Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

What is corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgery?

Corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgeries are procedures performed on individuals who have previously undergone rhinoplasty.

Who is a candidate for corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgery?

Patients may require revision rhinoplasty surgery when aesthetic issues confirmed by the patient, their close ones, or a doctor arise despite previous rhinoplasty surgery. In some cases, revision rhinoplasty surgery may be necessary due to significant functional impairment, even if the patient achieved aesthetically satisfactory results with the initial surgery.

What makes revision rhinoplasty surgery challenging for the surgeon?

In previous rhinoplasty surgeries, the skin covering the bone and cartilage can be easily lifted during the surgery. However, in revision rhinoplasty surgeries, there can be dense adhesions between the bone and cartilage and the overlying skin. These adhesions are one of the surgical challenges of revision rhinoplasty.

Another challenge in revision rhinoplasty surgeries is the insufficiency of septal cartilage. During revision rhinoplasty surgeries, the surgeon requires cartilage tissue for shaping and repairing the nose. Septal cartilage, the most ideal tissue for rhinoplasty, is often used in previous surgeries and may be insufficient. Therefore, cartilage needs are typically met using ear cartilage, as it can provide the needed structure. However, in a small group of patients, rib cartilage may be used. While ear and rib cartilage have the advantage of being the patient’s tissue, the biggest disadvantage is the necessity of bending the cartilage. In addition to the patient’s own tissue, artificial fabrication materials with high tissue compatibility can also be used in revision rhinoplasty surgeries.

What is another reason for the complexity of corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgery?

Patients who have undergone at least one rhinoplasty surgery tend to have higher expectations in revision surgeries. Revision rhinoplasty surgery is perceived by patients as a straightforward and quick procedure, even though it is not. In reality, revision rhinoplasty surgeries often require more experience than standard rhinoplasty surgeries.

How long should one wait before considering corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgery?

Before deciding on revision rhinoplasty surgery, it is recommended to wait for at least 6 months after the previous surgery. Waiting for up to a year, considering the patient’s psychological state, is even better. This waiting period allows the tissues to fully heal, the final result of the nose to emerge, and facilitates more accurate planning for revision rhinoplasty surgery.

What can be expected after corrective (revision) rhinoplasty surgery?

In terms of the recovery process, revision rhinoplasty surgery is similar to initial rhinoplasty surgeries. There is typically no pain, and in cases where there was no breaking of bones and only the cartilage roof was touched, side effects such as bruising and swelling are usually minimal. All other information about the postoperative period can be found under the rhinoplasty surgery section. In areas where ear or rib cartilage is taken, wound care is generally sufficient, and there are usually no cosmetic problems in these areas.