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109377488-xsIf you’ve already gone through one or more disappointing experiences with nose surgery or rhinoplasty, you may feel worried about “starting all over again,” investing more time and money into plastic surgery to achieve the look you wanted in the first place. Choosing to undergo secondary nose surgery is a difficult and incredibly personal decision, but one that you should make with the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in revision rhinoplasty. Although we can’t determine whether you’re a suitable candidate without a consultation and examination at our Melbourne office, we want to offer the following information as you consider this procedure.

What Are the Common Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty?

The purpose of primary rhinoplasty is to give the patient a nose that is balanced and proportionate in shape and size for their face. Unfortunately, results don’t always meet expectations, either because of misdiagnosis, unpredictable healing patterns, or poor surgical technique.

Regardless of cause, most patients who are dissatisfied with their prior rhinoplasty feel that:

  • Too much was taken out or left in
  • The bump on the nose wasn’t properly corrected
  • The tip of the nose is too upturned
  • Artificial implants look unnatural or have become infected
  • The nose or nostrils have sharp edges or are otherwise misshapen
  • The nose looks “surgical” or “artificial”
  • It is difficult to breathe

Regarding nasal function and breathing, it’s normal for the swelling after rhinoplasty to cause blockage or congestion for a few weeks, but long-term symptoms may indicate a need for revision rhinoplasty.

How Does Revision Rhinoplasty Work?

Secondary nose surgery is typically more complicated due to previous work already done inside the nose. Cartilage, bone, and the nasal septum have often been partially or completely removed, leaving scar tissue and deformities. Also, the skin has become thicker and stiffer after surgery. Despite these conditions, we can often improve upon the results of prior surgeries by removing the distorted parts and adding support inside the nose (using the patient’s own cartilage and bone if needed) to rebuild a more natural-looking, balanced shape.

How Long Do I Need to Wait?

It is generally recommended that patients wait one to two years after the initial surgery to consider revision rhinoplasty. Although the nose may appear healed in a few months, it actually takes at least a year for the nasal tissue to heal on the inside and be pliable enough to accommodate another surgery. The final results might not be visible for a full year, which means problems you might notice in the first few months could end up resolving on their own.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Not all patients who are dissatisfied with the results of their prior rhinoplasty are suitable candidates. Some noses are already as good as they can get; another surgical procedure – even by the most skilled surgeon – simply won’t help. Other patients are seeking the “perfect nose,” which may not be possible in a shape that still provides good breathing capabilities for them. However, many patients with realistic expectations about a secondary procedure are relieved to learn that we can help.

Learn More about Revision Rhinoplasty

If you have fully recovered from a primary rhinoplasty procedure and are experiencing difficulty breathing or are unhappy with the appearance of your new nose, please contact Avenue Aesthetic Surgery. We look forward to meeting you and discussing how we might best repair your nose and restore your self-image.

ARTICLE

Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty

109377488-xsIf you’ve already gone through one or more disappointing experiences with nose surgery or rhinoplasty, you may feel worried about “starting all over again,” investing more time and money into plastic surgery to achieve the look you wanted in the first place. Choosing to undergo secondary nose surgery is a difficult and incredibly personal decision, but one that you should make with the guidance of a board-certified plastic surgeon with experience in revision rhinoplasty. Although we can’t determine whether you’re a suitable candidate without a consultation and examination at our Melbourne office, we want to offer the following information as you consider this procedure.

What Are the Common Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty?

The purpose of primary rhinoplasty is to give the patient a nose that is balanced and proportionate in shape and size for their face. Unfortunately, results don’t always meet expectations, either because of misdiagnosis, unpredictable healing patterns, or poor surgical technique.

Regardless of cause, most patients who are dissatisfied with their prior rhinoplasty feel that:

  • Too much was taken out or left in
  • The bump on the nose wasn’t properly corrected
  • The tip of the nose is too upturned
  • Artificial implants look unnatural or have become infected
  • The nose or nostrils have sharp edges or are otherwise misshapen
  • The nose looks “surgical” or “artificial”
  • It is difficult to breathe

Regarding nasal function and breathing, it’s normal for the swelling after rhinoplasty to cause blockage or congestion for a few weeks, but long-term symptoms may indicate a need for revision rhinoplasty.

How Does Revision Rhinoplasty Work?

Secondary nose surgery is typically more complicated due to previous work already done inside the nose. Cartilage, bone, and the nasal septum have often been partially or completely removed, leaving scar tissue and deformities. Also, the skin has become thicker and stiffer after surgery. Despite these conditions, we can often improve upon the results of prior surgeries by removing the distorted parts and adding support inside the nose (using the patient’s own cartilage and bone if needed) to rebuild a more natural-looking, balanced shape.

How Long Do I Need to Wait?

It is generally recommended that patients wait one to two years after the initial surgery to consider revision rhinoplasty. Although the nose may appear healed in a few months, it actually takes at least a year for the nasal tissue to heal on the inside and be pliable enough to accommodate another surgery. The final results might not be visible for a full year, which means problems you might notice in the first few months could end up resolving on their own.

Am I a Good Candidate?

Not all patients who are dissatisfied with the results of their prior rhinoplasty are suitable candidates. Some noses are already as good as they can get; another surgical procedure – even by the most skilled surgeon – simply won’t help. Other patients are seeking the “perfect nose,” which may not be possible in a shape that still provides good breathing capabilities for them. However, many patients with realistic expectations about a secondary procedure are relieved to learn that we can help.

Learn More about Revision Rhinoplasty

If you have fully recovered from a primary rhinoplasty procedure and are experiencing difficulty breathing or are unhappy with the appearance of your new nose, please contact Avenue Aesthetic Surgery. We look forward to meeting you and discussing how we might best repair your nose and restore your self-image.