Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure to change the shape of the nose. The goal of rhinoplasty is to improve the nose’s appearance and create a better balance between the upper and lower face. There are two types of rhinoplasty: primary and revision.
Primary rhinoplasty is performed at the time of initial surgery. This is usually done during adolescence or early adulthood. Revision rhinoplasty is needed after the initial surgery has failed to achieve the desired result.
Revision rhinoplasty is often necessary because the patient did not receive adequate information before surgery. If the patient does not follow through with postoperative care, the success rate of the initial surgery decreases significantly. The following article will discuss several situations when you should consider rhinoplasty revision.
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1. You Do Not Like Your New Nose
As mentioned earlier, if your current nose looks unnatural or unattractive, then it may be worth considering a revision rhinoplasty. A cosmetic nose job can make an old look pleasant again.
When deciding whether to pursue this option, it’s important to discuss your desire for a more refined version of yourself with your surgeon. Some patients want to get rid of their “old nose” in favor of something they find more attractive.
2. Your Nose is Too Large for Your Face
If your nose is too big for your face, then you may benefit from revision rhinoplasty surgery. Overly prominent noses appear out-of-proportion with your facial features. By making your nasal bridge narrower, the width of the nose itself can be reduced while still maintaining its length.
3. Your Nose Was Never Proportioned Correctly
If your nose was not appropriately designed by nature, such as being broad across the bridge or excessively long, then you may have benefited from revision rhinoplasty surgery. For example, if you were born with one nostril larger than the other, or you had your nose broken twice, you might qualify for revision rhinoplasty under these circumstances.
In each case, only your experienced plastic surgeon will know which type of procedure will work best in your particular situation. It’s also possible that an asymmetrical nose can be corrected using either a smaller version of the same implant used in primary rhinoplasty or a completely different material.
4. There Is Excessive Scar Tissue Over the Bridge
The presence of excessive scar tissue over the tip of the nose can limit the amount of movement available with an implant. As a result, there may not be enough space to adjust it to the ideal position. Your specialist will make a small incision along the skin fold above the nose bridge and the excess scar tissue removed to correct this problem. Once it healed well, the scar would no longer interfere with the placement of any implants.
5. Your Breathing Problems are Troublesome
You may have breathing problems associated with crooked or misshapen nostrils. These problems may cause coughing, sneezing, or difficulty sleeping. After surgery, you could experience temporary irritation in the area around the nose.
Such symptoms usually disappear within a few months after surgery. However, if you continue to suffer from these problems, your doctor might recommend additional procedures such as airway splints or special appliances to improve your breathing.
6. Other Conditions Exist That Require Attention
Your surgeon may suggest revision rhinoplasty to address chronic sinusitis or sleep apnea. Specific anatomical patterns also need to be addressed.
For instance, some people may have wide or narrow nares that don’t fit snugly into their skulls. The size or shape of your ears or jawline may lead to poor positioning of your nostrils or mouth. A revision rhinoplasty might allow you to align these parts of your body better.
Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty Procedures
Revision rhinoplasty procedures help patients achieve a more proportional appearance. A single operation often doesn’t produce satisfactory results; thus, many patients undergo multiple surgeries. This helps them achieve an optimal look without increasing the risk of complications.
Revision rhinoplasty also improves breathing issues and alleviates pain related to breathing problems. In addition, a change in the structure of your nose can make you feel more confident about yourself, especially when dealing with others in social situations.
What Should I Expect During My Consultation?
Once you decide to undergo rhinoplasty, your surgeon will perform a thorough examination. They will ask several questions during this process to determine whether you’re a good candidate for revision surgery and what kind of changes need to be made.
Nasal endoscopy is typically performed first to evaluate the condition of your internal anatomy. This allows your surgeon to see where your tissues meet and how they move together. They’ll use this information to develop a strategy for making your nose appear straight.
Next, they will examine whether you have excessive wrinkles, scars, or bumps. If so, they might suggest removing them before proceeding with surgery.
Finally, they’ll discuss the features that they think should be corrected. They might show you pictures of noses they’ve helped create and explain concepts like “saddleback” and “drooping columella,” terms often heard during conversations among doctors who do this type of surgery.
Potential Side Effects Related to Revision Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure; any error can ruin it and compromise your chances of getting a very natural-looking result. Your surgeon should take great care not to break an existing bone or damaged nerves. Thus, they will perform the possible minor incisions (smaller than those used in primary rhinoplasty) and use only sterile tools.
However, your ability to tolerate pain varies significantly among individuals. Some people find even the insertion of tiny needles painful, while others hardly notice anything. While you might feel nervous during surgery, most surgeons tell their patients that there’s nothing unusual about experiencing a moderate amount of discomfort.
The recovery time depends on the extent of the work required by the surgical team. Typically, patients return to work within one week after the procedure and feel ready to resume normal activities after four weeks.
Conclusion
If you’d like a more attractive nose, then consider revision surgery. An improved appearance makes you feel better about yourself. You won’t regret having the surgery because you know you’ll get a nose that fits well with your face. Additionally, if you’d like to improve your breathing abilities, revision rhinoplasty could be just the answer you’re looking for.
Read also: How Much Does Plastic Surgery Cost?