Revision Rhinoplasty
What is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a subcategory of functional rhinoplasty and is performed in cases where a previous rhinoplasty did not deliver the expected result. Specifically, it restores problems that were not corrected or that were caused by one or more previous surgeries. Revision rhinoplasty also restores the anatomical defects of the nose caused by an injury.
Therefore, the role of revision rhinoplasty is twofold. On the one hand, it corrects the external image of the nose and the face in general, and on the other hand, it restores the function of breathing.
When is a rhinoplasty considered successful and when is it considered unsuccessful?
Rhinoplasty is considered successful when the external image of the nose is in complete harmony with the rest of the facial features while at the same time breathing is fully functional. In contrast, when the patient faces aesthetic and functional problems after the operation, the rhinoplasty is considered unsuccessful.
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What problems are treated with revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty aims to repair problems created by previous surgeries.
It is carried out when already existing functional problems of the nose persevere or are aggravated, resulting in the patient having difficulty in breathing. This may be due, for example, to a droopy tip of the nose, dysfunction of the nasal valves due to excessive bone and cartilage removal, or failure to adequately straighten the nasal septum.
Revision rhinoplasty is also performed in cases where aesthetic problems are detected after a rhinoplasty, such as:
- Uneven nasal bridge
- Asymmetric tip of the nose
- Long or short nose
- Too narrow or too wide nose
- Asymmetric nasal bones
- Deviated septum
- Removal of a larger or smaller portion of bone or cartilage than it should be
- Displacement of a graft
- Crooked nose
See Before & After Pictures of Rhinoplasty here
When can revision rhinoplasty be performed?
Revision rhinoplasty should not be performed within a short period of time after the first operation. Instead, it should take place when we reach the final shape of the nose, which is approximately in 12 months since the first operation. Also, making the decision for revision rhinoplasty depends on the quality of the tissues, the healing rate, and the existing swelling.
Useful information about revision rhinoplasty
- The techniques implemented are related to the type of the problem that needs to be fixed.
- Post-operative stages and recovery are similar to primary rhinoplasty surgery.
- Post-operative pain is almost non-existent, but in case of discomfort, it is treated by taking paracetamol.
- In small repairs, the result is noticeable immediately after removing the splint. In larger repairs the result is fully visible after the swelling subsides.
- In some cases, to get the best possible result, it is necessary to take cartilage from another area of the body, e.g., from the ear or from the rib. This cartilage is called graft and essentially replaces the tissue deficit that has occurred due to the previous surgery or injury.
Revision rhinoplasty is a quite demanding operation, and the ENT Rhino-surgeon needs to have specialized knowledge and experience in this specific field. It is worth noting that open rhinoplasty is the method that enables the surgeon to deal with the most complex cases and to restore the functional and aesthetic problems of the nose, improving the patient's quality of life and emotional state.
How long should there be between the first rhinoplasty and the revision surgery?
It is important that a considerable period of time has elapsed, which is set at around one year. The decision to submit the patient to reconstructive rhinoplasty, beyond the time, depends on the quality and rate of tissue healing, as well as the amount of swelling present.
When is a rhinoplasty considered successful?
A successful reconstructive rhinoplasty means that the patient is breathing perfectly and the appearance of the nose is fully in harmony with the face.
In which cases do we use a transplant?
If for some reason there is not enough tissue (cartilage) in the septum to complete the reconstructive rhinoplasty, it will be necessary to use a graft, i.e. extra cartilage taken from the ear flap or from the patient's ribs.
How important a role does the doctor play in the progress and outcome of the surgery?
Determinant. The ENT surgeon should have a deep knowledge of the subject and clearly many years of experience to ensure a successful outcome.
