The revision rhinoplasty is often used as a solution for people who were not pleased with the results from their primary rhinoplasty or were injured after their primary rhinoplasty was completed. Prospective patients who are exploring their revision options after having a nose job performed should understand that this is a more complex surgical procedure, not without its complications. It’s important to seek out an expert facial plastic surgeon who can complete the surgery, provide patients with the results they were originally seeking, and keep patients safe and healthy at the same time.
Why is the Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure More Complex?
Scar Tissue
First and foremost, the surgeon has to work with scar tissue when completing the revision rhinoplasty procedure. Scar tissue is difficult to work with and can make it more challenging to hide the revision procedure. Scar tissue is thick, so it can make it more difficult to manipulate the skin on top of the nose.
Grafting
As nasal cartilage and bones have already been used or disrupted in the previous surgery, the surgeon may have a more difficult time manipulating the nose and creating the desired appearance. In cases where extra cartilage is needed, a graft may be required from another part of the body, such as the hips or even the ribs. This can make the surgery more painful for the patient and can also increase the recovery time after the operation is complete.
Tighter Skin
The skin along the nose is no longer as pliable as it once was, which can make it more difficult as the surgery is completed and it is draped over the nose again. Scar tissue prevents the skin from being as resilient as it was for the previous operation. Some surgeons may have a difficult time naturally draping the skin over the newly altered structure of the nose after the surgery is complete.
Risk of Excessive Bleeding
A primary rhinoplasty procedure will leave patients with less blood circulation in their nose, which can make a person more prone to complications or infections after the revision procedure. For the most part, this leaves a person at a higher risk of excessive bleeding during the operation or during the post-operative period. This risk should be discussed with the surgeon, and it should be determined on an individual basis whether it is safe for the patient to have the revision rhinoplasty procedure performed at this time.
Recovery Period
Recovery from any type of surgical procedure — be it medical or cosmetic — can be difficult for a patient. An experienced cosmetic surgeon recognizes that the recovery process is a trying time for many patients; therefore, they keep it a priority to mentally, physically, and emotionally prepare their patients for what is to come. For example, a rhinoplasty procedure is a significant event for the face, and it takes a little bit of time for the body to recover from the operation. When patients take the time they need to rest up after the surgery, they find that they have better results.
Most rhinoplasty patients recover within 7 to 10 days of having the plastic surgery. Bruising and swelling are a common side effect associated with this surgery, but it only lasts a few days. Some patients may experience these symptoms more frequently than others.
Need for Additional Procedures
For instance, some patients will need to have an osteotomy done in order to achieve the results that they want. The osteotomy technique requires the cosmetic surgeon to break the patient’s nose before structural issues can be fixed. When this is done, the patient has more bruising and swelling. Patients who do not require this technique do not experience significant swelling. After the recovery period is over and if the patient has rested enough, the patient will be able to see the results they desired.
Consultation with a Cosmetic Surgery Expert
Patients should not even consider a revision surgery until it has been at least one year since the original rhinoplasty procedure. At this point, if they are still unhappy with their results or they feel the surgery must be performed again, they should set up a consultation appointment with an expert nose surgeon who specializes in revision procedures.
A professional cosmetic surgeon will provide each patient with individual, custom post-surgical instructions. These instructions are created based on the type of procedure the patient will have performed and what is required during the surgery. The patient should take these instructions seriously as they are the key to optimum results.
However, the cosmetic surgeon also offers tips for all patients to help them deal with the recovery better. Preparing for recovery starts before the surgery is even taking place as patients should not take any blood-thinning products in the two weeks prior to the operation. Products that should be avoided include ibuprofen, naproxen sodium, ginseng, garlic pills, and vitamin E. Patients can take herbal supplements instead that have been known to reduce swelling, such as Bromelain. In addition, it is recommended that all patients keep a cold compress to their face for two days after the surgery as this not only helps reduce the impact of swelling but it also keeps the patient comfortable.
Not every surgeon is qualified to complete revision procedures, especially complex cases. It’s essential to work with a surgeon who has experience with revision procedures and a commitment to providing each revision patient with individualized, natural-looking results. Contact a board-certified cosmetic surgeon if you are looking for a revision rhinoplasty procedure.