You likely went into your first rhinoplasty procedure with high hopes that both your aesthetic and functional goals would be met after that surgery. Unfortunately, some patients do not find the results of that initial rhinoplasty to be as satisfactory as they hoped. Because of the challenges of balancing form and function of the in performing nose reshaping surgery, even in the most experienced of hands, some percentage of revision surgery is inevitable; any surgeon who denies this has not done enough rhinoplasties in their career to know this or are being dishonest with the patient. The difference is the experienced surgeon’s revision will be simple and short, whereas the inexperienced surgeon will have complicated long surgeries which will be much less predictable. If you find yourself in need of a revision rhinoplasty, there are a few facts about the procedure you need to know.
Reasons for Revision Surgery
There are a number of reasons why a patient might seek revision rhinoplasty:
- The first procedure left the patient with breathing difficulties
- The nose was widened or thinned too much, creating a new imbalance
- A bump or concavity was left on the bridge or sidewall of the nose
- The nasal tip ended up too asymmetric, over-rotated or drooping
- The initial surgery resulted in contour irregularities
These problems typically come from working with a surgeon that is not sufficiently versed in the intricacies of the rhinoplasty procedure. If you are not satisfied with the results of your first surgery, it becomes even more critical to find a surgeon experienced and well trained in revision rhinoplasty that can correct the concerns and help you reach the goals you originally had for your rhinoplasty.
The Toll of “Botched” Rhinoplasty
When a patient decides to undergo rhinoplasty, it is typically because they are unhappy with the function of the nose or self-conscious about their appearance. The surgery brings high expectations and anticipation of an enhanced appearance and even an improved quality of life. When those expectations are not met, the results can be very disappointing. Many patients deal with depression and anxiety after their procedure, which makes it difficult to seek out additional surgery with confidence.
Choosing Your Surgeon
Choosing the right surgeon for your revision rhinoplasty will make all the difference in how you approach your subsequent procedure. A surgeon like Dr. Burke Robinson who is experienced in all types of revision rhinoplasty techniques will be able to put your mind at ease as he explains the upcoming surgery. Every Rhinoplasty Surgeon should know their actual revision rate and supply that to you which you can compare online By answering all your questions and explaining your procedure in detail, you can rest assured you will be in better hands the second time around.
Considerations with Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision surgery can be more complicated than the initial procedure for a number of reasons. The surgeon may have to work around scar tissue or find there is insufficient cartilage left to reshape the nose properly. Grafts must sometimes be taken from other areas of the body to provide sufficient strength and structure for the new nose shape, or cartilage used from a tissue bank if the patient doesn’t have sufficient cartilage themselves.
An experienced surgeon will know how to correct the issues presented during the initial procedure and move forward to help the patient achieve the initial goals that were set for the nose reshaping. It is imperative your revision surgeon spends ample time at the initial consultation to find out what those goals were and the specific concerns of the patient regarding the original procedure. Dr. Robinson uses 3 Dimensional Computer imaging in order to maximize this dialogue in both understanding the patient’s concerns, as well as educating the patient on what is and is not possible. Patients should expect a thorough explanation of the procedure and detailed pre- and post-operative instructions to ensure the best possible results.
If you are unhappy with your first nose job, you need a plastic surgeon that has the expertise and experience to correct the problems and help you reach your cosmetic goals. To learn more, contact Robinson Facial Plastic Surgery at 770-667-3090 to schedule your consultation with Dr. Robinson today.
