From your first consultation to your last post-operative visit, the rhinoplasty process is an investment of your time, energy, and money. There’s so much riding on this first nasal surgery that you probably won’t spend a lot of time thinking about a second or third rhinoplasty, or what you might have to do if you don’t get your desired results the first time around. Many prospective rhinoplasty patients should be wary, however, since rhinoplasty has one of the highest revision rates at 15 percent. Don’t waste your efforts on multiple surgeries when you can avoid them. Follow these tips to ensure your first rhinoplasty is your last.
Choose the Right Facial Plastic Surgeon
The surgeon you’re working with to plan and perform your rhinoplasty sets the tone for your entire procedure and your results, too. He or she should be well-qualified, holding at least one board certification. He or she should have a proven track record of success among past patients, and should specialize in nasal surgery.
In addition, you should feel comfortable talking to your facial plastic surgeon and know that your concerns are also being heard. A successful rhinoplasty should be a collaborative effort between you as the patient and your surgeon as the expert. When you are both invested in the final outcome, the rate of success is much higher. Of course, patients who are satisfied with the results of their first rhinoplasty are far less likely to return for a second.
Follow Your Recovery Instructions Carefully
Even patients who love their results may need a revision rhinoplasty to correct mistakes made during the recovery process. Once your surgery is complete, it’s up to you to care for and maintain the nose and face as it heals. Complications like infection, excess bleeding, poor or delayed healing, and excessive scar tissue can all be avoided by following your instructions carefully and staying involved with your own after-care process. Be sure to avoid strenuous or vigorous activities until you are given the green light by your surgeon. It is much easier to injure the nose as it is healing and some injuries can be severe enough to require a second surgery right away. At the first sign of any problem, alert your facial plastic surgeon so you can work through it and preserve your rhinoplasty results.
Plan Your Surgical Changes Carefully
The patients who make very drastic or unnatural changes to their noses without considering how they will affect their overall look tend to be the same patients who come back to revise their results. There’s nothing wrong with hoping to really change your look with rhinoplasty surgery, so long as you are sure that your nose remains proportional to the rest of your features. The shape and size should complement your facial structure to look as natural as possible. Take into account the advice your facial plastic surgeon offers as he or she can give you an objective opinion backed by years of experience.
If you’re nervous about how your results will turn out, consult with Dr. Rubinstein to set your mind at ease. He uses VECTRA 3D imaging software to show you your projected results so you can make adjustments as needed to design the nose you’re most happy with. Using a 3D photograph of you, he’ll make the changes you’ve discussed and present you with your expected results. Take advantage of this unique opportunity to consider every last detail. A thoughtful surgery process will have a lower chance of needing a revision surgery later.
Consult With a Rhinoplasty Surgeon Today
Avoiding multiple rhinoplasty surgeries means getting your results right the first time. Consult with a facial plastic surgeon who is able to work with you to achieve rhinoplasty success. Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 15 years and specializes in esthetic laser producers, facial plastic surgery, nasal, and sinus disorders. He uniquely combines his medical and surgical expertise to help patients feel better and look better. He holds dual board-certification from the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology – Head and Neck Surgery, is a member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery, and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
