Rhinoplasty

Surgical techniques to alter the shape, position, and inner workings of the nose have existed for thousands of years. This procedure, known as “rhinoplasty,” can produce noticeable changes to the appearance of the nose, which is integral to the character of the face. Our Specialist Plastic Surgeon, Dr Vlad Milovic, has undergone decades of training and education to acquire the knowledge needed to perform nose surgery.

Quick Facts About Rhinoplasty

Inpatient/Outpatient: Outpatient
Anaesthesia: General anaesthesia
Potential Benefits: A nose aesthetic that better suits the patient’s preferences; in some cases, improved breathing
Potential Side Effects: Swelling, bruising; risks associated with all major surgeries (see below)
Recovery: Variable, but typically several weeks or months

Risks of Surgery

All surgical procedures come with inherent risks and the chance for complications. Dr Milovic is experienced in many surgical techniques and proficient in several strategies to potentially limit these risks; however, it is important for patients to be aware of complications that could occur.

Risks associated with surgical procedures include, but are not limited to:

Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
Potential for an additional surgery
Complications relating to anaesthesia
Pain/discomfort
Numbness or other changes in sensation in the treatment area
Scarring
Bruising
Swelling
Excessive bleeding
Poor wound healing
Skin discolouration/irregularities
Hair loss at the incision sites which may be temporary or permanent
Infection
Nerve damage/weakness
Asymmetry
Visible deformities at or near the incision sites
Thrombosis
Seroma (a growth/lump near the surgery site that may become infectious)
Blood clots
Pulmonary complications
Cardiac complications
Death

All risks, potential benefits, and other aspects of the procedure will be explained in detail during your initial consultation with Dr Milovic. Please contact our practice for more information.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

Derived from the Greek roots rhinos (nose) and plassein (to mold or shape), the word “rhinoplasty” literally translates to the restructuring of the nose. To achieve this goal, the surgeon must gain access to the bones, cartilage, and tissue that line the inside of the nose and alter their position. The surgeon must also consider the patient’s gender identity, ethnic background, and cosmetic concerns in order to create effects that look natural.

While many of Dr Milovic’s patients pursue rhinoplasty for solely cosmetic purposes, he is also often able to employ rhinoplasty to address certain breathing and respiratory problems, such as a deviated septum.

What Are the Benefits of Rhinoplasty?

When performed by an experienced surgeon, rhinoplasty can offer the following benefits:

A change in nose size or shape
Reduction of unwanted aesthetic phenomena
Correction of respiratory issues (e.g. a deviated septum, congestion)

Please note that this list is not exhaustive, and Dr Milovic will strive to address whatever functional or cosmetic concerns you bring to his attention.

What Is Ethnic Rhinoplasty?

Many of Dr Milovic’s rhinoplasty patients wish to preserve their unique ethnic characteristics while refining the shape or function of their nose. Dr Milovic tailors each procedure to suit your facial anatomy, background, and aesthetic goals. He will carefully consider your ethnicity, overall facial structure, and personal preferences before recommending a surgical plan.

How Is Rhinoplasty Performed?

Your rhinoplasty procedure will begin with an initial consultation with Dr Milovic, during which he will use the VECTRA^®^H2 3D imaging system to create a preview of your potential results. After discussing the methods he can use to create these effects and simulating them with the VECTRA^®^H2 3D’s technology, he can work with you to build a customised treatment plan around your unique priorities.

Traditionally, rhinoplasty involves the use of a surgical hammer and chisel to break apart and restructure the nasal bones; however, Dr Milovic typically utilises a technique called “ultrasonic rhinoplasty.” This method, which is also known as “Piezo rhinoplasty,” involves a tool called a “Piezoelectric wand” to safely apply high-speed ultrasonic energy to the nasal bones. With the wand, Dr Milovic can both more precisely target the bones and effectively limit contact with surrounding tissue, reducing the opportunity for bruising and other side effects. While ultrasonic rhinoplasty is Dr Milovic’s preferred method, eligibility for this technique will depend on a patient’s specific case, as some aesthetic effects will require a different strategy.

Dr Milovic performs each rhinoplasty procedure in an accredited facility, most often as a day surgery with no need for an overnight stay. Patients can expect rhinoplasty to take one to two hours, and general anaesthesia is typically administered.

Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty can be approached using one of two primary techniques: open or closed. The choice between these methods depends on several factors, including the structural changes required, the complexity of the surgery, and your individual nasal anatomy.

In open rhinoplasty, an incision is made along the columella (the small strip of skin between the nostrils). While this technique generally results in a small external incision, most patients find the resulting scar is discreet and fades over time. Meanwhile, a closed rhinoplasty involves incisions placed entirely within the nostrils; as a result, scarring from this method is often virtually invisible from the outside.

What Does Rhinoplasty Recovery Entail?

As he does for each of his patients, Dr Milovic will provide you with personalised instructions to follow as you recover from surgery. Most patients are instructed to take at least two weeks off of work and refrain from strenuous exercise for a few weeks. Some degree of residual bruising and/or swelling is normal and can usually be mitigated with mild pain medications or cold compresses. In addition, you may be instructed to wear a splint for approximately 10 days following your rhinoplasty.

What Are the Typical Results of Rhinoplasty?

The effects of rhinoplasty are usually long-lasting. No matter your specific reasons for undergoing rhinoplasty (e.g. to address a hump, slim the nostrils, etc.), Dr Milovic’s goal is to produce a natural-looking improvement. This is why he uses the VECTRA^®^H2 3D imaging system to simulate the effects of surgery and is mindful of key aspects of a patient’s identity (such as their race and gender).

Can Rhinoplasty Address Breathing Problems?

While rhinoplasty is often pursued for cosmetic reasons, it can also improve breathing issues caused by internal nasal structures, such as a deviated septum. This condition occurs when the cartilage and bone dividing the nasal passages are misaligned, which can lead to nasal obstruction, difficulty breathing, and related symptoms. If you experience functional concerns, Dr Milovic can assess your anatomy and, when appropriate, incorporate structural correction into your rhinoplasty to restore airflow and support both aesthetic and functional goals.

Undergoing rhinoplasty is a significant decision, and it’s important to have all the relevant information before proceeding. In keeping with AHPRA’s 2025 guidelines, we strive to ensure that patients are provided with clear, accessible details about the risks, potential benefits, alternative options, costs, and likely outcomes of nose surgery.

We encourage you to take the time to review the information available on our website and prepare any questions for your consultation process. During your appointment, Dr Milovic will outline the procedure, discuss possible complications and recovery expectations, and help set realistic goals for your outcome.

Our team will guide you through the informed consent process to ensure you feel confident in your decision-making. We can also provide information on how to contact AHPRA or other appropriate regulatory authorities if you wish to raise concerns about your care.