REVISION RHINOPLASTY: FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE GETTING ONE
Rhinoplasty is by no means an easy surgical procedure. It requires great skill and experience to be done right. Sometimes, the procedure may be unsuccessful due to various reasons, and the outcome is disappointing. At this point, the patient is left with two options – live with the unsatisfactory nose job or opt for another surgery to correct the errors. The natural inclination for most individuals is to have any surgery to fix the botched nose job, but it is not always as simple as that. The complexities of a second–or even third or fourth – rhinoplasty are considerable and require only the very best surgeons if a successful correction is achieved. If you have been wondering if you should get another rhinoplasty done, hold off on that decision till you read this revealing piece.
WHAT IS A REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure done to rectify a previous nasal surgery that failed to produce satisfactory results. It is also referred to as a secondary or correction rhinoplasty. It is touted as one of the most difficult cosmetic surgeries to perform. As such, it is better prevented and should only be carried out by experts when the need arises.
A rhinoplasty may be a failure from a cosmetic or functional perspective. A cosmetic failure denotes an outcome that is aesthetically displeasing to the patient. When the failure is functional, it implies blockage of the nasal airway. Either type of failure could result from poor skill or surgical techniques during the initial rhinoplasty, trauma to the most postoperatively, or inherent peculiarities of the person’s nose.
WHAT ARE THE CONSIDERATIONS TO BE MADE BEFORE A REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
Revision rhinoplasty is not a procedure to rush into. A fair bit of thought must be put into the decision-making process to maximize chances of success, prevent complications and avoid the need for more surgical revisions.
These are the most important factors to consider before going ahead with a revision rhinoplasty:
THE NEED FOR THE PROCEDURE
The very first question you need to ask yourself is if you need to get the revision done. While functional failure is absolute, cosmetic failure is often subjective and borne out of unrealistic expectations of what the initial surgery should have achieved. Of course, your opinion matters greatly, but perhaps you could try shopping for opinions of honest friends on how bad the outcome of the primary rhinoplasty really is? Functional failures are more straightforward; if your nasal function is unbearably compromised, corrections have to be made.
THE TIME GAP BETWEEN THE PRIMARY AND REVISION NOSE JOBS
As eager as you might be to correct the problems of the first surgery, you have to wait before going under the knife a second time. The recommended waiting time is about two years, and absolutely no sooner than a year later. Scheduling the correction rhinoplasty earlier than 12 months increases the risk of further damage and dissatisfaction.
YOUR EXPECTATIONS
You have to be more realistic than ever if you decide to have a revision rhinoplasty. It is unlikely that you leave the hospital with a perfect nose, even in the hands of the best surgeon. Clear and detailed prior communication with the doctor is key to managing expectations. Revision rhinoplasty can and should improve on the first nose job; it’s just unlikely that perfection will be attained. If you accept that beforehand, it makes things easier for all parties.
THE EXPERTISE OF THE SURGEON
In many ways, this is the most important consideration to make. Revision rhinoplasty is a difficult procedure. To prevent further disappointments or complications, ensure you employ the services of a seasoned professional. One of such persons is Dr. Alidad Arabshahi. He is a certified ENT surgeon who has successfully performed numerous revision rhinoplasties. Contact this expert through Nova Rhinoplasty to improve your chances of a successful and satisfactory nose restructuring.