Many patients enter their rhinoplasty consultation already nervous about what will happen if their results don’t coincidewith what they wanted. Others may never think about this consequence, only to find themselves faced with the need for a secondary surgery to correct mistakes. There are many ways to increase your odds of foolproofing your rhinoplasty procedure, but there are never guarantees. Although the chances that you’ll end up needing revisions are slim, it never hurts to be prepared and understand what actions you should take. If your results are truly disappointing, know that there are second chances.
The Two Types of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty procedures are performed in two different ways, as determined by what changes are required to achieve your desired results. The first method is open rhinoplasty, which involves a small incision placed between the nostrils beneath the nose. A very small scar will be left behind by this procedure, but is barely visible thanks to where it is located. The open rhinoplasty technique is best for surgeries involving changes to the top of the nose and the lower and middle-third nasal structures. The closed rhinoplasty begins with incisions placed only on the inside of the nostrils, leaving no visible scars at all. After these incisions are placed, your surgeon is able to lift the skin up from the underlying cartilage and bone so he can make changes to the contour and structure of your nose. Ultimately, the choice between procedures will be made based on your unique needs and nasal features. Your surgeon will discuss these options and all other relevant factors with you during your rhinoplasty consultation.
Why Rhinoplasty Can Go Wrong
Because the nose is comprised of many tiny bones and sensitive cartilage structures, nasal surgeries rank among the most delicate procedures to perform. Your plastic surgeon must plan every single detail of your surgery and then calculate each and every move during the procedure. Even plastic surgeons are human beings, so mistakes do happen. Choosing a properly trained and credentialed surgeon greatly minimize the chance of mistakes, however. When small errors do occur, that’s one reason patients will seek a revision rhinoplasty.
In other cases, unsatisfactory rhinoplasty results occur because of a miscommunication between the patient and the surgeon. Even though every measure will be taken to ensure that your surgeon fully understands your surgical expectations, it can still be possible for misinterpretations to occur. Using visuals is one way to eliminate confusion, ask your surgeon how he normally manages this aspect of the consultation to be sure. When a surgeon doesn’t deliver the results you desire, revision rhinoplasty offers a second chance.
Finally, some revision rhinoplasty patients encounter their issues during the recovery process. As the nose heals, it is very delicate and can be easily affected by injuries, strain, and improper healing. The result may be an unwanted shift in the bone or cartilage structures. Infections are another possibility during the healing process that can impact the ability to heal. Following your surgeon’s recovery time instructions closely can make all the difference, but even the most diligent patients can experience difficulty. Talk to your surgeon about any problems you experience to prevent a revision rhinoplasty in your near future.
How Revision Rhinoplasty Works
Before you can plan a revision rhinoplasty, you should understand how much your timing can make a difference. It’s not safe to stack one nasal surgery too close to another, so you will need to space them out at least a year to a year and a half. This ensures that your nose has enough time to properly heal, making the first surgery results permanent. Only then can your surgeon perform a revision rhinoplasty safely and without increased risk of complications. While it can be difficult to deal with unsatisfactory results during this process, it is essential to making sure that your real final results are what you really want.
Surgically, a revision rhinoplasty will be performed in much the same way, with either an open or closed procedure. You will still begin the process with a one-on-one consultation, during which your concerns will be discussed and your nose will be examined. A surgical plan will be devised by your plastic surgeon, with your input as well as your nasal features and the corrections needed. The open technique is most frequently chosen for second rhinoplasty procedures because it gives the surgeon greater access to the problem areas. It is also a possibility that your surgeon will choose limited surgical techniques and only local anesthetic to correct minor concerns. Once your surgery is over, you can expect that your recovery period and side effects will be similar to what you experienced after your first surgery.
Consult the Right Surgeon for Your Rhinoplasty
As an experienced plastic surgeon,Dr. Sheldon S. Kabakercan provide you with sound advice about your rhinoplasty, whether it’s a first surgery or a revision. While an Aesthetic Facial Plastic Surgeon and Hair Transplant Specialist, he also offers nonsurgical skincare treatments at his practice. He received his medical degree from the University of Illinois, College of Medicine in 1964, before serving in the US Army Medical Corps and seeking active duty in Vietnam. Dr. Kabaker has studied and taught facial plastic surgery internationally in countries including France, Spain, Italy, Germany, Israel, Mexico, Argentina, the United Kingdom, and Australia. Today, he continues to educate himself while delivering satisfactory results to his patients. To book a consultation with Dr. Kabaker, contact his office located at 3324 Webster Street in Oakland, CA, by calling (415) 379-9015.