Revision Rhinoplasty to Refine the Nasal Tip

Common Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty

Did you have a rhinoplasty two years ago, and your nose still looks too bulbous at the tip? Or maybe you’ve been having problems breathing since your first procedure. If your surgery yielded undesired results in aesthetics or function, it might be time to consider a revision. While data varies, approximately 15 to 20% of rhinoplasty patients desire or require a correction. Revision rhinoplasty is commonly performed for the following reasons:

• Crooked nasal tip
• Breathing issues
• Over or under-rotated nasal tip
• Hanging columella
• Problems from poor healing
• Unnatural nasal appearance
• Displaced nasal implant
• Residual Issues
• An injury that occurred after the original procedure

Whether the reasons are cosmetic or functional, most secondary rhinoplasty surgeries take place because of an overall dissatisfaction with the outcome of the original procedure. Many doctors will recommend waiting a year after the first operation before attempting corrective surgery. This will allow enough time for any lingering swelling to dissipate. Individuals seeking to undergo a revision rhinoplasty procedure should be in reasonably good health with all chronic health issues consistently managed by a physician.

What to Consider When Choosing a Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon

The decision to have this procedure can be emotional so choosing a surgeon who can address all your concerns with empathy is paramount. It’s important to seek out an expert in the revision techniques required to achieve your goal. In addition, always ask to see samples of your surgeon’s work.

Also, take care of the psychological triggers that create the need of doing a plastic surgery. If you think that this surgery has only aesthetics we suggest you to seek advice from BetterHelp.com first, and if you determine that this procedure will not have some negative psychological effects, go ahead with your plan.

Revision rhinoplasty to refine the nasal tip is both a specialized art and science. Therefore, choosing a board-certified surgeon who is experienced in performing successful secondary rhinoplasty surgeries is a must. Look for a professional with a proven track record that reflects technical skill & excellence in performing revision rhinoplasty procedures.

What to Expect During the Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation

The revision rhinoplasty consultation is a time to discuss your surgical goals and health history. Your doctor should establish trust during the consultation while facilitating a candid conversation about your expectations. This is the appropriate time for your surgeon to thoroughly explain what you can achieve from a corrective procedure.

Most surgeons will review your preoperative photos as well as the surgical report from the original rhinoplasty. Many surgeons use 3D imaging to customize an individualized plan for the surgery. By using a digital picture of your face, different adjustments can be made until you and your doctor are comfortable with the final plan. Once an ideal revision goal has been established, your doctor will discuss specific details about the procedure including pre and post-operative care.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

The techniques used in a revision rhinoplasty will differ depending on the specific variables that impact each patient’s surgical goals. The aesthetics of a nose is determined by the strength, size, and shape of the cartilage within the nasal tip. The goal of revision refinement is to reimpose symmetry in both form and function which could involve adding or removing cartilage.

Generally, during a revision rhinoplasty procedure, surgical incisions will be made in the same location as the original rhinoplasty. This has the benefit of reducing scarring. Depending on the patient’s health and the requirements of the revision rhinoplasty, a local analgesic, general anesthesia or sedation will be used to perform the procedure. Contingent upon the intricacies of the revision, the procedure can be completed in two to four hours.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery Process

Patients are usually concerned about their recovery after a corrective surgery; however, the process is quite similar to an original rhinoplasty. Most patients can return home the same day as the procedure, although they will need assistance from a friend or family member.

Typically after a rhinoplasty, a splint will be placed on the outside of your nose to help it maintain its shape as it heals. If needed, nasal packing can be placed inside your nose to address bleeding, although many doctors do not find it necessary. It’s not unusual for there to be eye swelling and a bit of bruising which should subside gradually, however an ice pad can be used to lessen the swelling. Severe discomfort is not common but if needed, your doctor will prescribe an oral medication to lessen the pain.

Immediately after the revision rhinoplasty procedure, most patients feel drained but it’s permissible to return to light activity after resting. Usually, patients can return to work after a week but will need to continue to avoid strenuous activities such as heavy lifting for several weeks after the surgery.

A postoperative meeting with the surgeon generally takes place five to seven days after the revision rhinoplasty procedure. At that time, the splint and stitches will most likely be taken out. The abundance of the swelling should be gone after a week, but it could take six to twelve months for the incision and swelling to completely disappear.

Schedule a Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation

For more information about revision rhinoplasty, contact the founder and medical director of the Becker Rhinoplasty Center, Dr. Daniel G. Becker. Author of four surgical textbooks and over 100 scientific journals, Dr. Becker specializes in revision rhinoplasty. Top-rated by US News and World Report, Philadelphia Magazine, and others, Dr. Becker lectures on rhinoplasty nationally and internationally. He also serves as the Clinical Professor of Facial Plastic Surgery at The University of Pennsylvania.

Dr. Becker is board certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT) and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS). His conservative approach to rhinoplasty focuses on creating a natural “un-operated” look with achieving patient satisfaction and happiness as his ultimate goal. To ask Dr. Becker a question or schedule a consultation, please call 856-589-NOSE (6673) or visit www.therhinoplastycenter.com