Patients experiencing problems such as congestion, facial headaches and pain, poor sense of smell and generalised blockage in the nose may have issues with the sinuses. We routinely will check the inside of the nose using an endoscope to look at the areas where the sinuses drain into the nose which may give clues to the underlying problem. Patients may also need a CT scan to check exactly what is happening in the sinus region.

It is important that such issues are dealt with prior to or sometimes in conjunction with any cosmetic procedure. This may involve medical treatments such as steroid nasal drops or sprays, cleaning ("douching") the nose with salt water solution and ocassionally antibiotics. If symptoms are persistent, surgery of the sinus region may be required to clear the problem.

This usually involves complex endoscopic (keyhole) type surgery done through the nose to open the sinus areas to allow them to drain properly. Such surgery may be done on occasion at the same time as a cosmetic rhinoplasty procedure but if the problems with the sinuses are particularly severe or complex, we recommend these be sorted out first.

As part of all consultations, we make sure the nose is examined in all aspects and that we look to address the function, understanding that these conditions can cause significant problems with quality of life.