5 things you need to know about revision nose surgery.
Posted on Tue, Mar 01, 2011
A guide to help you assess your goals and boost your chances of success
Hundreds of thousands of individuals undergo rhinoplasty each year in the United States. About 15% of those patients consider having a revision procedure to correct one or more defects. Whether it's for functional or aesthetic reasons, many former patients feel that a revision rhinoplasty may be needed.
Have you had rhinoplasty but didn't get the results you desired? Here's your guide for what to do next.
One: Play the waiting game
Patience is a virtue. And though you've heard it many times before, this virtue often solves many rhinoplasty-related worries.
Most swelling is gone after a few months following your rhinoplasty procedure. But minor swelling does not fully dissipate until after a full year. That means that the nose you see in the months following your procedure will not be the same nose you see one year from now.
The nose is a complex structure comprised of many bone and cartilage pieces, tissues, and skin. All these elements need time to heal and settle into their new shape. Scar tissues that form around and within your nose also need at least one year to soften. Once the healing has settled, you'll be able to more accurately determine if revision surgery is right for you.
Two: Healing happens differently for everyone
It's important to understand that not every characteristic of your nose can be controlled or managed by your doctor. I spend hundreds of hours each year practicing and perfecting my surgical techniques, but certain physical variations and healing characteristics of individual people can't be completely predicted.
In addition, injuries to the nose sometime occur during the healing period and may affect the healing outcome. It’s essential to take very good care of the delicate bones and tissue for several months following nose surgery. Avoid any sports our outdoor activities which may put your nose at risk.
Three: Manage your expectations
A study published by The Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery in 2010 found that 55% of the concerns expressed by a sample of revision rhinoplasty patients did not match the assessment of their doctors (New Beauty Magazine, Sept.24, 2010).
The article shows how subjective we all can be about our appearance. This can often set us back in our ability to determine whether our procedure achieved the goals we set for ourselves at the beginning.
During our consultation I’ll share with you my medical assessment. You’ll also have access to my 3D surgical simulator where you’ll also be able to visualize the effects of your surgery in ultra-high resolution detail. You’ll come away with a much better understanding of your situation, and a better idea of how an additional surgery may help or hinder your goals.
Four: Use examples to improve communication
The more you share your expectations with me, the more I will be able to tell you about the results I can deliver.
I know it can be difficult to talk about the way you want your nose to look. Sometimes words are inadequate, especially when you’re not familiar with the medical terminology.
To make it easier, you can use the following communication aides to help me better understand your desired outcomes. You don’t have to know the technical terms of nasal anatomy, we can just use these communication aids to understand each other better:
3D Visualization
I can create a highly detailed 3-D visualization of what your face will look like after your surgery. Our 3D system is highly advanced and uses images of your own face to let you see your new nose from every angle.
Photographs
Look for photographs that have the features and aesthetics that you like. Visually demonstrating the kind of look you'd like to achieve is a great way to communicate.
Case Studies
Look at my before and after pictures to see examples of our past procedures. I’ll discuss ways I worked with patients that had similar concerns as you.
Five: Explore your alternatives
Revision rhinoplasty isn't always the best way forward. However, I can often help you get the look you want with a simple procedure or two. Let me analyze any irregularities or discomfort you may be having as a result from a past surgery. Non-surgical fillers or implants might be an alternative to surgery.
Let’s get the conversation started. Tell me about your concerns and allow me to recommend a treatment option that’s right for you.
I look forward to making your experience as comfortable as possible.