Five Things You Need to Know About Revision Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a very popular facial plastic surgery. Most people are aware of the look of their nose as it lies central within the mid-face and can be very unique from one person to the next. Genetics or injury may create an undesirable size or shape, but the nose can be improved through plastic surgery. Through removing, at times, just millimeters of tissue, a surgeon can create dramatic results. Unfortunately, healing cartilage can be highly unpredictable and the desire for a subsequent procedure exists after a fair amount of primary rhinoplasty cases. In fact, rhinoplasty has one of the highest revision rates among plastic surgery procedures, with many putting the average at about 10-15%.
New York facial plastic surgeon Dr. Ran Rubinstein is an expert at performing revision rhinoplasty. After a thorough exam both inside the nose and externally, the doctor can determine how significantly the underlying framework of the nose was affected and select the appropriate measures to correct the issues. Dr. Rubinstein often will review operative records and photos from the first surgeon to assist in treatment planning. Due to the need for a second surgery, many patients want to learn more about why their first surgery didn’t produce the intended results, and how Dr. Rubinstein is likely to create a more desirable feature. Read on for more information about five things you need to know regarding a revision or secondary rhinoplasty.
- Wait for Revision.
It is advisable that patients wait at least one year following their initial rhinoplasty surgery to ensure the healing cycle has completed. Even though the nose may continue to change slightly over the next year, most of the swelling should have disappeared at this time so Dr. Rubinstein can assess the current state of the nose. Furthermore, many issues related to swelling will resolve within a year after surgery. - Expect Swelling.
A revision rhinoplasty can create even more prolonged swelling than the initial plastic surgery. Typically, patients will notice results after 3 months of healing. Swelling in revision cases can last up to two years. - Find a Specialist.
Few surgeons perform revision rhinoplasty procedures because they are very difficult to carry out. The outcomes are difficult to predict, and consistent results are challenging to attain. Though your original surgeon may offer to repair your nose at a discounted price, it may be worth seeking a specialist. It is preferable to see a dual board certified surgeon who specializes exclusively on the face. - Consider Breathing.
The initial rhinoplasty may cause a deviated septum or weakening of structures, which can inhibit breathing functions through one or both nostrils. A septoplasty or other correction may be necessary to perform simultaneously with the revision rhinoplasty. In some instances, restoring breathing is more complicated and cartilage grafting has to be performed to the bridge and tip of the nose to treat collapse caused by over aggressive reduction during the first surgery. - Cartilage Harvesting.
The doctor may use other materials from your body to construct your new nose. Cartilage can be removed from the ears or ribs if there is insufficient septal cartilage, skin may be grafted from an adjacent area of the face, and bone can also help build a permanent and functioning structure when needed.
Though revision rhinoplasty is a complex surgery, Dr. Rubinstein is an expert in his field. He has honed his skills by operating solely on the face. His dual board certifications lend themselves well to both primary cosmetic and reconstructive procedures. Call Dr. Rubinstein today at 854-863-1772 to schedule an appointment at our greater New York City office.
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