Not every rhinoplasty goes according to plan. Sometimes problems arise, or the surgeon is inexperienced or rushed. In other cases, the surgeon can do everything right, but the patient does not have the desired results. Revision rhinoplasty offers the chance to address the elements of the nose that still need improvement. Because primary (original) rhinoplasty can leave scar tissue, revision surgery is more complex requiring the skill of a surgeon like Dr. Guyuron.
Revision rhinoplasty corrects the results of prior nose shaping surgery. It may be performed if the primary operation did not improve the appearance of the nose or make it look worse. This might happen if the patient developed a complication after surgery or has difficulty breathing through the nostrils.
Sometimes called secondary rhinoplasty, this procedure addresses the cosmetic or functional shortcomings from the original surgery. Some sources say 15% of all rhinoplasty patients choose to undergo revision surgery.
Dr. Guyuron understands patients’ frustration with committed time and finances, only to feel dissatisfied with the surgery’s results. He offers these patients a second chance to achieve the outcomes they desire and deserve. Named a Top Doctor for Rhinoplasty, Dr. Guyuron has more than four decades of rhinoplasty experience. He is skilled in the challenges of revision rhinoplasty and its prior scar formation that makes the operation more complex.
Candidates must wait a minimum of 10 to 12 months after the previous nose surgery before pursuing revision surgery. This ensures all swelling has subsided.
During a consultation, Dr. Guyuron will determine the candidate’s reason for pursuing revision rhinoplasty. Ideally, the candidates will communicate what they don’t like about their nose results and the goal for the revision procedure.
Upon scheduling, the patient will receive detailed instructions to prepare for surgery. This includes avoiding certain medications, including aspirin and NSAIDs and herbal products, for three weeks prior to the procedure.
Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis. The patient can return home the same day as surgery.
First, Dr. Guyuron will begin by making the surgical incisions inside the nostrils and/or across the strip of skin separating the nostrils. Secondly, he will make the necessary modifications to those nose’s existing cartilage from the nasal septum, ear or rib. Finally and most importantly, he will follow the agreed-upon surgical plan. The plan may include improvement of the nose’s symmetry, refine the tip or nostrils or repair any structural deformities that are impairing normal breathing ability.
Revision rhinoplasty recovery is similar to that of primary rhinoplasty. Bruising, swelling and soreness are normal. Dr. Guyuron strongly recommends keeping the head elevated at all times, even while sleeping. Bending, lifting, blowing the nose and vigorous activity should be avoided for several weeks. Patients must avoid anything that could result in direct trauma to the face or nose for at least two months. Accidental contact could harm the tissues as they heal, or move the nose out of proper alignment.
Dr. Guyuron will schedule several follow-up appointments to check the healing progress, remove the stitches and advise when to return to normal activities.
Results should be visible within a few weeks. However, it can take up to a year for swelling to completely resolve and the results to appear.
If you are unhappy with the results of a previous rhinoplasty and would like to discuss revision surgery with Dr. Guyuron, please contact our practice by phone at 440-461-7999.
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