Revision or secondary rhinoplasty is a procedure that corrects deformities caused by a previous operation on the nose. Some patients who have undergone a previous rhinoplasty, or nose job, may be unhappy with the results, either for functional or cosmetic reasons. In some cases, a revision rhinoplasty may be performed.
A revision rhinoplasty can be a more difficult procedure to perform than primary rhinoplasty because there may be less cartilage to work with and there may be scarring or tissue contracture or tightening within the nose. In some cases, additional cartilage may be taken from the ear or even the ribs to reconstruct the nose.
What Are The Benefits Of A Revision Rhinoplasty?
A revision rhinoplasty procedure can provide many of the same benefits that are available with a primary rhinoplasty. These include:
- Improved facial symmetry
- Rejuvenated appearance
- Improved breathing
- Increased confidence
- Corrected nasal function
To obtain the desired benefits that can be achieved with revision rhinoplasty, patients must take care in choosing their board-certified surgeon. Dr. Daneshrad is a board-certified otolaryngologist. He graduated with the highest honors from the University of California, Berkeley, and the Tulane University School of Medicine, and is a member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. His two areas of specialty make him extraordinarily qualified to address the cosmetic and functional issues that may have resulted from or not been corrected by a primary rhinoplasty.
Who Is An Ideal Candidate For A Revision Rhinoplasty?
Many people who are interested in revision rhinoplasty can be considered good candidates. One of the primary criteria is that it has been one year or longer since the last rhinoplasty surgery. It takes approximately one year for the nasal structures and tissues to heal after surgery. Performing revision rhinoplasty too soon could alter the final outcome of the revision. Reasons that patients seek a second (or third) rhinoplasty procedure include difficulty breathing, functional problems, and an undesirable cosmetic appearance.
How Is A Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?
Revision rhinoplasty procedures are somewhat similar to primary rhinoplasty. However, depending on the problems needing correction, the process may be much more complex. In most cases, revision rhinoplasty involves the removal of residual bone or cartilage from the bridge of the nose. In some cases, though, the doctor must make adjustments to revise the overcorrection that was done in a previous procedure. When the previous rhinoplasty has removed too much bone or cartilage, the doctor may need to graft material from another area of the body, such as the ear or the rib. The entire procedure can take between 30 minutes to a few hours depending on the amount of correction needed.
How Common Are Revision Rhinoplasties?
If you watch reality television shows like Botched, you might think that revision rhinoplasty is very common. It isn’t. In reality, only 5 to 10% of primary rhinoplasties result in unsatisfactory outcomes that lead to revision procedures. Patients who are considering a primary rhinoplasty procedure are encouraged to take their time choosing a qualified surgeon. Beyond board certification, patients should ask questions that enable them to interpret a surgeon’s experience. What training has the surgeon received and from where? How many rhinoplasties does the surgeon perform every month, every year? What proof does the surgeon have to demonstrate their experience and success rates (ex. before and after images)? What kind of reviews does the surgeon have for rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty? Finally, how well does the surgeon answer these and other questions? Do you feel comfortable and at ease in their presence? There are several factors that contribute to a successful rhinoplasty. Patients hold some of the responsibility for discerning what these are.
Will A Revision Rhinoplasty Ruin My Nose?
When performed by a qualified surgeon who has demonstrated a strong history of rhinoplasty success, a revision procedure should achieve good if not excellent results. The key to getting the best possible results with revision is to consult with at least one surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty. Revision procedures generally have a higher risk-to-benefit ratio. This ratio becomes more balanced when care is provided by a surgeon who routinely performs revision and primary rhinoplasties. That said, revision rhinoplasty rarely perfects the shape and size of the nose. Part of the consultation process is communicating realistic expectations for the anticipated outcome. To fully understand what those expectations are, a patient may need to consult with two or more surgeons.
Will A Revision Rhinoplasty Look Natural?
It can. During your consultation for revision rhinoplasty, listen very carefully to what the surgeon is saying. It is incredibly important to have realistic expectations for revision rhinoplasty. Rarely is perfection in the cards. A surgeon may ask you if you can be happy with 80% improvement, or even only 50%. The conversation that occurs during your consultation for revision rhinoplasty is critical to your outcome. Dr. Daneshrad is thorough in his consultation and examination of the nose. The goal of this visit is to set expectations based on the shape of the nose at the time of care.
For dissatisfied patients, revision rhinoplasty is not always the only option available to correct problems with a previous surgery. Some doctors can correct deformities or fill gaps or grooves within the nose with injections of medical liquid silicone.
Patients should consult with their doctor or plastic surgeon if they are dissatisfied with the results of a previous rhinoplasty and see what options are available to improve both the appearance and the function of the nose.
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