Having a nose job, step by step

A rhinoplasty procedure is commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’. Performed well, it can improve breathing and change the appearance of the nose to be more in harmony with the face.
Often following a rhinoplasty procedure, the person’s eyes or mouth become more prominent in the gaze of another. In other words, before a rhinoplasty the nose may be the most prominent feature and as such the focus of attention. After a rhinoplasty, with the nose re-shaped, it is no longer as prominent and the other facial features such as eyes, cheekbones or mouth shape may appear more noticeable. It’s all about the proportions.
The aesthetic of the nose is unique to the individual.
Only you will know if you are comfortable with your appearance or if there are aspects that make you feel more self-conscious than you’d like to. Patients who consult with me for rhinoplasty often comment about feeling self-conscious and then explain what they don’t like about the shape or size of their nose. That’s OK.
Changing the shape or size of a person’s nose can only be done after a close consultation process. As well as a medical history and breathing tests, I assess the person’s facial features and proportions overall. I take photos of the person’s face from different angles and after I upload these to my computer, we can discuss in more detail the actual shape and size that is desired. By using visual editing tools, I’m also able to show the person an indication of how their nose may look after rhinoplasty. This is helpful both for the patient and me as it confirms we both agree on the objective.
Ainsley’s rhinoplasty
Ainsley had wanted a rhinoplasty to change the look of her nose for at least a decade. It was only when she started experiencing breathing issues that she requested a referral from her GP to meet with me.
Ainsley booked in for her initial consultation before Christmas. After a detailed discussion and answering her questions about the procedure, she left the practice with written information to further her understanding of all that is involved.
Once she had taken the time to assess and consider, Ainsley was satisfied and contacted Jacqui (our Practice Manager) to schedule her rhinoplasty. There was a waitlist of several months and some personal events that Ainsley needed to consider, including her university studies, and moving interstate.
Ainsley’s mother brought her to Sydney for the procedure in May and then back to the family home for her recovery period.
One week following the procedure, Ainsley returned to see me so that I could assess her healing process. Two weeks after the procedure it was time to remove the stitches and the cast. This is always an exciting time for patients.
Ainsley’s breathing had improved already and even with a little swelling as is normal at this stage, her new nose shape was pleasing.
Nurse Krisztina had explained how to care for the nose in the coming weeks by taping it at night, and I also provided some follow up care instructions.
Before Ainsley left the clinic with her cast removed and ready to breathe in the outside air …. Leila helped secure her next appointment.
The nose goes through an ongoing healing process following a rhinoplasty and it can take a couple of years for the final shape to settle in. For this reason, I stay connected with my patients and am available to answer any questions to ensure they have the optimal outcome.
I’ve been performing rhinoplasty procedures for over 20 years.
For more information, contact us.
Stay connected:
The before and after photos in this blog are taken two weeks after rhinoplasty. Outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect what another person may experience. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks which we discuss in detail as well as answering any of your questions during consultation.

A rhinoplasty procedure is commonly referred to as a ‘nose job’. Performed well, it can improve breathing and change the appearance of the nose to be more in harmony with the face.
Often following a rhinoplasty procedure, the person’s eyes or mouth become more prominent in the gaze of another. In other words, before a rhinoplasty the nose may be the most prominent feature and as such the focus of attention. After a rhinoplasty, with the nose re-shaped, it is no longer as prominent and the other facial features such as eyes, cheekbones or mouth shape may appear more noticeable. It’s all about the proportions.
The aesthetic of the nose is unique to the individual.
Only you will know if you are comfortable with your appearance or if there are aspects that make you feel more self-conscious than you’d like to. Patients who consult with me for rhinoplasty often comment about feeling self-conscious and then explain what they don’t like about the shape or size of their nose. That’s OK.
Changing the shape or size of a person’s nose can only be done after a close consultation process. As well as a medical history and breathing tests, I assess the person’s facial features and proportions overall. I take photos of the person’s face from different angles and after I upload these to my computer, we can discuss in more detail the actual shape and size that is desired. By using visual editing tools, I’m also able to show the person an indication of how their nose may look after rhinoplasty. This is helpful both for the patient and me as it confirms we both agree on the objective.
Ainsley’s rhinoplasty
Ainsley had wanted a rhinoplasty to change the look of her nose for at least a decade. It was only when she started experiencing breathing issues that she requested a referral from her GP to meet with me.
Ainsley booked in for her initial consultation before Christmas. After a detailed discussion and answering her questions about the procedure, she left the practice with written information to further her understanding of all that is involved.
Once she had taken the time to assess and consider, Ainsley was satisfied and contacted Jacqui (our Practice Manager) to schedule her rhinoplasty. There was a waitlist of several months and some personal events that Ainsley needed to consider, including her university studies, and moving interstate.
Ainsley’s mother brought her to Sydney for the procedure in May and then back to the family home for her recovery period.
One week following the procedure, Ainsley returned to see me so that I could assess her healing process. Two weeks after the procedure it was time to remove the stitches and the cast. This is always an exciting time for patients.
Ainsley’s breathing had improved already and even with a little swelling as is normal at this stage, her new nose shape was pleasing.
Nurse Krisztina had explained how to care for the nose in the coming weeks by taping it at night, and I also provided some follow up care instructions.
Before Ainsley left the clinic with her cast removed and ready to breathe in the outside air …. Leila helped secure her next appointment.
The nose goes through an ongoing healing process following a rhinoplasty and it can take a couple of years for the final shape to settle in. For this reason, I stay connected with my patients and am available to answer any questions to ensure they have the optimal outcome.
I’ve been performing rhinoplasty procedures for over 20 years.
For more information, contact us.
Stay connected:
The before and after photos in this blog are taken two weeks after rhinoplasty. Outcomes experienced by one person do not necessarily reflect what another person may experience. Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks which we discuss in detail as well as answering any of your questions during consultation.
Ask a question
Meet Dr Marcells
MBBS (Syd), FRACS (ORL-HNS)
Past President – Australasian Academy of Facial Plastic Surgeons
Dr George Marcells is known for excellence in facial plastic surgery and is considered a true master of rhinoplasty. He performs advanced surgical techniques to restore balance and harmony to the face and can also resolve functional issues such as breathing difficulties.
As seen in





Professional affiliations


