For a variety of reasons, most plastic surgeons think that rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult cosmetic (aesthetic) plastic surgery treatments.The nose is a complicated structure that sits prominently in the centre of the face. The goal of expert rhinoplasty is to rectify nasal abnormalities while preserving maximum nasal function. It is impossible to improve nasal airway function without improving the appearance of the nose.
Patients choose revision rhinoplasty for a variety of reasons.
Patients seeking revision or secondary rhinoplasty put plastic surgeons’ abilities and experience to the test. Any patient who has had rhinoplasty one or more times and wants to improve the appearance and often the function of their nose may consider revision rhinoplasty. For a variety of reasons, these are among the most difficult patients that aesthetic plastic surgeons encounter.
For one thing, patients are frequently dissatisfied with their previous rhinoplasty and may not realize that another rhinoplasty may not be successful in totally treating cosmetic defects that were not repaired in the previous operation or developed as a result of surgery. Scar tissue from previous rhinoplasty is common in revision instances, and it can limit the ultimate result because it can reoccur even after a successful revision rhinoplasty. In addition, cartilage is frequently used in revision rhinoplasty to restore damaged and/or inadequate cartilage removed during the previous surgery.
The nasal septum may be deviated, necessitating repair to improve both the appearance and function of the nose. A collapse of the tip cartilages, resulting in external valve collapse, can potentially induce nasal blockage. Internal valve collapse is common in revision patients due to deviation of the nasal septum and shortages in upper lateral cartilages, necessitating the insertion of cartilage grafts dubbed “spreader grafts” to spread open this confined area.
In a revision rhinoplasty, what is done?
Revision rhinoplasty frequently necessitates cartilage for structural stability of the nose’s tip and/or bridge. Because septal cartilage is frequently insufficient, plastic surgeons must frequently use cartilage from other parts of the body, typically the ear and, on rare occasions, the rib. Tissue that offers a cover or camouflage and functions as a “natural filler” that is permanent may be required to conceal or hide soft tissue anomalies around the bridge of the nose or tip. The “temporalis fascia,” which can be obtained through a remote incision within the hairline and causes no visible impairment, is an ideal source. Scarring inside the nose often necessitates the use of skin transplants to reopen a deformed and constricted nasal passage.
Revision rhinoplasty has a greater revision rate than primary rhinoplasty, despite the surgeon’s best efforts (no prior nasal surgery). It’s critical that you understand this since no ethical plastic surgeon can guarantee the outcome of revision rhinoplasty or any other cosmetic plastic surgery technique.
If you’re considering revision rhinoplasty, make sure your plastic surgeon is board-certified and has a lot of rhinoplasty experience. Revision cases are more likely to be seen by experienced rhinoplasty surgeons than by physicians who perform this procedure seldom. Look through the photo gallery on the website of your potential surgeon to discover how many rhinoplasty cases they have. Your surgeon may be able to use computer imaging to visually describe the likely outcome of surgery. Patients who have had rhinoplasty in the past can be a valuable resource for prospective people; your plastic surgeon should be able to provide you with patients who have agreed to speak with you and others about their experience.
Finally, deciding to get revision rhinoplasty is a personal choice.
The best likelihood of a successful outcome is to choose an experienced, board-certified plastic surgeon who has “bonded” with you and earned your confidence. Most patients who are dissatisfied with the results of primary rhinoplasty will be happy with the ultimate result of revision rhinoplasty if they follow these basic guidelines.
More more information about revision rhinoplasty contact Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr William Portuese of The Seattle Facial Plastic Surgery Center.
