WHAT IS A REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
Revision rhinoplasty is defined as any non-primary rhinoplasty. It is necessary when a patient is unhappy with the appearance or function of their nose after previous rhinoplasty surgery. Rhinoplasty surgery is arguably the most complicated and skill based cosmetic surgery procedure. When performed by a surgeon who has inadequate training or experience, the results are usually subpar. A revision rhinoplasty can be complicated by irreversible changes to the native nasal anatomy from previous surgery and/or scarring. A revision rhinoplasty specialist will be needed to address revision surgery.
WHAT ARE SOME KEY DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A PRIMARY AND REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
The first major consideration when performing revision rhinoplasty is the availability of cartilage for supportive grafts. A very important part of any rhinoplasty surgery is the maintenance of the structural integrity of the nose and this is done with supportive grafts using cartilage – in primary rhinoplasty, septal cartilage is usually sufficient. In many revision cases, there is either no available septal cartilage or it is insufficient in quality and/or quantity and ear cartilage or rib cartilage may be needed.
Next, a revision rhinoplasty can be complicated by the formation of scar tissue from previous surgery. The nasal anatomy can be altered in very complicated ways and a true expert is needed to identify and restore critical structures for optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes.
Finally, the post-operative recovery can be longer with revision rhinoplasty. Many times, swelling can persist for a year or longer.
