If you’re dissatisfied with the result of your nose job, revision rhinoplasties offer a chance to correct the structure and form of the nose. The kind of corrections a revision surgeon can provide include improving the symmetry of the tip of the nose, restoring length to the bridge of the nose, improve contour and definition, and even improve nasal function.
Stanford CA, facial plastic surgeon Sam P. Most, MD explains what to do to get the best outcome.
1. Wait At Least a Year
Dr. Most explains you will have to wait for the initial procedure to fully heal.
“Typically, surgical intervention should not be performed before one year, with rare exceptions,” Dr. Most says. “If something is definitely healing incorrectly, it may become visible before that time and can be evaluated by an experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon.”
2. Have Realistic Expectations
Sometimes, patients can be anxious at the thought of going under the knife again. When that happens, Dr. Most says it’s important to communicate the benefits and risks of revision rhinoplasty.
“Even the best rhinoplasty surgeons in the world cannot create perfect symmetry and function, though we try,” Dr. Most explains.
That said, when a patient has realistic expectations for the procedure, a revision rhinoplasty can have a huge impact.
“I saw a patient for revision surgery after two failed prior attempts to correct function and form. She had given up on her nose, but came to see me anyway,” Dr. Most says. “Using rib cartilage grafting I was able to correct both the breathing and the shape of the nose.
“The patient was shocked that I was able to achieve these results given her two prior failed attempts. She had given up and was very pleasantly surprised with the results.”
3. Choose a Surgeon Who Specializes in Revisions
Rhinoplasties are notoriously difficult to perform and there are many reasons why someone might be dissatisfied with the result of their primary surgery. When either the structure or the aesthetics of your nose still needs improvement, you might consider revision rhinoplasty.
Revisions are even more difficult to perform, as the structure of the nose is often already weakened by the prior surgery. Dr. Most explains that a good revision surgeon can help you achieve the best results.
“Revision surgeons are typically a bit older and have a decade or more of experience,” Dr. Most says. “A good surgeon will give you honest, realistic advice about what can and cannot be corrected, and guide you to make the best decision possible.”
Case 1: Revision rhinoplasty
This lovely patient presented after multiple failed rhinoplasty surgeries. She was left with an asymmetric tip, extensive scarring, and a short nose. Using rib cartilage, the nose was lengthened and the tip was made more symmetric.
Case 2: Revision rhinoplasty
This lovely patient presented after multiple failed rhinoplasty surgeries. Her nasal tip was without definition, the ala were retracted, and her nasal bones and dorsum had been over-resected. Using rib cartilage grafting, the bridge and nasal bone contours were recreated. The nasal tip was recreated for more definition.
