Rhinoplasty is a term referring to plastic surgery performed on the nose. This procedure is also commonly referred to as a nose job. A secondary rhinoplasty, or revision rhinoplasty as it is sometimes called, is a corrective nasal surgery performed to alter the unsatisfactory results of a previous rhinoplasty.

What Can a Revision Rhinoplasty Do?

Revision rhinoplasty consists of minor corrections and a few tweaks to the external and/or internal nasal architecture. These changes resolve issues experienced by the patient.

Sometimes, functional issues that weren’t present before the primary operation present themselves. A revision rhinoplasty is then undergone to correct those issues.

In other cases, the issues are purely cosmetic. For example, settling of scar tissue after rhinoplasty surgery can create unexpected cosmetic problems. Sometimes, patients look at their results and simply wish they had asked for bigger changes.

The Steps of a Typical Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

  1. Anesthesia – Dr. Compton will recommend either general anesthesia or local anesthesia with intravenous sedation, depending on what is considered best for your case. Anesthesia allows patients to feel comfortable and free of any pain during the procedure.
  2. Incisions – Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed using the incisions used for the primary rhinoplasty. It is either performed using a closed procedure, which is where incisions are hidden inside the nose, or an open procedure, where an incision is made across the columella. The columella is the narrow strip of tissue that separates your nostrils.
  3. Reshaping – A large nose may be made smaller by removing bone or cartilage. In some situations, revision surgery requires adding cartilage grafts to bolster the strength of weak sections of the architecture. Cartilage grafts can be harvested from the septum, ear, or ribs for this purpose.
  4. Correction – If a septum is deviated, it is straightened and the projections inside the nose are reduced, improving breathing.
  5. Closing the incisions – After the procedure is complete, the incisions are closed with sutures.
  6. Healing – Your nose will need time to heal after revision surgery. Splints and gauze packing may be used to support your nose as it heals and the swelling goes down.

The Best Way to Get the Results You Deserve

If you are unhappy with a rhinoplasty surgery or you’re one of the unlucky few who have had a bad experience with a rhinoplasty, you should opt for revision rhinoplasty to clean up any mistakes resulting from your primary rhinoplasty.

Keep in mind that rhinoplasty is considered by many in the industry to be one of the most difficult cosmetic surgeries to master. Revision rhinoplasty is even more difficult, since the region may have been weakened by the initial surgery.

Because of this, it’s vital that you choose the most experienced candidate for the job. Dr. Andrew Compton is an experienced and skilled facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with numerous satisfied patients. Speaking with Dr. Compton during a consultation will help you understand the procedure in greater detail.

To schedule your revision rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Compton, contact our office today and arrange an appointment.