How Does Revision Rhinoplasty Differ From a First Rhinoplasty?
Posted October 27, 2015 in Revision Surgery, Rhinoplasty
Nose surgery is a complicated procedure that should only be performed by a highly experienced and skilled plastic surgeon. Occasionally, patients find themselves in the hands of an inexperienced surgeon or a surgeon who does not fully comprehend their desired results. When this happens, revision rhinoplasty may be necessary to improve the results of the primary rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty is much more complicated than an original rhinoplasty. As such, it is essential to choose a highly trained and skilled surgeon like Dr. Terry Dubrow so that the secondary procedure goes smoothly and successfully.
More Complex
Revision rhinoplasty is more complicated than an original rhinoplasty because the nose has already been surgically altered. There will be scar tissue to deal with, which can make both the procedure and the healing process more complicated. It also means that there will be the need for an artistic eye and creativity to make additional adjustments to the shape, size, or appearance of a nose that has already been cosmetically altered. Entire nasal structures may need reshaping, and the soft tissues of the nose may not respond well to additional surgery and the resulting inflammation.
Another point of complexity is that some cases of revision rhinoplasty require the use of cartilage grafts to support or define the new nasal shape. These are taken from the patient’s own body, most often from the nasal septum, the ear, or near the sternum from the ribs. In other cases, synthetic materials can be used to support the new structure and shape of the nose.
More Time
In addition to increased complexity, revision rhinoplasty requires more time. The procedure itself can take much longer than the original procedure. The recovery time is also typically longer because tissues that have already been altered and formed scar tissue will need more time to heal again. Individuals who have thick, scar-prone skin may find their noses taking as long as two full years to heal completely after revision rhinoplasty.
Potential Complications
There are a few potential complications with revision rhinoplasty. Patients may experience complications with healing, or the procedure may not be able to sufficiently improve the shape of the nose after the first procedure. Circulation can sometimes be affected, which poses additional health problems if the patient smokes or has a pre-existing condition that affects circulation. Still, in the hands of a skilled surgeon, revision rhinoplasty can be performed with great care and precision to improve the results of your initial rhinoplasty.
Knowing the complexity of the revision rhinoplasty procedure, make sure that you schedule your procedure with an experienced surgeon like Dr. Terry Dubrow. Dr. Dubrow will meet with you to conduct a pre-operative assessment of your medical history, nasal shape, nasal tissue, and more to determine what techniques may be needed to successfully restructure your nose. Schedule your consultation for revision rhinoplasty with board-certified plastic surgeon Terry Dubrow, M.D. Call 949-515-4111 or fill out our online contact form at your convenience.