What Concerns Can a Revision Rhinoplasty Help Fix?
Revision rhinoplasty may be sought to correct common concerns such as:
- Too little or too much tip definition
- Too little or too much width at the bridge of the nose
- A residual dorsal hump or over-corrected hump
- Asymmetrical tip rotation
- Poor tip projection
- Collapse of the bridge or nostrils
Recovery From Revision Rhinoplasty
Patients can expect to return home the same day of their revision rhinoplasty. It is best to arrange a driver who will stay in the surgery center and be ready to take you home as soon as you are released. Because medication and the effects of surgery may cause grogginess for the first 24 hours, it is wise to have someone stay with you for the first 24 to 48 hours of your recovery.
The nose will most likely be splinted in some way after the procedure. Soft packing may have been applied depending on the amount of bleeding that occurred during surgery. These devices, coupled with natural swelling, may create a congested sensation. Often, the surgical dressing is limited to a “drip pad,” a piece of gauze that is held beneath the nose by an ear strap.
Discomfort is generally mild after revision rhinoplasty. Patients may find that they can maintain comfort with over-the-counter pain medication. Swelling and bruising may be improved by applying ice or a cold compress for a few minutes at a time.
By the end of the first week after revision rhinoplasty, most of the swelling and bruising should subside. Around this time, a follow-up occurs to check the progress of healing. Stitches and the splint, if placed, will likely be removed at this visit. Soon after the follow-up, most patients are ready to return to work and most normal activities. Exercise, nose-blowing, and strenuous activities will need to be resumed gradually over a few weeks.
By day 10 after surgery, most of the swelling and bruising should be gone. Irrigation and other post-op care may be able to cease at this time. Aside from contact sports and strenuous exercise, there should be little to no restrictions on activities that may be performed.
Like primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty can take several months for swelling to completely subside.
How is a Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?
Revision rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure that is performed under general anesthesia in an accredited surgery center. This procedure presents a unique set of challenges and requires a greater level of skill on the part of the treating surgeon. Dr. Serebrakian is a board-certified surgeon with training and experience in both cosmetic and reconstructive techniques. His understanding of facial anatomy makes him an ideal candidate for the aspects of revision rhinoplasty that may be necessary, including tissue rearrangement, tissue grafting, and tissue transplantation.
Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery
Most people who are unhappy with the results of a primary rhinoplasty procedure are good candidates for revision surgery. The majority of imperfections that result from an initial surgery can be improved with dedication and skill. It is important to approach nose surgery with the understanding that symmetry, size, and alignment are not likely to be perfect after the revision procedure. These nuances are rarely perfect on any face, even with surgery.
The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure
After appropriate anesthesia has been administered, Dr. Serebrakian makes incisions where needed to access relevant soft tissue and cartilage. The location of incisions is discussed during your consultation (you will know if you need an open or closed rhinoplasty). Through incisions, tissue is separated from bone as needed. Depending on the corrections that are necessary, cartilage may be adjusted into a new position. Cartilage may also be harvested from another area of the body, such as the rib, to replace tissue that was removed during the primary rhinoplasty. After making alterations to the bridge, tip, or another part of the nose, the skin is draped and incisions are closed. Depending on the complexity of the case, revision rhinoplasty may take from 90 minutes to 3 hours.
Preparing for Your Revision Rhinoplasty
Taking the right steps before revision rhinoplasty can increase the chances of a satisfactory outcome. We suggest:
- Give your body time to heal completely before seeking revision. This takes approximately one year for most people. Operating on the nose too soon intensifies an already-complicated process of observing what went wrong after the first rhinoplasty and making accurate
corrections. - Give your emotions and intellect time to fully comprehend what is to come. Revision rhinoplasty is not a painful process, this is not what patients need to prepare for. Where emotional maturity comes in is in the area of observation and communication. Before undergoing revision rhinoplasty, it is beneficial to have a full and clear understanding of what you wish to correct. The better you can communicate with your plastic surgeon, the closer they can come to your desired outcome. Due to the nature of rhinoplasty, it is important to understand that 100% improvement is nearly impossible. This is even more relevant to revision rhinoplasty procedures than primary surgeries.
- Dedicate time to finding the right plastic surgeon. It is not necessary to undergo revision rhinoplasty with the surgeon who conducted your first procedure. In fact, it is wise to consult with a few board-certified plastic surgeons before choosing your next surgeon. Revision rhinoplasty is a complicated procedure that requires an artistic eye as well as advanced technical skills. As a facial plastic surgeon with experience in reconstructive procedures, Dr. Serebrakian has extensive awareness of facial anatomy and how to work within natural contouring to achieve beautiful results.
Side Effects of Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery
The side effects of revision rhinoplasty are similar to those that patients experienced after their initial nose job. These include swelling and bruising. What is nice about revision is that this surgery typically results in less intense effects.
Schedule A Consultation
If you would like to learn even more about revision rhinoplasty, please call our office in Pinole at 510-724-8282 or our Larkspur office at 415-461-5755 to schedule a consultation.Dr. Armen Serebrakian is a double-certified surgeon serving San Francisco, Larkspur, Pinole and surrounding areas in California.
