Understanding Revision Rhinoplasty
Secondary rhinoplasty, often referred to as revision rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure performed to correct or improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty (nose job). People may seek secondary rhinoplasty for various reasons, including dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, functional issues with breathing, or complications from the initial surgery.
Undergoing revision surgery after a previous negative experience can be a daunting and unsettling process for a patient. This highlights the crucial importance of investing time and effort in locating a specialist with the requisite training, expertise, and proficiency to carry out your revision procedure.
The Purpose of Revision Rhinoplasty
The primary goal of secondary rhinoplasty is to address issues from a previous rhinoplasty, whether they are related to the appearance or function of the nose. It can involve refining or restoring the nasal structure.
Complexity of Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is generally considered more challenging than primary rhinoplasty because Dr. Turner has to work with altered nasal anatomy and tissue scarring from the previous surgery. This requires a high level of skill and expertise. If you are considering revision rhinoplasty, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr Scott J Turner or an ENT specialist who specialises in nasal surgery. Your surgeon will evaluate your specific concerns and determine if you are a suitable candidate for the procedure.
It is important to have realistic expectations for the outcome of revision rhinoplasty. While improvements can often be made, achieving perfection or a completely “natural” appearance may not always be possible.
Why Choose a Secondary Rhinoplasty?
In a number of instances, the outcome of rhinoplasty is unsatisfactory as a result of technical errors, healing problems, or injuries after the first operation. While often the area of concern may seem minor, the undertaking of revision rhinoplasty cannot be underrated.
Even a small correction requires a formal open rhinoplasty technique that is more complex to perform than the original surgery with a longer period of time to settle down postoperatively.
Revision rhinoplasty requires experience and dedication from your surgeon, as well as an understanding of the type of changes that the first operation would have created. Revision rhinoplasty often involves the use of grafts, commonly cartilage from inside the nose but also from other areas including the rib and ear.
Ideal Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty
You might be an excellent candidate for revision rhinoplasty if you desire to modify or rectify the outcomes of your initial rhinoplasty. Revision surgery is typically undertaken to address both aesthetic and functional concerns related to your nose.
It’s essential to maintain realistic expectations before proceeding with a revision procedure, as it can be considerably more complex compared to your initial rhinoplasty.
Given these considerations, Dr Turner will carefully assess any patient whom he deems suitable, however, if you have previously had Rhinoplasty surgery with a different surgeon, it is often best to see the same surgeon for your revision as they know your operative history.
Dr Turner has successfully treated a range of issues with revision rhinoplasty, including:
- Correcting breathing difficulties
- Resolving asymmetry in the nose
- Narrowing a widened nose
- Addressing a nasal hump
- Straightening a crooked dorsum
- Adjusting an upturned nasal tip
- Rectifying a pinched nasal tip
- Refining a bulbous nasal tip
Risks Associated With Revision Rhinoplasty
As with any surgery, it is important that you are fully informed of the potential risks associated with rhinoplasty surgery. While all care is taken to minimize these complications, they may and do occur despite the best medical care.
It is important that you carefully read and understand the potential risks and they will be discussed in further detail when you have your consultation with Dr Turner.
Nose Revision Surgery
In a small but significant number of cases (about 10%) both the patient and surgeon feel the shape of the nose after six months is not quite that which was intended. A second procedure (revision rhinoplasty) may be called for. It is important to remember that the revision surgery cannot be carried out immediately, the nose has to be allowed to settle before further surgery is safe or desirable. Dr Turner believes best practice is to wait until 12 months after a patient’s initial Rhinoplasty surgery to commence revision surgery.
