Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that you can have done to alter the shape of your nose. Some people undergo this surgery for cosmetic reasons, while others do it to improve their breathing. Rhinoplasty can also be used to correct a birth defect or repair an injury.
During rhinoplasty surgery, either your bone, cartilage, or skin of your nose may be modified, and in some cases, all three are changed. Although 90 to 95 percent of rhinoplasty patients are usually satisfied with the outcome of their first procedure, some are disappointed with their results for various reasons.
In some cases, the patient may be dissatisfied with the way their initial rhinoplasty complements their face from an aesthetic standpoint. In others, a patient's nose may have healed differently than expected, or it may have healed aesthetically, but not functionally. It is also possible that the patient went through some kind of nasal trauma while healing, which impacted their initial results.
If you have had an unsuccessful rhinoplasty procedure, you can have a revision rhinoplasty surgery to correct any mistakes and provide a more desirable outcome. Although you can return to your original rhinoplasty surgeon for the second surgery, there are surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty revision that may be better for the job.
What is the recovery time for revision rhinoplasty?
Initial rhinoplasty surgeries take a long time to heal from, but the recovery time from a revision rhinoplasty surgery is even longer and can take up to a year or beyond. Of course, every patient has a slightly different healing experience since rhinoplasty surgeries can differ from case to case.
However, many patients report that the pain is not very intense even during these early stages of healing, though bruising, eye swelling, and some bleeding is not uncommon. Any pain that you do feel can be managed with medication.
Another common side effect you may experience during these early stages is trouble with breathing through your nose. After several weeks, the swelling will gradually go down, and scar tissue will become less noticeable. Still, to ensure that you heal properly, there are several activities you should avoid after your revision rhinoplasty.
In the first week afterwards, especially, it is essential you avoid rubbing, jarring, or bumping your nose. Even light exercise should be avoided in the first few weeks, and contact sports should not be played until your doctor clears you for such activities.
During the first eight weeks, it is also necessary to avoid intense sun exposure. You should also quit smoking as quickly as you can. During this time, you should attend all of your follow-up appointments and listen to your doctor's advice. Getting as much rest as possible will help, and having patience is crucial, too.
When is revision rhinoplasty necessary?
If you have previously undergone a nose surgery like rhinoplasty at least once and you are dissatisfied with either the appearance or functionality of your nose, revision rhinoplasty could help. Unfortunately, for a number of reasons, revision rhinoplasty is often even more complicated than the initial procedure. One reason for this is the challenge posed by the scar tissue that remains from the previous surgery.
In some cases, it is also necessary to replace damaged or deficient cartilage in the bridge or tip of your nose with more cartilage from another part of your body, like your ear or rib. In other cases, skin grafts may even be required to repair scarring within your nose. Revision rhinoplasty surgeries thus often take much longer due to these complexities.
Complications could arise during the healing process following a revision rhinoplasty. The new shape of your nose still may not be exactly what you wanted after the first revision. Additionally, temporary loss of smell, skin discolouration, infection, and problems related to circulation are all potential risks.
How to Avoid Getting Revision Rhinoplasty
If you want to avoid the need for a revision rhinoplasty, it is necessary to ensure that your first rhinoplasty is a success. To do that, one of the first and most important steps is choosing the right facial plastic surgeon for your procedure. You should find a well-qualified surgeon with at least one board certification and a proven track record, specifically regarding nasal surgery.
Finding a specialist in nasal surgery increases your chances of being satisfied with the outcome. However, your surgeon is not exclusively responsible for the results of your rhinoplasty. There is also a significant responsibility that you hold as the patient to listen closely to your doctor before and after the surgery and follow all of their instructions carefully.
If you dedicate yourself to maintaining proper after-care habits, you can usually avoid complications like infection, excess bleeding, delayed healing, and excessive scar tissue. Continue to avoid any activities that your doctor advises you to stop until the time that you are cleared to return to them.
Even after you are given permission to play sports again, it would be wise to wear a protective mask if there is any potential risk of a nasal injury. Of course, if you do experience any complications, it is also your responsibility to alert your surgeon immediately, so proper actions can be taken.
Why Revision Rhinoplasty is Complicated But Sometimes Necessary
Unfortunately, there are instances where rhinoplasty results can go wrong. Sometimes, this may result from mistakes made by an inexperienced surgeon. Other times, it could be due to complications during the healing process. If you are not satisfied with the appearance or function of your nose after your first rhinoplasty, undergoing a revision rhinoplasty is the best solution.
However, it is important to understand that revision rhinoplasty is often more complex and, therefore, more complicated. It is best to find an experienced and reputable surgeon specializing in this type of procedure to maximize your chances of achieving positive results from revision rhinoplasty. That way, your first revision rhinoplasty will more likely be your last.
