Rhinoplasty is a highly complex procedure. An expert nose job requires precision while simultaneously correcting existing nasal deformities while preserving nasal function. Revision rhinoplasty applies to anyone who has previously had rhinoplasty surgery. Whether your’e not happy with the result or looking to improve nose function, read on to learn about revision rhinoplasty.
When is Revision Rhinoplasty Necessary?
Plastic surgery statistics show that rhinoplasty is among the most requested cosmetic procedures in the UK. Patients who opt for revision rhinoplasty have undergone rhinoplasty in the past one or more times but still haven’t achieved the desired results. Such patients often seek improvements in the appearance of the nose or nasal function.
Revision rhinoplasty is among the most challenging cases for many plastic surgeons. This is because the patients are often unhappy with previous surgery and may not understand that another procedure may not be as successful in correcting cosmetic deformities that occurred after the initial surgery or were not corrected.
Scar tissues after the initial rhinoplasty are usually an issue in revision cases because they can limit the procedure’s outcome. Also, revision rhinoplasty requires the use of cartilage to replace deficient or damaged cartilage. If the nasal septum has deviated, this will require correction to improve the nose’s appearance and function. Sometimes nasal obstruction may result from a collapse of the tip cartilage leading to external valve collapse.
Deficiencies in upper lateral cartilages and nasal septum deviation are common occurrences in revision rhinoplasties resulting in internal valve collapse. In such cases, the plastic surgeon uses cartilage grafts spread open in the narrowed area to correct the deviation or collapse.
What are the Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty?
The benefits of revision rhinoplasty, in a way, are similar to those of primary rhinoplasty. They include:
- Revision rhinoplasty helps reshape the nose for a more balanced and youthful facial appearance.
- Sometimes, revision rhinoplasty in combination with nasal obstruction surgery helps correct nasal obstructions caused by complications in the primary nose job.
- Revision rhinoplasty helps correct external nasal problems like a crooked nose and bulbous nasal tip for improved facial symmetry.
- The procedure helps boost confidence by revitalising the appearance and shape of the nose for patients who are self-conscious about the appearance of their noses.
What Happens During Revision Rhinoplasty?
Depending on your previous rhinoplasty procedures, the revision surgery may be more complex or require non-surgical rhinoplasty like fat transfer or dermal filler application. Most revision procedures involve the removal of the bone or residual cartilage from the bridge of your nose.
Revision rhinoplasty may also be performed if you had too much bone or cartilage removed, resulting in deformity. If the procedure is complex or complicated, the plastic surgeon may need to take tissue grafts from the ear or rib to restore the damaged cartilage.
Generally, the surgeon makes an incision at the bottom of the nose to separate the skin from the nasal cartilage or bone. Depending on your goals for the procedure, the cartilage is moved to a new position. Sometimes, the doctor may place additional structures from other body parts in your existing cartilage. The doctor then re-drapes the skin and closes the incision. The procedure may take anywhere between 30 minutes to a few hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure.
You can treat any mild swelling and pain with over-the-counter medication. You will leave the hospital with a nasal splint which is removed after a week; swelling and bruising should go down within 10 days. Recovery usually takes between 1 to 2 weeks. Full results will show in 1 to 2 years once all the internal swelling has dissipated.
Revision Rhinoplasty at The Harley Clinic, London
When considering cosmetic surgery of any kind, it’s vital that you choose an expert plastic surgeon.
If you are unsatisfied with the results of your initial rhinoplasty or would like to speak with an expert, book a consultation today to discuss your revision rhinoplasty options.
