The Art of Reshaping the Nose

Sydney plastic and cosmetic surgeon, Dr Darryl Hodgkinson has been performing the procedure of rhinoplasty for well over 20 years. Modern rhinoplasty incorporates an aesthetically pleasing result with functional improvement. It also makes it possible for the patient to have the procedure in a day surgery with minimal bruising, swelling and discomfort.

Communication between the surgeon and patient is the number one objective in the consultation. Expectations need to be addressed and the surgeon needs to understand what the patient wants and if possible, deliver satisfaction.

" I have a very close look at the nose in comparison with the rest of the facial features and ask the patient exactly what bothers them about their nose", says Dr Hodgkinson. "I then examine the structure of the nasal bones and cartilage, the thickness of the skin and explain whether it is technically possible to achieve their request".

Some patients have a very straightforward problem, such as a very large nose that they simply want made smaller, whilst others have a desire to define a slight angle or minimally re-shape the tip.

It is very common for an Asian patient to want the bridge of the nose built-up because the nose is too flat. In the case of building up the bridge of the nose, Dr Hodgkinson advises the patient against using any foreign materials, for example silicone or other synthetic materials. He believes that using the patient’s own bone and cartilage is safest and the most permanent option.

The most up-to-date computer imaging is available but more importantly, it is the ability of the surgeon to relate to his patients and to understand what they are trying to achieve.

The patient often has already checked on the internet site which shows dozens of Dr Hodgkinson’s results and this gives them, along with the extensive information available on his internet site, the direction and focus necessary to predetermine the likely result from the surgery.