There aren’t very many rhinoplasty patients who expect to have a second surgery when they’re planning the first. Since rhinoplasty results are considered permanent, not even changing with the results of aging, most patients of nasal surgeries have plans to leave their noses alone once and for all. Unfortunately, for a small number of patients, leaving it at one surgery just isn’t enough. But what changes their minds to consider a revision rhinoplasty? Consider these issues and take the steps to prevent them.
The Reason: Disappointing Surgical Results
It’s a sad fact that many revision rhinoplasty procedures are caused by poor or disappointing results from the previous surgery. Choosing an inexperienced, unqualified surgeon to perform a delicate, intricate procedure like rhinoplasty can backfire, leaving you without the results you wanted. Prevent this from happening by carefully selecting a board certified facial plastic surgeon with a history of proven patient satisfaction. The best surgeries are performed by those with a wide breadth of patient scenarios and needs, so look for a surgeon who can discuss past surgeries that may be similar to yours.
If you’ve carefully chosen the right facial plastic surgeon, things can still go wrong if you have a miscommunication. One common reason that rhinoplasty results turn out wrong is a missed connection between patient and surgeon. Maybe you weren’t clear about the type of nasal tip you really wanted or maybe the surgeon misunderstood your explanation; either way, you’re not going to get the result you want. Prevent this fixable mistake by consulting with a facial plastic surgeon using Canfield VECTRA 3D Imaging system to predict patient results. This state-of-the-art device can take a three-dimensional photograph of you, the patient, and allow your surgeon to make his or her planned alterations to your nose. The image will then change to reflect these modifications, giving you a lifelike preview of the results you can expect from your rhinoplasty surgery without any risk of miscommunication.
The Reason: Surgery Changed Your Nasal Function
Every surgery carries its risks, even a cosmetic rhinoplasty. Making changes to the nasal structure is serious business, since there are lots of delicate, very small parts that need to be in exactly the right spot. It’s much more technical than that, of course, but imagine that every moment counts. Inadvertent problems can result from the most basic rhinoplasty procedure. While an experienced facial plastic surgeon is trained to anticipate these issues and take steps to prevent them, less practiced nasal surgeons might not realize an error has already occurred.
Rhinoplasty ranks among the most difficult of all plastic surgery procedures and surgeons are only human, after all. When a mistake does happen and your nasal function changes after rhinoplasty surgery, a second surgery is likely the only resolution.
The Reason: Nasal Trauma After Surgery
This reason for a second surgery is a bit different from the others. It isn’t directly tied to your first rhinoplasty at all; it’s just an unrelated incident that brings patients back for surgery, though it occurs only rarely. Lots of people have accidents every year where their noses are broken, squished, or damaged in some way, often requiring surgery to repair that trauma. Falls, car accidents, collisions playing sports, and the like result in many rhinoplasty surgeries in any given year. The odds that some of those patients would also be past rhinoplasty patients is slim, but definitely possible.
After your rhinoplasty surgery, you will need to avoid certain activities like contact sports for a certain amount of time. This is to ensure that the bones and cartilage of your nose have completely set and are back to their normal strength. After that, you’ll be allowed to return to life as usual, even if that includes a game of rugby every Tuesday. You can’t live your life afraid that you’ll injure your nose, although you can take precautions whenever possible. If you do wind up getting injured, get medical attention as soon as possible to assess the damage and make an appointment to see your facial plastic surgeon. Returning to the same surgeon can help you to make sure your nose is returned to the way it was just after your first surgery.
The Reason: You Changed Your Mind
Unfortunately, it is possible to just change your mind about your surgery after a while. Most rhinoplasty patients are happy with their initial results, but not all of them stay that way. For some patients, the changes weren’t enough and more adjustments are needed. Sometimes, patients decide they actually prefer their nose the way it was before surgery. There’s not much you can do to predict how you’ll feel after surgery, but try to remember that emotional turmoil and regret are normal symptoms following any surgery that changes your appearance. Give yourself time to consider your change of heart before you rush off for another surgery, which may not even fix the real problem. Spend time reflecting on why you feel the way you do and if surgery is really needed. It’s okay to seek a revision rhinoplasty, so long as your reasons are sound and your expectations are reasonable.
Where Can I Get Help With a Second Rhinoplasty?
If you’re considering a revision rhinoplasty, schedule a consultation with an expert who can get your results right this time.Dr. Ran Y. Rubinstein has been practicing in the Hudson Valley for more than 14 years and specializes in 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 and is an Assistant Professor at New York Columbia Presbyterian Hospital.
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