Nose Job 101: Your Quick Guide to Rhinoplasty in Singapore

When people think about Rhinoplasty, one thing immediately comes to mind: plastic surgery. This misconception has caused some people to turn their backs on their desire to enhance their nose as they do not wish to undergo the knife.

Fact: the aesthetic field has come a long way to develop new ways of getting a nose job done without having to undergo surgery! This article will serve as your quick guide to the surgical Rhinoplasty.

Before anything else, why do people actually want to get a nose job?

It is true that the reason for the majority of people who want to get a nose job is to improve their looks. Southeast Asian noses are unlike those of western races that are typically well-defined, have taller nose bridges, and pointed nose tips. But aside from aesthetic reasons, some people actually get a nose job for medical reasons, such as to improve their way of breathing.

What is Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is a plastic surgery procedure that aims to augment the different features of the nose to either improve its physical appearance (cosmetic surgery) or correct a patient’s way of breathing (reconstructive surgery). Nowadays, rhinoplasty now refers to nose job procedures that are surgical and non-surgical. The website HealthAscent sheds more light on rhinoplasty in Singapore.

How is surgical Rhinoplasty performed?

There are two ways to perform surgical Rhinoplasty:

• Open Rhinoplasty
• Endonasal Rhinoplasty

Incisions are made outside the nose for open Rhinoplasty. A majority of doctors prefer this technique as it gives them more access to the nasal structures that make it easier for the procedure to be carried out. Meanwhile, incisions are done inside the nasal passages in an endonasal Rhinoplasty.

The following are the steps during a surgical nose job:

1. Local or general anaesthesia is administered to the patient to avoid any discomfort or pain during the surgery.
2. Incisions are made either outside of the nose (open Rhinoplasty) or inside of the nasal passages (endonasal Rhinoplasty).
3. The plastic surgeon will perform the surgery based on the area that needs improvement.
4. In some cases, body tissues or cartilages may be removed or added in order to achieve the desired contour or height of the nose.
5. After the successful alterations to the treatment areas, the skin and tissue are replaced back to cover the new composition of the nose.
6. Finally, a splint is placed on the nose for support as it heals.

How long is the downtime needed for recovery?

Patients will need 1 to 2 weeks of downtime for recovery.

What are the risks and side effects involved in getting plastic surgery to enhance the nose?

The following are the risks and side effects involved in undergoing nose plastic surgery:

• Bleeding
• Bruising
• Dietary restrictions during recovery
• Difficulty in breathing
• Negative body reactions to anaesthesia (nausea, sore throat, vomiting)
• Numbness
• Repeat surgery in case of complications or when patients are not happy with the results
• Swelling

How much does surgical Rhinoplasty cost in Singapore?

The cost of surgical rhinoplasty in Singapore can range from $5,000 to a maximum of $20,000. The factors that affect this include:

• Anaesthesia cost
• Doctor’s fees
• Facility and operating room cost
• Medical prescriptions
• Post-operative doctor’s appointments

Can Medisave be used to cut costs?

Unfortunately, Medisave cannot be used to cover costs for cosmetic surgery. Medisave and other insurances can cover functional Rhinoplasty done to correct nose problems that relate to breathing and congestion.

Are there other alternatives in getting a nose job if I do not want plastic surgery?

If you are not keen on getting a nose job surgery, you can turn to the following non-surgical nose job procedures:

• Dermal fillers
• Thread lifts

What are the pros and cons of getting a surgical nose job vs. a non-surgical procedure?

Here is a side-by-side comparison of a surgical nose job vs. a non-surgical one:

What are the things to consider in finding a doctor to handle my Rhinoplasty procedure?

Do research. A lot of information is now available on the internet regarding plastic surgeons that perform Rhinoplasty in Singapore. If you know of family and friends that have undergone the procedure, go and ask for their recommendation. Look for doctors who are highly skilled and have years of experience in handling Rhinoplasty procedures. You can also ask for before and after photos of patients that have undergone the procedure under the care of your potential surgeon.

When getting a consultation, it is always best to be prepared. Be sure to have the right and honest information when talking to your doctor. Open communication is a key factor in achieving the best results of a nose job procedure.