Do I need a GP referral to see Dr Waterhouse for rhinoplasty?

For cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty no referral is needed - contact Dr Waterhouse's clinic directly by calling 09 553 3781, emailing davidwaterhouse@tuhauora.co.nz, or filling in the online contact form. ACC-funded post-traumatic rhinoplasty requires a GP referral.

What types of rhinoplasty does Dr Waterhouse perform?

Dr Waterhouse performs cosmetic rhinoplasty (improving nasal appearance), functional rhinoplasty (improving breathing), and post-traumatic or congenital rhinoplasty (correcting deformity following injury or from a birth condition). He uses preservation rhinoplasty techniques where appropriate, and traditional structural approaches for more complex cases.

Where is rhinoplasty performed?

Most rhinoplasty procedures are performed at Kensington Hospital in Whangarei. Dr Waterhouse performs approximately 30 rhinoplasty cases per year and is the main provider of rhinoplasty in Northland.

Rhinoplasty · Preservation · Northland

Look and breathe
your best.

Q: What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?

Preservation rhinoplasty results in less swelling and a quicker recovery compared to traditional techniques. Most patients can return to normal activities within two weeks, though final results continue to refine over several months. David will discuss what to expect at your consultation.

Dr David Waterhouse FRACS, preservation rhinoplasty specialist, Whangarei

Whether you are unhappy with the appearance of your nose, struggling to breathe, or dealing with the effects of an injury, David offers the full range of rhinoplasty with specialist training in the latest preservation techniques. The team provides full pre- and post-operative rhinoplasty imaging, which David will walk you through at your consultation.

Call 09 553 3781 How it works

Are any of these concerns familiar?

Rhinoplasty can address appearance, breathing, and injury-related concerns.

Nose hump or bump

Difficulty breathing through nose

Wide or bulbous tip

Crooked or deviated nose

Nose changed after injury

Unhappy with nose appearance

Congenital nasal deformity

Nasal valve collapse

Deviated nasal septum

What is preservation rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty is surgery to reshape the nose. It can improve the appearance of the nose (cosmetic rhinoplasty), improve nasal breathing (functional rhinoplasty), or correct a deformity caused by trauma or a birth condition.

Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern technique that reshapes the nose while keeping the native nasal dorsum and key cartilage structures intact. Rather than removing the nasal hump and rebuilding with grafts, the dorsum is lowered in place using push-down or let-down techniques. This approach produces a more natural-looking result with less trauma, less swelling, and a quicker recovery.

David introduced preservation rhinoplasty to Northland following his 2025 sabbatical, during which he studied with world leaders in the technique in Nice, France and Florida, USA. He selects the technique based on each patient's anatomy and goals, using both preservation and structural methods where appropriate.

Cosmetic

Rhinoplasty

Reshape the nose to improve appearance. Humps, tip shape, width, asymmetry, and overall nasal balance are all addressed through careful surgical planning

Functional

Rhinoplasty

Improve nasal breathing by correcting a deviated septum, narrowed nasal valve, or structural airway problem. Often combined with cosmetic correction

Complex

Post-traumatic and Congenital

Correct deformity following nasal fracture or injury, or from a birth condition. David has specialist experience in complex rhinoplasty including revision cases

Anatomical illustration of the nasal dorsum showing the bony pyramid and preservation rhinoplasty approach

~30

Rhinoplasty Cases Per Year

Consistent surgical volume with latest techniques

Main

Provider in Northland

The main provider of rhinoplasty in Northland

2025

Sabbatical Training

France and Florida with world masters of preservation rhinoplasty

Specialist training. Introduced to Northland.

David spent his 2025 sabbatical studying preservation rhinoplasty with world experts including Yves Saban and Olivier Gerbault in Nice, France and with Dean Toriumi and 10 of the world masters in Florida, USA. He introduced this modern technique to Northland on his return.

Surgical Technique

Less invasive. More natural results.

Dr Waterhouse performs preservation rhinoplasty using subperichondrial dissection and push-down or let-down techniques to lower the nasal dorsum without removing it. This preserves the natural skin and soft tissue envelope, which produces a smoother, more natural result with less swelling and a quicker recovery than traditional structural rhinoplasty.

For bone work David uses Acteon Cube piezo microsurgery, an ultrasonic instrument that precisely cuts bone while sparing the surrounding soft tissue. This means less bruising, less bleeding, and a more refined result compared to traditional osteotomy techniques.

David performs the full range of rhinoplasty. For cases where preservation techniques are not the best fit, including severe deformity or complex revision surgery, he applies traditional structural approaches with equal expertise. Each plan is tailored to the individual patient's anatomy and goals.

Rhinoplasty combines well with his functional sinus surgery practice. Where a patient has both a breathing problem and cosmetic concerns, these can often be addressed together, streamlining care and reducing time off work.

Preservation Rhinoplasty Structural Rhinoplasty Functional Rhinoplasty Post-Traumatic Rhinoplasty Piezo Microsurgery Septoplasty Revision Rhinoplasty

The main provider of rhinoplasty in Northland

Dr David Waterhouse FRACS, Rhinoplasty Surgeon, Whangarei

Dr Waterhouse is an experienced ENT surgeon and the main provider of rhinoplasty in Northland, performing approximately 30 cases per year at Kensington Hospital. He covers the full range of rhinoplasty including cosmetic, functional, post-traumatic, and complex revision cases.

In 2025 David undertook a sabbatical dedicated in part to rhinoplasty, attending the Preservation Rhinoplasty Congress in Nice, France, followed by time in Florida alongside 10 of the world masters of the technique including Yves Saban, Olivier Gerbault, and Dean Toriumi. He returned to Northland and introduced preservation rhinoplasty to his practice at Kensington.

Your initial consultation includes a dedicated rhinoplasty photo session with our team. David will walk you through these images during your appointment, covering expected outcomes and what surgery can achieve for you.

Functional and post-traumatic rhinoplasty is covered by most major health insurance policies. David is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Health Insurance. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered by health insurance. Please ask our team when you get in touch.

FRACS Preservation Rhinoplasty ~30 Cases Per Year Southern Cross Affiliated Main Provider in Northland Kensington Hospital Piezo Microsurgery Trained: Nice and Florida 2025

A team ready to guide you. Our experienced team provides full pre- and post-operative rhinoplasty imaging, which David will walk you through at your consultation. We make the whole process as clear and straightforward as possible.

How to get started.

A consultation with David starts with a clear, honest conversation about what is possible.

Contact Our Team

Call, email, or fill in our contact form. No referral needed to get started

Consultation

David assesses your anatomy and goals and explains clearly what is achievable and what surgery would involve. Full pre-operative imaging reviewed at this appointment

Surgery & Follow-up

Performed at Kensington Hospital, Whangarei. Most cases are day stay; more involved cases require a night in hospital. Our team supports you through recovery and post-operative care

How to get seen

No referral needed for most cases. ACC-funded cases require a GP referral.

Contact us

Call, email, or fill in our contact form. You can refer yourself. Bring any previous photos or medical letters if you have them.

Consultation and plan

David reviews your anatomy and goals in detail. He will explain your options clearly, including whether preservation rhinoplasty is the right approach for you.

Surgery and recovery

Performed at Kensington Hospital, Whangarei. Some rhinoplasty is day stay; more involved cases require a night in hospital. Our team will guide you through every step of your recovery.

Common questions

Everything you need to know before getting in touch.

Do I need a GP referral?

For cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty you can contact Dr Waterhouse directly. No referral needed. ACC-funded cases (post-traumatic rhinoplasty) require a referral from your GP.

Is rhinoplasty covered by health insurance?

Functional and post-traumatic rhinoplasty is covered by most major New Zealand health insurance policies. David is an affiliated provider with Southern Cross Health Insurance. Cosmetic rhinoplasty is generally not covered by health insurance. Ask us when you get in touch.

What is preservation rhinoplasty?

Preservation rhinoplasty is a modern technique that reshapes the nose while keeping the native nasal dorsum intact. It produces a more natural result, with less swelling and a quicker recovery than traditional structural rhinoplasty. David trained with world leaders in the technique in France and Florida in 2025.

Can rhinoplasty also improve my breathing?

Yes. Functional rhinoplasty addresses breathing problems such as a deviated septum, narrowed nasal valve, or structural obstruction. In many cases cosmetic and functional concerns can be corrected together, which simplifies your care and reduces recovery time.

What is recovery like after rhinoplasty?

With preservation techniques, swelling is less and recovery is quicker than traditional rhinoplasty. Most patients are comfortable returning to normal activities within two weeks. Final results continue to refine over several months. David will discuss exactly what to expect at your consultation.

Will I definitely be offered surgery?

Rhinoplasty is not the right option for every patient. At your consultation David will take time to understand your goals and run through what surgery can realistically achieve. He checks that expectations are appropriate and surgery is not suited to all patients. If he does not believe it will produce the outcome you are hoping for, he will tell you honestly. His priority is ensuring the right decision is made for each individual.

Does David perform complex or revision rhinoplasty?

Yes. David performs the full range of rhinoplasty including complex post-traumatic cases, congenital deformity, and revision surgery following previous rhinoplasty elsewhere. Each case is assessed individually and planned accordingly.