Everyone hopes that their first rhinoplasty will be the only rhinoplasty they need. But sometimes, unwanted aesthetic and structural issues after a primary rhinoplasty may necessitate revision surgery. A nose job in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch is an incredibly complex and delicate procedure that must be performed by the most skilled board-certified plastic surgeons.
Select a Board-Certified Plastic Surgeon
The nose is an extremely delicate part of your body, and rhinoplasty is the most challenging type of facial plastic surgery. Even minor errors in the surgical technique can lead to unwanted cosmetic and functional concerns. The surgery is even more complex than a primary rhinoplasty since the surgeon must undo or correct the results of the botched surgery, which may necessitate harvesting cartilage grafts from other parts of the body. If you need a revision rhinoplasty, you must settle for nothing short of a board-certified expert in revision rhinoplasty.
What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty refers to any rhinoplasty performed after the primary surgery. You may need a revision rhinoplasty for numerous reasons, such as correcting the unwanted aesthetic results of a previous surgery, correcting functional problems arising after the primary procedure, or enhancing the results of the primary surgery. Patients often need a revision rhinoplasty because their primary surgeon went too far with bone or cartilage removal, leading to a pinched tip or other structural issues. A revision rhinoplasty corrects these functional and aesthetic issues.
Reasons for a Revision Rhinoplasty:
- You have trouble breathing
- Your septum is collapsed or damaged
- You have undergone an accident or injury after your primary rhinoplasty
- You are unhappy with the aesthetic appearance of your nose
- Your surgeon chiseled away too much cartilage and bone
- Your surgeon didn’t go far enough with the aesthetic changes
Your Revision Rhinoplasty Journey: Consultation, Surgery, Recovery
Your nose job in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch journey starts with a thorough consultation. The plastic surgeon carefully examines your nose, discusses your goals and concerns, and reviews your medical history. The surgeon also ensures you have recovered completely after your primary surgery and reviews the surgical techniques used in the primary procedure. After a thorough evaluation, the surgeon curates a personalized rhinoplasty surgical plan and discusses all the details with you. The specific details of a revision rhinoplasty depend on your condition and goals.
Your revision rhinoplasty is performed under total intravenous anesthesia or under local anesthesia with intravenous sedation. Your surgeon may perform a revision rhinoplasty using an open or closed technique. During open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small incision at the base of the nose between the nostrils (columella), following which the skin is pulled back. This technique is suitable for major structural changes. During a closed rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes small incisions inside the nostrils for minor changes to the bridge or nostrils.
If your previous surgeon went too far with your primary rhinoplasty, i.e., if you have an excessively narrow nose tip or nostrils, you may also need cartilage grafts. In that case, the surgeon may have to harvest cartilage from another part of your body, such as your ears or ribs, to rebuild your nose structure. After all necessary adjustments are made, the incisions will be closed with stitches, and a nasal splint will be placed. The procedure concludes within 3 hours.
Nose Job FAQs
How long should I wait after my primary rhinoplasty before having revision surgery?
Most surgeons recommend waiting until your nose has fully healed, which often takes a year or longer, since swelling can mask your final result. Your surgeon will evaluate your healing during your consultation and advise on the right timing.
Is revision rhinoplasty more complex than primary rhinoplasty?
Yes, revision rhinoplasty is generally more complex because scar tissue is present, the original anatomy has been altered, and cartilage may be missing or weakened. That’s why it’s important to choose a board-certified surgeon with specific experience in revision procedures.
Can revision rhinoplasty fix breathing problems from my first surgery?
Yes, revision rhinoplasty can address functional problems such as a collapsed or damaged septum or narrowed nasal passages that make breathing difficult. Your surgeon will evaluate the cause during your consultation and plan a repair that improves both function and appearance.
Will I need cartilage grafts, and where does the cartilage come from?
It depends on how much structure was removed or weakened in your first surgery. If grafts are needed, cartilage is typically taken from your ear or rib to rebuild support for your nose.
Should I bring my previous surgical records to my consultation?
Yes, if you have them, since details about the techniques used in your first surgery can help your surgeon plan a safer, more precise revision. If you don’t have access to them, your surgeon can still evaluate your nose and plan accordingly.
Schedule an Appointment
Wright Spellman Plastic Surgery is a highly sought-after facial plastic surgery practice in Sarasota, FL. Our board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeons have performed thousands of successful rhinoplasties and revision rhinoplasties. They listen to your concerns and goals and ensure you feel supported through every stage of the rhinoplasty journey. Please schedule an appointment if you’re considering a nose job in Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch, FL.
