Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision Rhinoplasty differs from traditional rhinoplasty surgery in that the nose has been previously operated on. Tissues may have been added to or removed, and the healing may have created an unexpected end result. When performing this subsequent surgery, Dr. Rubenstein must take these factors into account.
A revision rhinoplasty is performed not only to correct the errors of a previous rhinoplasty surgery, but also with the aim of creating the results the patient originally requested. Most common complaints include the following:
- A deviated septum from collapse, which can result in outward asymmetry
- A tip that requires further correction
- A droopy tip that is not properly supported
- A pinched tip, where tissues were over-aggressively removed
*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.
Dr. Rubinstein is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. It is through extensive knowledge of the facial structure that he performs reconstructive surgeries. Though the most requested corrections are listed above, the doctor is capable of many rebuilding and removal techniques to create the greatest patient satisfaction possible.
To See More Before & After Pictures Visit our Gallery of Patient Results
Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty
Patients who have previously undergone a rhinoplasty surgery that resulted in a less-than-pleasing nasal shape or function may choose to consult Dr. Rubinstein’s expertise in this surgical subfield. Patients should be forthcoming with their intended aesthetic outcomes to be sure the results are attainable. A thorough examination of the nose’s internal and external structures will be completed to learn more about the potential to revise previous work. It is also important to note that patients of this surgery must be fit for an operation, and understand what limitations they may face.
Immediatly impressed with his onlince presence and his convenient New York location, I scheduled my initial consultation. Dr. Rubinstein was completely candid about what results I could expect. A helpful tool he used to help me make my treatment decision easy was a digital mock-up of how my nose would look after my procedure. I went into my procedure completely comfortable and relaxed because I knew the results Dr. Rubinstein would provide me with would meet my goals and expectations. My recovery went well: Dr. Rubinstein did such a great job letting me know exactly what to expect. I’m now one year out from my procedure and can say with complete confidence that Dr. Rubinstein is an excellent revision rhinoplasty specialist whom I would recommend to patients who are interested in a revision procedure. My results are exactly what I wanted.
Click here to read more Reviews
Treatment
A revision rhinoplasty can take 2.5 to 3 hours to complete, or possibly longer. Each individual case will vary, though the careful planning and execution of techniques will often limit the time a patient spends in surgery. Because some issues in the construction of the nose may not be readily apparent until the surgery, improvisation of techniques or an extended procedure time may be necessary.
Recovery and Results
One week following surgery, the patient should have healed sufficiently enough to return to work. In typical rhinoplasty surgeries, exercise can be resumed in two weeks’ time, though a revision rhinoplasty patient should not work out for one month following the surgery. The risks are that the nose could be bumped or hit, resulting in permanent damage or the necessity for further work. The nose will continue to heal and refine for over a year following a revision rhinoplasty in New York.
Frequently Asked Questions
While there are a number of specific reasons why a person would want a second rhinoplasty, there are two main or general reasons. A person might have never been happy with her or his initial results or something might have happened to the nose in the years (or even months) after the first surgery, altering its shape.
A person might end up with a nose he or she is not satisfied with after a primary rhinoplasty for a number of reasons. It could be that the patient saw a surgeon who wasn’t very experienced with the procedure and who wasn’t able to produce the results a patient had wanted. It could also be that a patient wasn’t fully sure of what he or she wanted before the surgery and that he or she finds the new nose somehow not quite right.
The reasons for a revision rhinoplasty that are out of a patient’s control are numerous. For example, a patient might have been involved in a car accident a couple of
years after the first surgery and the damage from the accident might have negatively affected the nose’s appearance. A patient might be an athlete whose nose was injured during play, too.
Just as primary rhinoplasties aren’t only performed for appearance sake, it’s also possible for a patient to want a revision because the function of his or her nose is somehow affected after surgery. While rhinoplasty can be performed to fix breathing problems, it’s also possible that, when performed by an unskilled surgeon, the surgery can create breathing or functional problems in the nose, meaning an additional surgery is needed to correct them.
Picking a surgeon for a revision rhinoplasty isn’t as simple as finding a name in an online directory and booking an appointment. You want to take your time to find the right doctor. Depending on the reason for your revision, it might be acceptable to see the same doctor again. If you’re considering a revision to correct a nose that has been injured after a primary rhinoplasty, the surgeon who performed your first procedure can be a good pick, but only if he is experienced in performing revision surgeries as well as primary rhinoplasties.
Of course, if you weren’t happy with the results you got for the initial surgeon or if you felt that the surgeon-patient relationship wasn’t what it could have been, finding a new surgeon for your second surgery is probably the better option. When looking for a new surgeon, you’ll want to find out how many revision procedures he’s performed, ask to speak to past patients, and review before and after pictures of patients.
Revision rhinoplasty isn’t a procedure that can be performed right after the first surgery. It takes time for the nasal passages to heal and for a final result to be visible. Even if you think you dislike your nose a month after surgery, it’s typically recommended that you wait for about a year, to give the nose time to fully heal and to give any inflammation time to decrease.
Revision rhinoplasty can be considerably different from a primary rhinoplasty. The surgeon has to navigate around tissues that have already been operated on, which can make the process somewhat more challenging and is one of the reasons why you want a doctor who is familiar with the procedure.
While the surgeries are different, they also share a lot in common. You can expect the recovery period to be somewhat similar after a revision rhinoplasty as it was after your first surgery. You’ll want to take a week or two off from work and will have to take it easy for another weeks after that. There might be more swelling and bruising after a revision surgery, but that can also vary from patient to patient.
Schedule Your Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation Today
To learn more about rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgeries, contact Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Specialists. Dr. Rubinstein is one of the top facial plastic surgeons in New York and is double board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. He is also an active member of the American Society for Laser Medicine & Surgery.
Dr. Rubinstein brings to his practice a diverse background and expertise in lasers and cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the eyes, face, neck. Furthermore, he has been an assistant professor at the very prestigious Columbia – New York Presbyterian Hospital for over 15 years where he has participated in training future surgeons. Dr. Rubinstein has been recognized by his peers as one of the leading trainers for esthetic laser & injectable procedures. He is one of the most sought-after physician trainers in the northeast. To schedule a consultation call 845-863-1772 or email info@YourFaceMD.com.
