Rhinoplasty surgeries (also known as “nose jobs”) are among the most complex and challenging plastic surgeries. For this reason, even the best plastic surgeons with the best experience may fail to fulfill all of their patients’ goals the first time around.
This causes some patients to require secondary surgeries to fix abnormalities from their first surgeries or to ameliorate additional problems they would like to see changed or reversed. Any secondary rhinoplasty surgery is referred to as revision rhinoplasty surgery.
Why Get Revision Rhinoplasty?
There are multiple reasons why someone might get revision rhinoplasty. The most common reason is that they’re unhappy with their first (primary) rhinoplasty surgery.
Often, undesirable results occur simply because of the immense technical challenges related to rhinoplasty surgery. During rhinoplasty, the surgeon needs to not only change the structure of their patient’s nose to correct any deformities, but they also need to maintain optimal nasal airway function. Achieving both of these goals is a delicate process.
Another reason why revision rhinoplasty may be needed has to do with function. Even if the patient is content with the appearance of their new nose, they may have problems breathing or other functional issues that require additional surgery.
Most patients who come in for revision rhinoplasty are here to get help with one of the following issues:
- Dorsum collapse
- Nasal width
- Nasal symmetry
- Nasal contours
- Nasal tip rotation and projection
- Crooked nasal dorsum
The Challenge of Revision Rhinoplasty
In light of the immense challenges related to primary rhinoplasty, it’s easy to see that any subsequent surgeries (revision rhinoplasty surgeries) can be even more complicated.
Surgeons still have to deal with keeping the nasal airways functioning while bettering nasal appearance. On top of that, they also have to contend with scar tissue from the previous surgery and, often, with difficult issues relating to cartilage damage and possible cartilage loss.
Important Steps to Take Before Getting Revision Rhinoplasty
Here are five steps that will help you prepare for revision rhinoplasty surgery:
- Wait for your first rhinoplasty surgery to completely heal.
Before you move toward rhinoplasty revision surgery, you must make sure that you are truly unsatisfied with the results from your first surgery. This means waiting the entire recovery period. In many cases with rhinoplasty, you can’t see the final results (or feel them) until the surgical site is fully healed. Make sure that you speak with your first rhinoplasty surgeon to know when the full recovery period has completed.
If, after this time is ended, you still feel that you would like to have revision surgery because of dissatisfaction with your results, the inability to breathe properly through your nose, or a related problem, move onto the next step.
- Book a consultation appointment with Dr. Sieber.
Dr. Sieber is a double board-certified plastic surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty surgery. He can help you get the rhinoplasty results you’ve always wanted. Of course, revision surgery is much more technically demanding than primary surgery. For this reason, a consultation appointment is absolutely mandatory.
At your consultation appointment, you will speak one-on-one with Dr. Sieber to find out if you’re a good candidate for revision surgery. He will take a look at your nasal anatomy and speak to you about your past surgery and medical history.
You should be prepared with detailed information about the quality of your breathing, any key characteristics that you’re looking to change, and anything else you know about how your nose used to be and what you had done during your primary surgery. Dr. Sieber needs to know how much cartilage he can still use to reconstruct your nose or make alterations. In some cases, if the cartilage is too damaged or there’s not enough to work with, he may take cartilage from behind your ear to restore your nasal anatomy.
- Ask your previous surgeon for details.
You want your revision surgery to go as well as possible, and knowledge is power. For this reason, if at all possible, get information from your previous surgeon that you can pass on to Dr. Sieber. If you can obtain surgery reports or any other details about what you had changed in your past surgery, this will greatly help Dr. Sieber achieve optimal results for your revision rhinoplasty surgery.
- Plan for your surgery.
Before your surgery, Dr. Sieber will give you a list of steps to take in preparation. For example, you may need to stop or change your type and dosage of medications and/or dietary supplements if you take them. Certain medications and supplements may cause an increased risk of bleeding and, therefore, need to be stopped at least a few weeks before the date of your surgery.
In addition, if you are a smoker, you will need to stop smoking and/or vaping for a certain duration of time before your surgery. These are things you can discuss with Dr. Sieber at your consultation appointments leading up to your revision rhinoplasty surgery.
- Plan for your recovery.
Any type of rhinoplasty requires taking some time off from work or school. You will also need someone to take you home after your surgery and possibly help you for at least a day or two at home. Your physical activity will need to be restricted, and you may not be able to drive for several days or weeks, depending on the duration of time that you are taking pain medication.
It is common to experience some slight pain and discomfort after your surgery. Swelling is also likely. Dr. Sieber will give you information on how to care for your surgical site, reduce swelling and discomfort, and ensure optimal results once the healing has completed. Be sure to follow his instructions carefully, and make subsequent checkup appointments.
Could Revision Rhinoplasty Help You? Book a Consultation Appointment to Find Out
If you’ve had an undesirable outcome with a past rhinoplasty surgery, revision rhinoplasty may be what you’re looking for the fix the problem. Dr. Sieber believes in restoring your normal nasal anatomy while at the same time getting you the nose profile you’ve always dreamed of.
Keep in mind that revision rhinoplasty is a more delicate surgery than primary rhinoplasty. As such, Dr. Sieber will want to spend an adequate amount of time going over your medical history, past surgery experience, past and current nasal anatomy, and goals for the procedure. The ultimate aim is for lasting results that you will be happy with for years to come.
When you’re ready to take the next step with revision rhinoplasty, contact Dr. Sieber Plastic Surgery today to book your consultation appointment.
