Revision rhinoplasty can address concerns that may have resulted from a previous procedure or that have persisted after the procedure.
While a revision surgery may seem simple, a revision rhinoplasty is actually often more complex than a primary rhinoplasty – which is why it’s important to understand the procedure and follow some steps to prepare.
In this blog, we’ll outline what a revision rhinoplasty involves, what makes a suitable candidate for the procedure, and the steps you can take to prepare for your surgery.
What is a revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is performed after an initial or primary rhinoplasty to make further changes to the nose. For example, changes may be made to address unsatisfactory results that were achieved after the first procedure or to address structural concerns like breathing difficulties.
The procedure is generally considered to be more complex than the initial rhinoplasty. This is because of the alterations that were previously made and the new scar tissue that will have formed.
When is a revision rhinoplasty needed?
A patient may undergo a revision rhinoplasty for a number of reasons. Like the reasons for undergoing a primary rhinoplasty, the reasons for having revision surgery could be aesthetic-based, functional, or sometimes a mixture of both.
A common reason that a revision rhinoplasty is performed is that a patient isn’t happy with the aesthetics of their initial rhinoplasty and wants to make further adjustments. For example, the first surgery may not have fully addressed asymmetry or irregularities in the nose’s shape or may have achieved a result that prompted the desire for further changes.
Aside from aesthetic reasons, functional concerns, such as a deviated septum, may not have been properly addressed during the initial surgery. If functional concerns (such as breathing difficulty) persist after surgery, a careful revision surgery may sufficiently make the right adjustments.
Some people also opt for revision rhinoplasty if they’ve experienced newly-created functional issues after their first procedure. Breathing problems, ongoing congestion, or even a collapse of part of the nose can sometimes occur, and a revision can help address these changes.
How soon can a revision rhinoplasty be performed after the first procedure?
Your nose must be fully healed after an initial rhinoplasty before a revision procedure can be performed. The time that full healing takes varies from patient to patient, but often, patients need to wait at least one year after their first procedure.
As well as allowing your nose to fully heal, it can take this long to clearly see your results from the procedure, as swelling can take some time to fully subside. Waiting until your nose has completely settled will allow you to then assess your results clearly, and decide if you still want to undergo a revision surgery. Once your nose has fully healed, a revision rhinoplasty can then properly address any remaining concerns.
How is the procedure performed, and how is it different from an initial rhinoplasty?
Like an initial rhinoplasty, a revision rhinoplasty will be tailored to each patient’s needs, making it a highly personalised surgery. The procedure is still most commonly performed under general anaesthesia, but the type of anaesthesia will depend on the procedure’s complexity and your personal preferences.
The procedure will involve incisions, which may be in the same location as the first procedure or in a different area, depending on the changes being made. The incisions may either be internal, hidden within the nose (referred to as closed rhinoplasty) or external, typically with a small incision across the base (referred to as an open rhinoplasty).
If the surgery is aimed at addressing the appearance of the nose, your surgeon will normally focus on refining its shape, which could involve adjustments to the bridge, tip, or nostrils. In cases where the revision is necessary to address functional concerns, your surgeon will then concentrate on nasal airflow and/or structural concerns.
As we mentioned before, the scar tissue that will be present after the first procedure makes a revision rhinoplasty a little more complex. To manage this, your surgeon will take steps to carefully manage the scar tissue – including possibly removing or adjusting it.
Essentially, a revision rhinoplasty differs from an initial rhinoplasty in the complexity of its steps, potentially the placement of incisions, and the attention to detail required to manage scar tissue.
How to prepare for revision rhinoplasty
Preparing for a revision rhinoplasty will be quite similar to preparing for an initial rhinoplasty.
First, you’ll need to have a consultation with your surgeon to discuss your reasons for wanting to undergo the procedure, and to discuss your eligibility. Your surgeon will assess your nose and discuss your medical history, as well as any current health or lifestyle factors that need to be considered. If it has been at least a year since your initial rhinoplasty, your nose has fully healed, and you have realistic expectations about what a revision rhinoplasty can achieve, you may be a suitable candidate.
Once your suitability has been determined, your surgeon will give you thorough preparation instructions. Depending on your specific circumstances, these instructions may include adjusting certain medications (particularly blood-thinning medications), quitting smoking, and avoiding alcohol for a set period of time before your procedure.
Apart from your surgeon’s essential instructions, you can take some more steps to feel prepared for your procedure. We recommend arranging for someone to help you after your surgery, as some daily tasks may feel more difficult for the first few days. You can also fill prescriptions for medications (such as pain medication or antibiotics), so that you won’t need to worry about filling them during your recovery. You should make sure that you have items like extra pillows (to elevate your head while you rest), comfortable clothing, and healthy food options to make your recovery a lot simpler.
Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery: Specialist Plastic Surgeons in Melbourne
Revision rhinoplasty should be performed by a highly experienced and qualified surgeon due to its particularly complex nature. Specialist Plastic Surgeons at Coco Ruby have years of experience in nose, face, eyelid, breast and body procedures.
Dr Stephen Kleid is a fully qualified and experienced specialist ENT (Ear, Nose and Throat) Surgeon (Otolaryngologist), who has a particular focus on revision nose surgery.
Many surgeons at Coco Ruby Plastic Surgery have taught courses, contributed to industry advancements and research, and presented at conferences around the world.
If you think you may need a revision rhinoplasty, please contact our Melbourne-based team to arrange your consultation.
