After you have already undergone a rhinoplasty procedure, the idea of undergoing a second may not be ideal. However, if your first rhinoplasty procedure did not go as planned, a revision rhinoplasty with a plastic surgeon that you trust might be the best solution. During revision rhinoplasty, your plastic surgeon aims to fix any issues that arose due to your last procedure. He or she does this hoping to help the patient achieve the look they originally wanted or improve any function that may have been lost or hindered. With these goals in mind, your plastic surgeon will have in-depth, detailed conversations and consultations with you prior to the procedure. This should ensure the best outcomes possible and help you feel more comfortable.
When should a patient undergo revision rhinoplasty?
Patients who are looking for a revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, seek the procedure for many different reasons. This procedure may apply to any patient who has previously undergone rhinoplasty and desires improvement in the appearance and/or the function of the nose.
In some cases, patients are unhappy with their prior surgery and hope that further rhinoplasty will be successful in completely correcting anything that was missed or occurred due to the last surgery. It is important to note that this is not always possible. For example, scar tissue from prior rhinoplasty is often an issue in revision procedures and can limit the final outcome since it may recur. In other cases, the nasal septum may deviate. This requires correction to improve both appearance and function. In all of these cases, a this procedure may be difficult to perform. However, the procedure is an option for resolving some issues and a consultation with a trained plastic surgeon will determine if your case is right for this procedure.
What happens during the procedure?
During the procedure, your plastic surgeon makes initial incisions. He or she then separates the skin from the nasal bone and cartilage. Depending on your individual requirements, the cartilage will be moved into a new position. In addition, your surgeon may replace structures with the patient’s own cartilage from another part of the body. Your plastic surgeon then redrapes the skin over the new nasal structure and incisions are closed. The entire procedure may take anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours. This timeline will depend upon the desired result.
What does recovery from revision rhinoplasty look like?
Recovery after the procedure is slightly different than a regular rhinoplasty. Often there is less pain and bruising from a revision rhinoplasty and any mild pain or swelling can be typically treated with over-the-counter, non-opioid pain medication. Your plastic surgeon will remove the nasal splint within a week. Typically, most swelling or bruising will resolve within 10 days.
That said, all patients are unique. Depending on the length of your procedure, the desired outcome, and your individual health status, your recovery timeline will vary.
Dr. Anthony Berlet Can Help You
Dr. Berlet has been serving men and women in the northern New Jersey and New York City areas for over 20 years. Along with this caring and attentive staff, Dr. Berlet aims to help patients achieve the best outcomes possible from their cosmetic procedures. This is especially important in the cases of revision rhinoplasty. Patients who have already undergone the pain of not achieving the desired look and function should not have to worry twice. If you are interested in revision rhinoplasty, reach out to the team at Dr. Berlet’s office today to learn more! In the consultation, we will have a detailed conversation about your experience and your desired outcome. We can help you attain the look you’ve always wanted.