Former rhinoplasty patients seek revision surgery for a number of reasons that vary from disappointing results to breathing problems to unrelated injuries.
While every patient and every nose are different, a second rhinoplasty surgery should only be planned when it is safe. Surgeries can be stressful for the body. Cosmetic surgeries should be spaced out carefully to ensure your personal health and well-being, especially when they are not medically necessary. If you’re considering a revision rhinoplasty surgery, is it safe for you to start planning your procedure? How long should you wait?
Why Patients Choose Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeries
The results of most rhinoplasty surgeries will last a lifetime, so satisfied patients rarely become “repeat customers” of this procedure. When a patient returns for a second or revision rhinoplasty, the reasons are often very different. Some of the top factors include poor results from a primary rhinoplasty, breathing problems that have resulted from a first surgery, injuries that have occurred since surgery, or simply a change of heart. Some patients decide years after their first rhinoplasty that they want to change their noses again, either back to their original look or in a new way altogether. There’s not really a right or wrong reason for revision surgery, so long as you have a reasonable expectation for your final results and are healthy enough for surgery.
Planning Your Revision Rhinoplasty
Just as you were during your first rhinoplasty consultation, you’ll be involved in the planning and discussion about your revision surgery. Your facial plastic surgeon will ask many questions about your personal health, medical history, previous surgeries, and current medications in order to assess how fit you are for the procedure. Be honest about your health status so you’re not putting yourself at unnecessary risk.
When it’s time to talk about your expected results, clear communication between you and your facial plastic surgeon will be essential. Dr. Rubinstein can help you to visualize your post-operative changes with assistance from the VECTRA 3D imaging system. This revolutionary technology takes real 3D pictures of you and shows your surgeon’s intended changes to give you a real first look at what your new nose will look like. You’ll have the chance to see your results in advance and make the changes you want to get the nose you desire.
Time Between Nasal Surgeries
The most important question asked during your consultation will regard your previous nasal surgery and how much time has passed since. Any surgery can involve a long period of healing as the body adjusts to changes. Swelling, redness, and bruising are typical side effects of rhinoplasty, all of which will heal gradually on their own. Of course, these symptoms must be resolved before you can fully view your rhinoplasty results. Resist the urge to panic when your bandages first come off and let the body do its job. When your nose is fully healed, you’ll be able to see your results clearly and determine if they are what you were expecting.
Although every patient is different, most facial plastic surgeons will recommend waiting at least one year between nasal surgeries. An expert in the rhinoplasty procedure should be consulted to ensure that your surgery is safe to perform and you will be satisfied with your final results. If your nasal surgery is highly complicated, your facial plastic surgeon may ask you to wait longer before undergoing a second procedure.
Plan Your Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
Get a second chance at achieving the noseyou really want when you consult with a facial plastic surgeon who is knowledgeable and experienced with revision rhinoplasty. 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.
