Rhinoplasty (Nose Job Surgery) Sydney NSW

Rhinoplasty in Sydney typically costs between AUD $11,000 and $25,000, with most primary cosmetic cases falling in the $13,000 to $18,000 range. Revision rhinoplasty and complex functional cases can sit at the higher end, sometimes reaching $30,000+.

The total fee includes the surgeon’s fee, anaesthetist’s fee, hospital/theatre fee, and post-operative care. A Medicare rebate and private health insurance contribution may apply when there is a documented functional component (such as a deviated septum or post-traumatic deformity meeting the relevant Medicare Benefits Schedule item criteria). Purely cosmetic rhinoplasty is not Medicare-eligible. A fully itemised written quote is provided after your in-person consultation with Dr Laniewski.

Cosmetic rhinoplasty is not covered by Medicare. Functional rhinoplasty may be eligible for a partial Medicare rebate when a specific MBS item number applies, such as septoplasty for a deviated septum, turbinate reduction for nasal obstruction, or repair of a post-traumatic nasal deformity.

If a Medicare item number applies, eligible private health insurance with appropriate hospital cover may also contribute to the hospital and anaesthetic fees. Eligibility is determined at consultation based on clinical findings, not by the patient’s preference. Dr Laniewski’s team will identify any applicable item numbers after your assessment and explain the out-of-pocket cost in writing before you proceed.

Rhinoplasty surgery typically takes 2 to 3 hours under general anaesthetic. It is usually performed as day surgery, with most patients returning home the same day or the following morning depending on the complexity of the procedure.

Tip-only or limited closed rhinoplasty may take closer to 90 minutes. Open structural rhinoplasty, septorhinoplasty with airway work, or revision cases requiring rib or ear cartilage grafts can take 3 to 4 hours. Dr Laniewski performs all rhinoplasty surgery in fully accredited private hospitals with specialist anaesthetists.

Open rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) so the nasal skin can be lifted, giving direct visibility of the cartilage and bone. Closed rhinoplasty places all incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible scar but offering less direct visualisation.

Open rhinoplasty is generally preferred for complex tip work, significant structural reshaping, revision cases and post-traumatic deformity. Closed rhinoplasty is suited to more limited adjustments. Dr Laniewski selects the technique based on your nasal anatomy and surgical goals; the small columellar scar from an open approach typically fades to be virtually invisible by 12 months.

Most patients take 1 to 2 weeks off work after rhinoplasty. The external splint is removed at day 7, visible bruising fades by 2 weeks, and 80 to 90 percent of swelling has settled by 6 to 8 weeks. The final shape (especially the tip) continues to refine for 12 to 18 months as deeper swelling resolves.

Light, non-strenuous work is usually possible at 7 to 10 days. Gentle exercise can resume at 3 to 4 weeks; full cardiovascular and resistance training at 6 weeks; contact sport not before 3 months. Patients with thicker skin tend to be at the longer end of the timeline. We recommend post-operative LED Light Therapy to reduce swelling and bruising and accelerate healing.

Rhinoplasty is not generally a painful procedure. Most patients describe pressure, congestion and a ‘heavy head cold’ sensation rather than sharp pain, and manage comfortably on paracetamol plus a short prescription for stronger pain relief in the first 48 hours.

The most uncomfortable aspect is usually nasal blockage from internal swelling and the splint, which improves significantly once the splint is removed at day 7. Sleeping with the head elevated, applying cold compresses for the first 48 hours, and avoiding bending forward all reduce both discomfort and bruising.

Yes. Functional rhinoplasty corrects internal structural problems that obstruct nasal airflow, most commonly a deviated septum (treated with septoplasty) or enlarged turbinates (treated with turbinate reduction). These can be performed at the same time as cosmetic reshaping in a single procedure called septorhinoplasty.

Combining the two avoids a second anaesthetic and ensures the external shape and internal airway are planned together. A documented airway problem may also make part of the surgery eligible for a Medicare rebate. Dr Laniewski will examine the inside of your nose at consultation to determine whether functional work is needed.

The minimum age for rhinoplasty is when facial growth is complete: approximately 16 to 17 years for girls and 17 to 18 years for boys. There is no upper age limit, provided the patient is in good general health and a suitable candidate for general anaesthetic.

Operating before facial growth is complete risks the nose continuing to develop and altering the surgical result. Patients under 18 require parental consent and, under current AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines, a 3-month cooling-off period between the first consultation and surgery, plus an independent psychological assessment. Adult patients in their 50s, 60s and 70s undergo rhinoplasty safely and successfully.

The main risks of rhinoplasty are bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling or bruising, asymmetry, numbness or altered sensation in the nasal tip, breathing changes, scarring, anaesthetic reactions, and the possibility of revision surgery. Published revision rates across the literature range from 5 to 15 percent, reflecting the technical complexity of the procedure.

Less common complications include septal perforation, nasal valve collapse, persistent visible irregularities and rare changes to the sense of smell. Risk is reduced by choosing a Specialist Plastic Surgeon (FRACS) with high rhinoplasty volume, having surgery in an accredited hospital, ceasing smoking before and after surgery, and following all post-operative instructions. Full risk disclosure is provided in writing as part of the AHPRA-compliant informed consent process.

No. Closed rhinoplasty leaves no visible scars at all because every incision is hidden inside the nostrils. Open rhinoplasty leaves a single small scar across the columella (between the nostrils) that typically fades to be virtually invisible within 6 to 12 months.

Scar appearance is supported with silicone scar gel, micropore taping and post-operative LED Light Therapy, all of which Dr Laniewski’s team will guide you through. Patients with darker skin tones will receive specific advice on sun protection and pigmentation management to minimise visible scarring.

Surgical rhinoplasty permanently reshapes the bone and cartilage and is the only option for reducing nose size, correcting a deviated septum, refining the tip, or addressing significant deformity. Non-surgical rhinoplasty uses dermal filler to camouflage minor irregularities (such as a small dorsal bump), is temporary (lasting 9 to 18 months), and cannot make a nose smaller.

Filler is a useful option for patients with very limited concerns or those who want to preview a possible surgical change before committing. It is not a substitute for surgery in most cases. Dr Laniewski offers both surgical rhinoplasty and non-surgical rhinoplasty and will recommend the option that matches your anatomy, goals and budget.

Choose a Specialist Plastic Surgeon who is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (FRACS), holds current AHPRA specialist registration, performs rhinoplasty regularly, has hospital admitting rights at accredited private hospitals, and can show you a substantial portfolio of their own before-and-after results.

Verify the surgeon’s registration on the AHPRA online register before your consultation. Under the AHPRA cosmetic surgery guidelines, you must have a GP referral, attend at least two consultations, complete a body image (BDD) screening assessment, and observe a minimum 7-day cooling-off period before booking surgery. Dr Peter Laniewski (AHPRA MED0001155003, FRACS) meets all of these criteria and operates at accredited Sydney and regional NSW hospitals.