you get a realistic forecast of the expected result

It is a free, pre-surgery consultation with no obligation attached.
Book a consultationNasal splint
Every detail aims to highlight your natural beauty, and to make the recovery period more enjoyable, we let you pick the colour of your nasal splint.
Your style in the details:
Choose the splint colour that fits your mood
Small things build confidence — much like your future profile








Doctors
Rhinoplasty surgeon
The consultation is with the surgeon who will actually operate on you
The doctor reviews your facial proportions, hears out your wishes and explains what changes are possible.
Book a consultationCoordinators
You're supported at every stage of the process
Your personal coordinator
From your first message to the consultation — this is your first contact at the clinic
Specialist in patient care
Answers your questions ahead of the first consultation and helps you pick a convenient date
Your personal coordinator
By your side before and throughout your stay — from the moment you book to discharge
Specialist in patient care
Helps you prepare for the operation and stays in touch while you're at the clinic
Your personal coordinator
Supporting you through recovery, from discharge to your final check-up
Specialist in patient care
Keeps you updated during recovery and sets up your follow-up visits with the surgeon
For those who value honesty and expertise — a closed channel
Message us — our coordinator will contact you shortly and book your consultation
Advantages

A lifetime guarantee, set out in the contract. The terms of the surgery, ongoing support and post-operative follow-up are all agreed in advance.

We review your case at a free consultation and tell you plainly whether rhinoplasty is right for you. Just the facts, with no push toward surgery.

Travelling from elsewhere? We arrange your consultation and the needed preparation in a single visit, so the whole process is more comfortable and requires fewer trips.

We respect your time: we work 24/7, with easy booking and a personal approach — we adapt to your pace.

Once the consultation is done, the surgeon determines how much correction is needed, giving you a clear surgery price with no surprises along the way to your result.

Modern equipment allows the surgeon to work precisely and gently, which matters where a single millimetre can affect proportions, profile and facial harmony.
Prices
Send a request and get a free consultation on any service
Free
BookPrice without discount: $6,000$4,200
Price without discount: $7,200$5,400
Price without discount: $6,600$5,000
Price without discount: $6,500$4,700
Price without discount: $7,200$5,400
FAQ
Rhinoplasty (nose job) — among the most delicate and widely requested plastic surgeries, designed to reshape the nose to match the individual proportions of the nose and the whole face. Modern rhinoplasty goes beyond changing how the nose looks — it is complex surgical work aimed at an aesthetic result without putting health at risk.

The optimal age is from 18 to 45, when the nose is fully developed and tissues heal well. With medical indications, an older patient can have surgery if general health permits
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 — surgical correction of the septum that restores normal breathing without altering the nose's external contour.
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.
| Complete blood count (including ESR, white cell differential, platelets) | 2 weeks |
| Urinalysis | 2 weeks |
| Infection tests: HIV, HBsAg, anti-HCV, antibodies to Treponema pallidum | 2 weeks |
| Blood group and Rh factor | 2 weeks |
| Blood biochemistry (total protein; urea; uric acid; creatinine; glucose; total, unconjugated and conjugated bilirubin; ALT; AST; K; Na; Cl; cholesterol) | 2 weeks |
| Coagulation panel (Quick prothrombin, INR, APTT, D-dimer, antithrombin III) | 2 weeks |
| Electrocardiogram (ECG) tracing with a report | 2 weeks |
| Doppler ultrasound of the leg vessels / duplex scan of the leg veins | 2 weeks |
| Chest X-ray or fluorography with a report | 6 months |
| MSCT of the paranasal sinuses | 6 months |
| After the full laboratory work-up — a physician's report confirming there are no contraindications to surgery | 2 weeks |
Pre-op preparation includes plastic surgeon consultations, lab tests (CBC, biochemistry, coagulation, infection tests), ECG, chest X-ray, and a nasal X-ray or CT. Anticoagulants, alcohol and smoking are stopped a week before surgery. The day before, eat lightly; fast 6 hours before surgery
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.
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.
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
Initial improvements are visible once swelling settles (2–3 weeks), yet the final rhinoplasty result can only be judged in 1–1.5 years, as tissues fully stabilise
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.
Early after surgery the nasal passages may be partially blocked by splints or swelling. Full breathing typically comes back within 1–2 weeks, depending on the extent of surgery and your body
Our doctors use microsurgical techniques and quality sutures to keep scars minimal
Through rhinoplasty, facial features become more harmonious and aesthetics improve, with individuality preserved. 3D modelling shows the predicted result in advance so you and your surgeon can agree on changes
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.
At City Medical Centre, rhinoplasty costs $4,200 (≈ R71,000) instead of $6,000 (≈ R105,000) thanks to the current discount. The first consultation is free.
How much it costs depends on the extent of surgery and is decided at the consultation: the doctor names the exact price after studying your nose and facial proportions.
General anaesthesia for the surgery, one day in the inpatient unit, doctor monitoring and a complimentary check-up afterwards. The clinic guarantees the result for life.
Your first visit to City Medical Centre for a consultation is free. The doctor examines your nose and facial proportions and names the exact surgery price.
Blog
Rhinoplasty articles
Find out how recovery after rhinoplasty goes in the first 7, 14 and 30 days
Read the article
Preparation, recovery week by week, when the splint and stitches come out and how long to wait before flying home.
Read the articlePrices are in US dollars; the amount in brackets is an approximate conversion to ZAR at the rate of 02.10.2026. The final price is fixed in your contract.
Prices start from $4,200 (≈ R71,000). The surgeon sets the final price at the free consultation, and it is fixed in the contract, with no hidden extras.
The operation under general anaesthesia, a one-day inpatient stay, follow-up visits and dressings, plus a lifetime guarantee on the result.
Surgery takes 1.5–3 hours and you stay one day in the clinic. The nasal splints come out on day 7, and the cast is worn for up to 14 days.
Yes. The first consultation is free and does not oblige you to anything. You can start online by sending a message to the coordinator.
Message us on WhatsApp or Telegram using the buttons below. A coordinator will answer your questions and book a free consultation where the doctor names the exact price.
By messaging us, you agree to our Privacy Policy
Who is a candidate? The optimal age is 18 to 45, when the nose is fully formed and tissues heal well; with medical indications, older patients can also be considered if health allows. Indications include asymmetric cartilage or nostrils and significant breathing problems. Anyone researching rhinoplasty in Rustenburg should know the contraindications too: decompensated chronic disease, skin damage or inflammation in the area.
Safety depends on each step. Full diagnostics include tests, CT, ECG and exams by the surgeon and anaesthetist. After surgery, do not remove dressings or splints yourself, press on your nose, wear glasses or sleep face down. Regular follow-up visits catch small deviations early. People from Rustenburg are advised to contact the doctor right away in case of severe pain, fever or breathing difficulty.
Budgeting for rhinoplasty is straightforward: $4,200 (≈ R71,000) covers the surgeon's work, the stay in the inpatient unit, check-ups and dressings, and a dedicated coordinator. There is no separate bill for the first consultation. For Rustenburg patients, this is the moment to ask about timing, recovery and contraindications and receive clear answers before committing. The consultation is non-binding.
What patients write after this operation. Reviews are translated from the original language.
Ekaterina Ivanova
For a long time I was self-conscious about the length of my nose, until a friend who had had rhinoplasty recommended this clinic. At the very first consultation they set the date of surgery and explained every stage in detail. The rhinoplasty under general anaesthesia was performed by Mareta Meirieva: the swelling went down quickly, and after just a week my nose looked natural and neat. Modern equipment, attentive staff and appointments without delays made the whole process comfortable. I recommend the clinic to anyone who values professionalism and a quality result.
Rhinoplasty
Olga Vasilyeva
This was my first visit to the clinic, for rhinoseptoplasty, and to be honest I was very nervous. At the consultation they explained every stage of the operation and recovery in detail, which calmed me down straight away. The operation was performed by Mareta Meirieva: the swelling started to go down on the third day, and the result is visible to the naked eye. Everything inside is sterile and pleasant, the atmosphere inspires trust, and the staff are always responsive. I thank the clinic for the high level of service and the warm approach!
Rhinoplasty
Marina Samarina
Everything was first-class: clean, cosy and calm. Booking and choosing the right date was easy. The nose operation went smoothly and the nerve block was done perfectly: now I breathe freely without nasal drops! It is a real lifesaver for anyone tired of endless prescriptions and ineffective procedures. I recommend it to everyone who values professionalism and results.
Rhinoplasty
Viktoria Petrova
I recently had rhinoplasty and I am absolutely delighted. At the consultation they told me about every stage in detail, so I went into surgery fully prepared. The operation went smoothly: they straightened the bridge of my nose and made the nostrils symmetrical, and the shape came out very neat. The swelling lasted a little longer than I expected, but they explained straight away that full recovery takes more time. No unpleasant surprises, everything was within the normal range. I recommend the clinic to anyone looking for a confident result and an attentive attitude.
Rhinoplasty
Rustenburg lies at the foot of the Magaliesberg mountain range, and its Afrikaans and Dutch name means 'Town of Rest'. It is the most populous city in North West province, with 549,575 residents in 2011 and 626,522 in the 2016 census. A city of this size has many working families, students and professionals, and a growing number of them are asking about rhinoplasty and want clear answers before taking any step.
Most people in Rustenburg begin quietly, with a few questions at home or a late-evening message. That suits the way City Medical Centre works. You contact the centre from your own city, the first online consultation is free, and coordinators are available 24/7 on Telegram and Telegram. You can ask about the operation after a shift, during a break at work or after the children are asleep, and nobody pushes you to decide quickly.
This text is about the practical side: how the climate, the working rhythm and the social calendar of Rustenburg fit with preparation and recovery. It also covers what to ask the surgeon and what a realistic result means. Rhinoplasty improves aesthetics and makes facial features more harmonious, without loss of individuality. The aim is a nose that fits your face, not a different face.
Rustenburg has a humid subtropical climate with a large difference between day and night temperatures, because the city stands at a high elevation. Summers, from December to February, are very warm, though the altitude keeps them from being as hot as many expect. Winters, from June to August, are mild, with occasional frost at night. Rain falls mainly in summer.
For rhinoplasty this matters in a few simple ways. Heat and strong sun are not friends of a healing nose. In the warm months, swelling can feel worse in the afternoon, and direct sun on the nose and cheeks should be avoided in the early weeks. Plan to stay in shade or indoors in the middle of the day, and ask your surgeon which sun protection to use once the skin allows it. The aluminium nasal cast also feels warmer and less comfortable in hot weather, so a cool, ventilated room helps.
In winter the cool mornings and evenings are comfortable for resting, but dry air and the temperature swings between night and day can make a stuffy nose feel more noticeable. A humid, calm room and plenty of fluids usually help. For 1–1.5 months after nose surgery you may feel slight congestion, and this is expected rather than a sign that something is wrong. Dust in the dry season is another reason to keep windows closed during the first days, when breathing is through the mouth and the nose is protected.
Seasons also affect clothing. Choose tops that open at the front or have a wide neck, so you never pull fabric over the nose. In the first days a hat or cap should not press on the cast either.
There is no single correct month, and the decision depends on your own calendar more than on the weather. Still, the local seasons give some guidance. The very warm summer months of December to February bring heat, strong sun and frequent rain. Many people also take holidays or have family gatherings then, which can be an advantage for rest but a disadvantage if you want to avoid questions.
The mild winter months of June to August are often more comfortable for the first weeks of recovery. Cooler days make the aluminium cast easier to tolerate, and there is less temptation to be outdoors in strong sun. Dust and cold air should still be kept away from a healing nose, but the overall conditions are gentle.
Whatever the season, begin preparation early. 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. If you want the operation before a wedding, graduation or major family event in Rustenburg, count backwards from that date and remember that the final shape needs time. First improvements show once swelling subsides (2–3 weeks), but the final rhinoplasty result can be judged in 1–1.5 years.
A coordinator can help you build a timetable around your own commitments. Tell them about school terms, shift schedules and events, and the plan can be adjusted to your pace.
Rustenburg is known as a platinum-producing city, with around 41 platinum mines in the area, and mining makes up about half of the local economy. Finance and retail follow behind. This means many residents work shifts, in physical jobs or in dusty environments, and some commute daily across the city and the surrounding area.
If your job involves dust, heavy lifting or close physical contact, discuss this openly with the surgeon before choosing a date. The nose needs to be protected after surgery, and the cast and splints should not be knocked or pressed. Office, retail and administrative work is usually easier to resume than work on a site with dust or machinery, but the surgeon decides what is suitable for you after assessing how you heal.
Students have their own questions. Rustenburg has many secondary schools, colleges and a UNISA hub, and the first week after surgery is not ideal for exams, presentations or group projects. Plan the operation for a quieter part of the academic term. Remember that after the day in hospital, the splints come out on day 7, and the cast is worn for up to 14 days. These dates are good anchors when you speak to an employer or a college.
Daily transport matters too. The city is developing its Rustenburg Rapid Transport bus network, and crowded buses or taxis in the early days are a risk for accidental knocks. Arrange a lift from a family member or friend where you can.
Rustenburg has a strong sporting identity. It hosted matches of the 2010 FIFA World Cup at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium, and Olympia Park hosted some games of the 1995 Rugby World Cup. The city has a well-known judo club, a skydiving club, golf courses, swimming clubs and a cricket ground. Many patients here are active and want to know when training can return.
The honest answer is that contact and impact sports need the most patience. Judo, rugby, football and cricket carry a risk of a blow to the nose, so these should wait until the surgeon clearly allows them. Skydiving involves pressure changes and wind on the face, and it also should only be resumed with the surgeon's agreement. Ask for a written plan that separates walking, light exercise, running, gym work, swimming and contact sport.
Swimming deserves a separate question. Pools and open water involve chlorine, bacteria and the possibility of a knock, so do not go in until the surgeon says so. Golf is a gentler activity, but bending, strong sun and sweat on the cast should be considered, so ask about the right moment to return.
Sports glasses and sunglasses are another detail. Heavy frames can press on the bridge of the healing nose, so ask your surgeon how long to avoid them and which lighter options are acceptable. A calm, step-by-step return is better than rushing back to the club and losing weeks.
Food in Rustenburg is social. Family braais, Sunday lunches, celebrations and community gatherings are part of normal life, and they often come with hot, spicy or heavy dishes and alcohol. These need planning around the operation.
Before surgery, follow the fasting rules carefully. The day before, eat light food. 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. A week ahead, give up anticoagulants, alcohol and smoking. If a braai or celebration falls in that week, tell family in advance that you will not be drinking, and prepare an easy explanation.
After surgery, the first days are quiet. Breathing is through the mouth, with splints in the nostrils for days 1–3, so soft, easy food and plenty of water are practical choices. Very hot food and drinks produce steam and warm the face, so let them cool. Ask your surgeon when alcohol and spicy food can return.
Family events are the main social question. A wedding, a funeral or a church gathering cannot always be moved. If you cannot avoid an event during the first two weeks, speak frankly with the surgeon, since the cast is visible until day 14. Many patients simply choose to tell a few close relatives and plan a quiet period for the rest.
You do not need to leave Rustenburg for the first stage. You write to a coordinator on Telegram or Telegram, and a coordinator will call you back 24/7. Your time matters to us: booking is straightforward, and our approach is personal, adapting to your pace.
The consultation is online and free. It includes examination by the surgeon and 3D modelling. At the consultation, the doctor will build a 3D model of the expected result and explain what is realistic for your nose. Have clear photos ready, and write down what bothers you: the bridge, the tip, the width, or breathing. With 3D modelling the predicted result is visible in advance, and you agree on changes with your surgeon.
Good data connection helps for a video call, and a quiet room is useful so you can concentrate. If connectivity in your suburb or township is unstable, tell the coordinator, who can arrange another time or another way to speak. You can ask the same question twice or take a few days to think.
After the operation, support continues. Once surgery is done, you follow a recovery programme, with check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months to track progress. Consultations with your surgeon stay free for a year after surgery, and follow-up support lasts for 12 months. Residents of Rustenburg can therefore keep in touch with the team without difficulty.
Rhinoplasty is done in 1 day. It is performed under general anaesthesia and, depending on complexity, takes 1.5 to 3 hours. For 24 hours following rhinoplasty, the patient remains under observation in the inpatient unit. Surgery takes 1.5–3 hours and you stay one day in the clinic.
Getting ready involves consultations with the plastic surgeon, lab work (CBC, biochemistry, coagulation, infection tests), ECG, chest X-ray, plus a nasal X-ray or CT. For your hospital stay, buy compression stockings (class 2 compression) in advance and bring them with you. Sort these tests and purchases early so that they do not pile up in the last days.
Recovery follows a clear order. Days 1–3: breathing is through the mouth, with splints in the nostrils. 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. Nasal function is limited in the first days but recovers quickly, and you usually breathe fully again within 1–2 weeks, depending on your body and how extensive the surgery was.
Psychological readiness is as important as physical readiness. The patient should understand that the final result will be visible in 1–1.5 years. The nose takes its final shape after 1–1.5 years, so the mirror in the first month will not show the end result. Patience in the warm Rustenburg summer, when swelling can seem to change from hour to hour, is part of a good outcome.
Rustenburg was established in 1851 as an administrative centre for an Afrikaner farming area, and its name, built on the Dutch word 'rusten', means a place to rest. The Boers who settled here believed they could finally rest after years of conflict. For a rhinoplasty patient the name is a useful reminder: the weeks after surgery are a time for rest, not for hurry.
The area was settled long before by Setswana-speaking communities, and the Bafokeng named their own place Phokeng, the 'place of dew'. Today Rustenburg's population is primarily Tswana, and Setswana, Afrikaans and English are all heard in the shops and at family tables. When you speak to the coordinator, you may use whichever language is most comfortable for describing what bothers you about your nose, and the 3D model will make the conversation clearer.
Paul Kruger, later president of the South African Republic, bought a farm north-west of the town in 1863, and the homestead is now the Paul Kruger Country Museum. A Syringa tree marks the place where the Reformed Churches in South Africa were founded in 1859. Quiet museum visits and memorial gardens are gentle activities for the later weeks of recovery, once the cast is off and the surgeon permits outings, while crowded history tours with a lot of jostling are better left until the nose is well protected.
Platinum mining began here in 1929 after the discovery of the Merensky Reef, and the city is known for its platinum industry. Mining accounts for around half of the local economy, and the area has 41 platinum mines. Finance and retail are the next largest contributors. In 2017 the city's GDP reached ZAR 63.8 billion, about 21.1% of the North West Province.
This economy shapes how people plan an operation. Shift workers rarely have flexible weeks, so it helps to ask your employer early for the days you will need. Use the fixed anchors of recovery: one day in the clinic, splints removed on day 7, and the cast worn for up to 14 days with stitches removed on day 14. A written note from the surgeon can support a request for leave.
Workers connected to mines, smelters or refining should be especially careful about dust and fumes in the first weeks, while breathing is through the mouth and the nose is protected. Say plainly in the consultation what your workplace is like, so the surgeon can advise on when a return is realistic.
Retail and finance staff, who work in the shopping centres and offices of the city, face a different question: being seen by customers. The cast is visible until day 14, so plan leave for that period, and discuss it with your manager rather than hoping to hide it.
The city is organised into wards and regions, from the central area with Tlhabane, Cashan, Zinniaville, Karlienpark and Geelhoutpark to Phokeng, Boitekong, Kroondal and Marikana. Distances between them can be significant, and patients living in outlying villages should think in advance about how they will reach a chemist, a clinic or a relative's home in the first days.
Shopping centres such as Waterfall Mall, Rustenburg Mall, Sun Central, Greystone Crossing and Platinum Square are where many residents shop and eat. In the first two weeks, avoid crowds, busy food courts and children running around, since an accidental knock to the cast is the risk. Ask a relative to collect your pharmacy items, soft food and water, or choose quiet times for a short walk.
The Platinum Highway and the main roads connect the city to Pretoria, Johannesburg and Sun City, and the new Rustenburg Rapid Transport bus network is being built across the city, with route changes still under way. Minibus taxis, many operating under the Yarona network, remain a daily choice. After surgery, a lift in a private car with a seat belt and a calm driver is more comfortable than a packed taxi.
Bring only what you need for the hospital stay, including class 2 compression stockings, and arrange for someone from your household to be with you on the first night at home, when breathing through the mouth feels strange.
The Magaliesberg range stands over the city, and the Kgaswane Nature Reserve, a 4,257 ha reserve of quartzite peaks, lies above the town. Hiking, horse riding and game drives are popular in this area, as are visits to Pilanesberg National Park and the resorts at Sun City. At an elevation of about 1,217 metres, walks here can leave you breathless even before surgery.
After rhinoplasty, treat the mountains as a goal for later weeks. A gentle walk on flat ground is usually the first outdoor step, but steep climbs, heavy breathing, strong sun, and the risk of a fall or a branch striking the face are good reasons to wait for your surgeon's clearance. Ask specifically about hiking and game drives, where dust from dirt roads and bright sun are common.
Hot air ballooning, mountain climbing and the theme park at Ten Flags are further leisure choices in the area. Bumpy rides, sudden stops and crowds are all risks to a healing nose. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat, once allowed, helps shade the face on the weekend outings that many families here enjoy.
Rivers such as the Hex, which flows north to the Bospoort Dam, and the Elands, which joins the Crocodile River, are pleasant to see but are not places for swimming in the first weeks. Open water, like the pool, should wait until the surgeon says it is safe.
The city has dozens of schools, from Die Hoërskool Rustenburg and Selly Park to Bafokeng High School and Rustenburg Technical High School, as well as colleges such as Boston City Campus, Damelin, Platinum College and a UNISA hub. Universities in Pretoria, Johannesburg and Potchefstroom are within reach for those who study further.
The optimal age is 18 to 45, so school pupils should wait, and students and young professionals form the main group of candidates. A student can plan the operation around a break between exam periods, since the first week brings splints and mouth breathing, and the cast stays for up to 14 days. Speak to your college early about attendance and about practical classes, sports lessons or laboratory work where dust or a knock is possible.
Young adults in a city with many school and college events, from matric farewells to graduations, often ask how soon the nose will look natural. First improvements show once swelling subsides (2–3 weeks), but the final result can be judged in 1–1.5 years. If a photograph day is near, discuss the timing with the surgeon rather than hoping for an unrealistic change.
Parents are often involved in the first conversation. It is reasonable to include a family member in the online consultation, as long as the decision remains your own.
The optimal age is 18 to 45. By this age the nose has formed completely, while tissues still heal well. With medical indications, older patients can have surgery if their general health allows. A good candidate has realistic expectations, stable general health and a clear reason for the operation, whether it is appearance, breathing or both.
General contraindications include unstable chronic illness, clotting problems, active infection, and a situation where the person is not ready to stop smoking and alcohol before surgery. Only the surgeon can say whether any of this applies to you, after the tests. Be honest about medicines, supplements and previous operations.
Prepare your questions before the call. Ask what the 3D model shows and which changes are realistic for your nose type. Ask how breathing will be protected, how long you should avoid sun, dust and pools in Rustenburg's climate, and when you can return to your own work or training. Ask what to do if a problem appears at night, and who answers. Ask also what the check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months will include.
Finally, ask yourself whether you are doing this for yourself. A calm, personal reason is a better foundation than pressure from social media or a single comment from someone else.
Yes. The first consultation is online and free. You contact a coordinator on Telegram or Telegram, and a coordinator will call you back 24/7. The surgeon examines your photos and builds a 3D model of the expected result.
Heat and strong sun can make swelling and discomfort more noticeable, and the aluminium cast feels warmer. Stay in shade and in cool rooms, protect the nose from direct sun, and ask the surgeon about sun protection once the skin allows it.
Rhinoplasty is performed under general anaesthesia and, depending on complexity, takes 1.5 to 3 hours. You stay one day in the clinic, and for 24 hours after surgery you remain under observation in the inpatient unit.
The splints are removed on day 7. The aluminium nasal cast is worn for up to 14 days, and stitches are removed on day 14 together with the cast.
In the days right after surgery, splints or swelling may partly block the nasal passages. You usually breathe fully again within 1–2 weeks, depending on your body and how extensive the surgery was. Slight congestion may remain for 1–1.5 months.
First improvements show once swelling subsides (2–3 weeks), but the final rhinoplasty result can be judged in 1–1.5 years, when tissues fully stabilise.
This depends on your healing and on the sport. Contact sports such as judo, rugby and football, as well as swimming and skydiving, should wait until the surgeon clearly allows them. Ask for a written step-by-step plan at the consultation.
Preparation should begin 21 days before rhinoplasty. You need consultations, lab work, ECG, chest X-ray and a nasal X-ray or CT. A week ahead, give up anticoagulants, alcohol and smoking, and take no food 6 hours before surgery.
You follow a recovery programme, with check-ups at 7 days, 3 and 6 months. Consultations with your surgeon stay free for a year after surgery, and follow-up support lasts for 12 months.
It comes from the Dutch word 'rusten' and means 'Town of Rest'. Settlers chose it because they hoped to rest here, and the idea suits the quiet first weeks after rhinoplasty.
Tell the surgeon about dust, fumes and physical tasks. Plan leave around the day in the clinic, splint removal on day 7 and cast removal on day 14, and ask for a written note for your employer.
Wait for the surgeon's clearance. Steep climbs, dust, strong sun and the risk of a knock to the face are reasons to delay. Start with flat, short walks in shade.
Crowds raise the chance of an accidental knock to the cast, so choose a private lift and quiet times for errands, and ask a relative to help with shopping during the first two weeks.
Page medically reviewed by Marina T. Pershikova, rhinoplasty surgeon. Review date: .