Procedures
Revision Rhinoplasy FAQs
Before Surgery
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair problems of form and
function of the nose that have resulted from previous rhinoplasty procedures.
How do I know if I'm a good candidate for revision rhinoplasty?
Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking
to improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty procedure may be good candidates for
revision rhinoplasty.
Can you fix my nose if I've already had rhinoplasty and am unhappy
with the results?
Revision rhinoplasty is the process of improving on the aesthetics and function of a
nose that has already been done. I can almost always help these cases, even after
several prior rhinoplasties.
What can I expect during a consultation for revision rhinoplasty?
During consultation, there will be in-depth discussion with the patient about their
desires and previous procedure(s). There will also be a pre-operative evaluation of the
nose and the overall facial balance. Computer imaging may also be used.
Are there medications that I will need to avoid before my surgery?
As with any surgery, there are certain medications, vitamins and herbs that should be
avoided beforehand as they can cause you to bleed more than normal. These should
generally be stopped two weeks prior to surgery and your doctor should provide you
with a list of these medications.
Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery
Where can revision rhinoplasty be performed?
Revision rhinoplasty often takes place in a free-standing ambulatory surgery center or
a surgeon's office-based facility. Some cases may be performed in a hospital.
What type of anesthesia is used for revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is usually performed with either general anesthesia or a
combination of local anesthesia and sedation. I generally almost always use IV sedation and local anesthesia for my rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty surgeries. This is the safest and most comfortable option for patients. You are fully asleep but not on a ventilator, and do not have a breathing tube down your throat. You have a board certified anesthesiologist who takes care of you the entire time.
How is revision rhinoplasty performed?
Once the anesthesia is administered, the incisions are made and this skin of the nose
is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage. Depending upon the particular
case, cartilage may be repositioned or missing structures may be replaced. When the
desired shape is achieved, the skin is pulled back down and the incisions are closed.
How long does the actual revision rhinoplasty procedure last?
Primary rhinoplasty tends to take between one and two hours to perform and revision
rhinoplasty typically can vary depending on the complexity of the operation. Smetimes it is not possible to give an exact approximation of time because it is difficult to know what the problem is until during surgery.
Where are the incisions made for revision rhinoplasty?
For revision rhinoplasty, the incisions may be confined solely to the inside of the nose
or an additional small incision may be made under the tip of the nose. When the
incisions are confined to the inside of the nose the procedure is referred to as 'closed
rhinoplasty', whereas procedures involving an incision under the tip of the nose are
referred to as 'open rhinoplasty'.
Does revision rhinoplasty result in scars?
With closed rhinoplasty procedures, in which the incisions are confined to the inside of
the nose, there will be no visible scarring. With open rhinoplasty, in which an additional
small incision is made under the tip of the nose, a small, fine-line scar will result though
it is well-concealed and will fade with time.
Is revision rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
Revision rhinoplasty tends to involve less pain, as well as less bruising, than primary
rhinoplasty procedures. Patients can be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate
any discomfort that they may feel.