Revision Rhinoplasty

Should You Undergo Revision Rhinoplasty?

Are you unsatisfied with the results of your original rhinoplasty procedure? Do you still find your nose out of balance after the surgery? Well, in that case, you may be eligible for revision rhinoplasty, in order to restore the balance. Most people opt for second surgery, especially when they have breathing issues.  The main objective here is to restore both function and structure. More often than not, the revision procedure includes addition of cartilage to clear the airway and recreate shape and proportion.

When To Consider Revision Surgery

The revision procedure is generally more complex than primary rhinoplasty, and it requires an expert surgeon with proper understanding of surgical technique and nasal structure. Have an honest discussion with your surgeon whether you really require a reverse rhinoplasty, and how it is going to affect you. Be clear in your explanation as to why you want this surgery. During the revision process, your plastic surgeon will examine your bone structure, cartilage strength and skin. Grafting is generally required to create a better shape and support.

Right Time To Opt For Revision Rhinoplasty

You should wait at least a year before considering revision process. Swelling can take a year to subside, although some of them goes down immediately. It can take up to 8 months for the scar tissues to soften. The best time to figure out whether you are actually ready to undergo revision rhinoplasty is after one complete year. You might be calling for a disaster, if you are not patient enough to wait.

Risks Associated With Revision Rhinoplasty

Just like the ethnic rhinoplasty, Revision process has its own share of risks, some of which include functional or cosmetic issues, anesthesia complications, skin loss, scarring, bursting of small blood vessels, prolonged swelling and temporary loss of sense of smell. Being a highly specialized surgical method, it is a complex procedure, which should only be performed by a professional surgeon. Any type of side effects associated with the treatment should be taken into account before deciding.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery

Recovery measures are the same for revision procedure, as in case of primary surgery. After the surgery, nasal packing will help alleviate bleeding and swelling, but you will face difficulty in breathing until it is removed. Any pain associated with surgery can be combat with prescribed painkillers. At the end of the surgery, you may feel nauseated. In that case, make sure to inform your anesthesiologist or surgeon to give anti-nausea drugs in advance.

Bleeding and swelling can be reduced by applying a cold compress to your forehead, and it’s also a good idea to keep your head at an elevated position for the first week of Surgery. Avoid any sort of trauma in the region around the nose, for a month or two post-surgery. Do not blow your nose for a couple of weeks. The need for nose-blowing should diminish significantly as soon as the packs are removed to clear the airway.

This article was not written by Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D and may not represent his views. To talk to Dr. Robert S. Fischer M.D. please contact the office directly.

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