Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure performed on the nose after it had previously been operated on. Revision may be needed or wanted due to cosmetic or functional concerns, as a result of an error in the first surgery, or if a patient later desires a different appearance. The revision procedure is more delicate, complex, and demanding than a primary rhinoplasty as the area has already been operated on.
Do all rhinoplasty surgeries need to be re-done?
No, not all rhinoplasty surgeries need to be re-done. A majority of patients who see a board-certified plastic surgeon well-versed in rhinoplasty surgery will never need a revision rhinoplasty.
How common are revision rhinoplasty surgeries?
Although most patients are quite satisfied with the way their nose appears after a primary rhinoplasty, many are not. Of those who request revision rhinoplasty, a vast majority of them will return to the same surgeon for the second time.
It has been estimated that as many as 15 percent of rhinoplasties will be revised at some point. Between 2017 and early 2019, revision rhinoplasty surgeries nearly doubled.
Why do rhinoplasty revisions happen?
Rhinoplasty revisions occur due to one or more of three things: dissatisfaction related to aesthetic appeal; dissatisfaction due to functional issues; or unsatisfactory outcomes that are less obvious.
Although there are varied causes for revision rhinoplasty, the three most common reasons are due to technical issues such as structural problems with the nose that were not properly corrected; aesthetic dissatisfaction from under – or overshooting one’s desired goal; and functional issues related to breathing or sinus drainage complications.
How can I prevent having to have a revision rhinoplasty?
First and foremost, always see a board-certified plastic surgeon who performs rhinoplasty surgery often. Rhinoplasty is correctly considered the most challenging plastic surgery procedure to master. It takes years of education, experience, and, yes, actual practice.
What makes a good revision rhinoplasty surgeon?
Revision rhinoplasty is more complex than primary rhinoplasty because the doctor must fix problems on top of creating something new or different. Although the most crucial skill for a revision rhinoplasty surgeon is knowing how to perfect their craft, they must also possess an artistic eye that can make a nose look aesthetically pleasing.
A good revision rhinoplasty surgeon can fix what was not done correctly in the initial surgery and the things that were done perfectly. They will have a lot of experience with various surgical procedures and techniques and modify their needed methods to match your specific needs. What’s more, they must be observant enough to notice potential problems before they become too severe or problematic down the road.
For more information on revision rhinoplasty, please contact our office.
