Am I a Candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Every time you have a surgery of the nose, the surgery and recovery become more difficult. Therefore, the decision to undergo a revision rhinoplasty should not be taken lightly. If you have moderate to major nasal asymmetries or major aspects of the aesthetic goals of the primary rhinoplasty were not met, then you may be a candidate for a revision rhinoplasty.

Patients who smoke or are otherwise not in good physical health, or who do not have realistic expectations are typically not ideal candidates for a revision rhinoplasty.

What to Expect from a Consultation

Any medical center or practice you choose should be willing to sit down with you and take the time to explain all aspects of the procedure beforehand, including expectations of the surgery and associated risks and recovery. At the Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago, we thoroughly review your medical history, speak with you about your expectations, and provide you with an extensive overview of both functional and aesthetic details of revision rhinoplasty surgery. Having realistic expectations is essential in having a good experience and outcome with revision rhinoplasty.

How Revision Rhinoplasty is Performed

First, patients are placed under general anesthesia in order to ensure safety and comfort during the procedure. Next, incisions are made to allow the surgeon access to the nose.

Revision Rhinoplasty is most commonly performed through an open technique for adequate exposure and access of the nasal anatomy. In an open procedure, an incision is made along the columella, the thin bridge of tissue that connects the nostrils.

Surgical maneuvers are then made, which may involve removing cartilage, using sutures to reshape cartilage, bone contouring, or placement of cartilage grafts. In many cases, cartilage grafts have to be used from the rib or ear to rebuild and restore the anatomy of the nose.

Lastly, once the necessary corrections are made, sutures are placed to close the incisions and the nose is bandaged appropriately.

Recovery after Revision Rhinoplasty

Although revision rhinoplasty is an outpatient procedure, patients are required to remain at the surgical facility until anesthesia wears off. It is also necessary to have another adult bring you home after a rhinoplasty procedure.

Recovery on the day of surgery should involve lying in a comfortable position, a lot of rest, liquids, soft foods, and prescribed medications. Immediately after surgery, the nose and the area under the eyes will typically be swollen and bruised. The swelling will go down within a few weeks, however, swelling will last longer than a primary rhinoplasty. Patients should avoid any strenuous physical activity right after surgery, as it can increase the risk of bleeding.

It is very important to follow all instructions issued by the plastic surgeon and to attend follow-up appointments so that your surgeon can check your healing progress and let you know when it is safe to return to regular activity and a normal work schedule.

The results of successful revision rhinoplasty are usually visible around two weeks after surgery; however, since the nose will not be completely healed, the full effects of the procedure will not be visible for several months, until the nose takes its new shape. Swelling of the nose can last up to 2 years after surgery, therefore, patience is needed during the recovery period.

Potential Risks of Revision Rhinoplasty

Patients should be aware that revision rhinoplasty, as with any medical procedure, come with potential risks. Each individual should consider both the benefits and known risks before making the decision to have a revision rhinoplasty. Such risks may include:

• Skin discoloration
• Bleeding
• Infection
• Scarring
• Persistent asymmetries
• Breathing obstructions

Always make sure that the surgeon performing the procedure is board-certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, and that the surgery is being carried out in an accredited surgical facility.

What Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost?

The cost of this type of procedure is going to fluctuate based on location, surgeon, center, and the individual patient’s needs. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the average cost of rhinoplasty in the U.S. is around $5,000, though it can range up to $15,000.

The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago always provides a detailed breakdown of costs after an initial consultation.

SCHEDULE A CONSULTATION

The Plastic Surgery Clinic of Chicago welcomes any questions from both potential patients and returning patients regarding any of the procedures that we offer. We are committed not only to excellent patient care, but thorough patient education; our professional staff will answer any questions you have and ensure that you understand every step of the process. If you are interested in looking and feeling like the best version of yourself, call us today for a consultation.