Most rhinoplasty patients are thrilled with their results and excited to show off their new look in selfies and social media. Unfortunately, at times, the result is not exactly what the patient had envisioned. This leads some patients to think about and this blog will tell you about When Do You Need a Revision Nose Job and What Are the Treatment Options.
So when is it time for a second surgery? The answer often depends on how long after the initial procedure it occurs. If you’re within a year of your first surgery, you should see your surgeon and discuss options for revision.
After one year, patients may be hesitant to go under the knife again, and other options such as injectable fillers or fat grafting might be appropriate.
If You Need a Revision within the First Year
The satisfaction rate is high for rhinoplasty procedures, but complications such as breathing difficulties and nasal blockage can occur. If you experience these issues within a year of surgery, your surgeon should examine you to determine if revision is necessary or whether another treatment option might work better.
When you had an open rhinoplasty, where the surgeon made an incision to access the inside of your nose, then you will need revision if you still have a visible scar. Revision is also necessary if you experience a collapse at the tip of your nose and inverted nostrils (where instead of opening when breathing in, they close).
The goal for revision surgery is to improve breathing and correct the aesthetic problems that bothered you the first time around.
If You Need a Revision Between One and Five Years After Surgery
If it has been more than a year since your rhinoplasty, but less than five years, a revision nose job can still be done as an open procedure. This means another incision will be made in your nose, but it may leave a smaller scar.
Your surgeon may also need to perform a closed revision if it presents a better option for you. In this case, they will use the natural contours of your nose to reshape them instead of cutting into your nose and making an external incision.
If You Need a Revision More Than Five Years After Surgery
At times, revision nose surgery is necessary even after five years. If the movement of your nose and breathing is still not what you would like them to be, your surgeon may recommend a second procedure.
A revision can correct aesthetic problems such as overly wide nostrils or a crooked tip, but it cannot help breathing difficulties. Patients who need revision surgery typically have had an open rhinoplasty, and this approach carries a higher risk of complications than the standard closed surgery.
It’s important to understand that if you’re unhappy with your results or believe something is wrong with your nose five years after your initial procedure, then revision surgery is not your only option.
For example, injectable fillers can reduce irregularities in the bridge of your nose, and fat grafting can plump up areas that have collapsed due to aging. Before you decide on a second surgery, speak with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon about your options and the results you can expect from each.
3 Steps to Take Before Revision Rhinoplasty
While revision surgery can fix problems if they arise, it’s best to prevent them in the first place. Your nose will continue to change even after you’ve had rhinoplasty. Here are five steps that may help reduce the need for a future revision.
- Select an Experienced Surgeon
Choosing an experienced surgeon will help reduce your risk of revision nose job. Not only should you look for a facial plastic surgeon who is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, but they also should have a great deal of experience with revision rhinoplasty due to the nature of the procedure.
- Ensure that Revision Rhinoplasty is Your Only Option
Before undergoing revision rhinoplasty, consider what can be done to improve your results. Some docs may recommend injectable fillers or fat grafting before proposing another surgery. If you are uncertain why you would need a revision after five years, you should speak with a surgeon to discuss your options.
- Get a Dorsal Rhinoplasty the First Time Around
The dorsal area of your nose, or the top half from the brow down, is usually altered during rhinoplasty. If you just have your nasal tip altered and not enough cartilage is taken from this section of the nose, then you may end up with a dorsal hump.
This issue can be fixed during revision surgery by removing cartilage from beneath the nostrils to reduce the bone and cartilage, causing this area of your nose to look larger than it should.
While revision rhinoplasty can fix some problems you may have with your nose, it is best to avoid this surgery altogether.