revision rhinoplasty
DESERT BLOOM PLASTIC SURGERY
REVISION RHINOPLASTY
It’s unfortunate that so many rhinoplasties have to be re-done. If your vision for your nose wasn’t realized in your first procedure, a skilled facial plastic surgeon has many tools to rectify it. Revision rhinoplasty is a corrective procedure used to refine and improve results from a prior rhinoplasty.
Sometimes it’s tough to determine if revision rhinoplasty is in order. Ask yourself whether you’re happy when you look in the mirror and whether your breathing is unencumbered. If either answer is no, rest assured that you have options.
To ask your questions about revision rhinoplasty, call Dr. Jordan Wallin at Desert Bloom Plastic Surgery and Oasis Aesthetics at (435) 627-8150.
IS IT THE RIGHT TIME FOR A REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
Patients should wait for at least one year after their initial procedure before considering a revision. This is because it can take up to a year for all the swelling in and around the nose area to completely subside. Also, the revision process is usually more invasive and difficult due to the presence of scar tissue and having to work around how the body has healed.
It also takes about a year for scar tissue to soften, and it might take longer if multiple rhinoplasty procedures are involved. Waiting for at least a year gives you and your surgeon a better idea about what might be wrong with your new nose and plan the steps to fix it. Trying to rush into a revision rhinoplasty can turn smaller issues into bigger ones if you are not careful.
Taking time before a revision also allows people to think hard about why they want a revision. Vague goals or complaints about your nose will not help a plastic surgeon get an idea about the needed changes. If there is not enough cartilage in your nose to re-sculpt it, your surgeon will have to graft from other parts of the body. Trying to figure out the steps for a safe and effective graft can take time.
In general, patients with a crooked nose, a dorsal hump on the nasal bridge, a deviated septum, sleep apnea, a deformity in the nose, or other general sinus problems seek revision rhinoplasty. If your rhinoplasty can be rectified with medication or cosmetic procedures, Dr. Wallin is happy to advise you on those choices as well.
What To Expect During A Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure
The steps of revision rhinoplasty will differ for each patient. Revision surgeries are specifically targeted toward different areas of the nose that need treatment and are customized based on a patient’s specifications.
In general, revision rhinoplasty is carried out to restore structure and function to the nose. Some surgeons might work to add or subtract cartilage to restore symmetry to the nose and face. Cartilage is often added to open up the airway to help patients who have trouble breathing.
Incisions during a procedure are usually made on the inside of the nose or on the underside near the nostrils. Cuts made on the inside of the nose usually lead to a less invasive procedure which can be effective for patients who are trying to minimize scars. Depending on your concern, it might be preferable to cut into the underside of the nose so they have more room to work with and can get a better visual if the procedure is shaping up to be complicated.
The Recovery Process
The recovery process after revision rhinoplasty is very similar to the steps after a traditional rhinoplasty. Dr. Wallin avoids packing noses after surgery to maximize comfort and improve breathing. Instead, he uses a modern approach placing a quilting stitch that is absorbable. He likely will place tape and a temporary cast on the nose that will stay for about a week.
Painkillers can be prescribed to help alleviate pain but often only a few are needed. Dr. Wallin’s goal is to keep you comfortable where you treat your pain mainly with ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
In the first few days after a procedure, applying a cold compress or ice pack to the forehead or face will be helpful to reduce swelling. Keep your head elevated during the first week after surgery and to make sure any trauma to the nose or face is avoided for two months after a procedure.
Your nasal passages should be cleaned with routine use of nasal saline spray after the surgery. Allow at least two weeks before you start blowing your nose to give your nose time to heal. Dr. Wallin will answer any questions about the recovery process and advise as needed. He will also schedule a consultation post-surgery to follow up, make sure healing is moving along effectively, and remove any stitches and casts.
Does A Revision Rhinoplasty Always Work? How Often Are They Needed?
The success of a revision depends on the skill and expertise of the surgeon. It also depends on the goals of a patient, since, it might take multiple cosmetic procedures to completely ‘fix’ or change a specific part of the nose. Many report that a second nose job is less painful than the first one and comes with a quicker recovery period.
Ready to Look Your best? Schedule Your Consultation
If you’d like to learn more about any of these options, Dr. Wallin would love to talk with you. Call us at (435) 627-8150, or reach out to us online to set up an appointment to meet one-on-one with a talented plastic surgeon.