Although surgeons always work hard to achieve optimal results for their patients, there are, unfortunately, times when perfection is not reached. Sometimes, a patient is simply unhappy with the look of the nose after a rhinoplasty. In more serious cases, the way the nose has healed may result in breathing problems. These issues can be corrected with a secondary rhinoplasty surgery, also known as revision rhinoplasty.
Post-recovery problems with the nose are often out of the surgeon’s control. The tissues of the nose can take up to 18 months to heal, and the way in which they heal and restructure themselves over this time cannot always be controlled. This healing process can result in a nose that does not look exactly as intended. As a result of this, rhinoplasty is a very commonly repeated procedure, with as much as 10-20% of rhinoplasty patients undergoing a second operation.
Aspects of the nose’s appearance that patients may not be satisfied with are incredibly varied. They ould include surgery not going far enough and ending up with a nose that is short of reaching the original goals. Opposite this, the rhinoplasty may have gone too far and removed too much of the nose. Some patients find that their nose simply looks unnatural and too obviously operated on.
Sometimes, patients may experience more serious complications related to their breathing. The removal of cartilage during the initial procedure may weaken the nasal valve system and cause changes to occur during healing. Problems may be experienced because this system controls the amount of air passing through the nose. Obstruction may also be caused if the septum does not heal straight.
Before undergoing a repeat procedure for cosmetic reasons, it is important to be sure it is something you truly want. Surgery is always a risk and should be undertaken with caution. If you are interested in a revision rhinoplasty, contact facial plastic surgeon Dr. Sheldon Kabaker of Oakland, California to schedule a revision rhinoplasty consultation (415) 379-9015.