Revision rhinoplasty surgery is a subsequent surgery performed in cases where the rhinoplasty surgery does not satisfy the patient or causes some problems. Revision rhinoplasty is also known as secondary rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty surgeries are more difficult surgical interventions than initial rhinoplasty surgeries. The main reasons for this situation are the following:
- If scar tissue has formed after the initial surgery, it can be difficult to remove or reshape. Scar tissue may cause additional complications during revision surgery.
- The structure of the nose may have been altered or weakened during the first rhinoplasty surgery. In this case, restoring or correcting the original tissues may require a more complex procedure.
- If the nasal cartilages were extensively removed or damaged during the initial surgery, it can be difficult to restore or replace them.
- After the first surgery, the nasal tissues may change shape or contract as they heal. This can make it difficult to correct the tissues and achieve the desired results during revision surgery.
- Repeated surgical interventions after the first operation can lead to further tissue damage and a longer recovery period. In addition, surgical complications such as the risk of infection may increase.
- If the result of the first surgery is unsatisfactory, revision rhinoplasty surgery becomes more complicated. If the shape and proportions of the nose have changed after the first surgery, it may be more difficult to meet aesthetic expectations.
Why is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?
The main reasons for revision rhinoplasty are as follows:
- After primary rhinoplasty, patients may feel that their nose is not what they wanted or that the results of the surgery did not meet their expectations. Revision rhinoplasty is performed to correct or improve rhinoplasty. For example, it can be applied to correct unwanted changes in the shape, size, slope or tip of the nose.
- If the nasal cartilages were largely removed or damaged in the initial rhinoplasty surgery, revision surgery can help restore or replace these cartilages.
- After the first surgery, problems may occur in the nasal structures or septum. This can lead to nasal congestion or breathing difficulties. Revision rhinoplasty can help relieve breathing problems by correcting or reshaping intranasal structures.
- If scar tissue has formed after the first operation, it can be removed or reshaped. Scar tissue can negatively affect the aesthetics and function of the nose.
Is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed by Removing Cartilage?
Cartilage removal is not mandatory in revision rhinoplasty. This depends entirely on the patient’s nasal structure. Cartilage removal is one of the common methods used when the patient needs to correct or improve the shape and function of the nose. For example, cartilage grafts can be used to make the tip of the nose more prominent or symmetrical, to correct the dorsum of the nose or to restore nasal tip function.
In some cases of revision rhinoplasty, cartilage removal may not be necessary. In particular, if sufficient quality and quantity of cartilage was preserved during the first rhinoplasty, it may not need to be reshaped or replaced.
When Is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?
The timing of revision rhinoplasty surgery should usually be at least 1 year after the previous surgery. This period may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s nasal structure and general health status. There are many reasons for waiting 1 year for revision rhinoplasty. The main causes are:
- After the rhinoplasty surgery, the nasal tissues are reshaped and fit into place. It is important that the tissues are completely stabilized during this process, as this is essential for the revision surgery to be successful.
- Scar tissue may form after the initial surgery and this scar tissue may affect the structure and shape of the nose. For revision rhinoplasty surgery to be successful, this scar tissue must heal at least to a large extent.
- One of the most important factors for revision rhinoplasty is a thorough evaluation. It is essential for the success of revision rhinoplasty that this evaluation takes place in detail within a long period of time, such as 1 year prior to the previous surgery.
- After the previous rhinoplasty surgery, the nasal tissues are reshaped and resituated in a period of about 1 year. It is important that the tissues are completely stabilized during this process, as this helps to make the revision surgery more successful.
What are the Risks of Revision Rhinoplasty?
The main risks of revision rhinoplasty are as follows:
- Complications that may occur during general anesthesia or sedation are the main risks.
- Scars may remain on the nose after revision rhinoplasty surgery. Depending on the surgical techniques and the patient’s ability to heal, this scar may be minimal or prominent.
- Temporary or permanent loss of sensation of the nose, lips or face may occur after surgery.
- Undesirable aesthetic results (e.g. asymmetry, deformities) can occur even after revision rhinoplasty.
- Nasal breathing problems or blockages may occur after revision rhinoplasty surgery.
- There is a risk that cartilage grafts (pieces of cartilage inserted or moved) may not hold or may slip.
- Post-operative nosebleeds may occur and sometimes require re-surgery.
- The healing process varies from person to person and may take longer in some patients.
- Swelling around the nose after surgery can sometimes also occur around the eyes.
- After revision rhinoplasty, problems with the back of the nose (for example, arch formation) may occur.
- There is a risk of scar tissue formation or keloid formation.
- If the aesthetic expectations of the patient and the surgeon do not match, the results may not be satisfactory.
- Revision rhinoplasty can sometimes fail to completely correct functional problems.
- There is a greater risk of cartilage loss during revision rhinoplasty.
- Even after revision rhinoplasty, some patients may require additional revision surgeries.
- The risk of postoperative infection is present in any surgical procedure. Sterility measures are carefully taken, but there is always a risk of infection.
- Bleeding may occur during or after surgery. The risk of bleeding may increase, especially in revision rhinoplasty operations that require cartilage or tissue transplantation.
- Allergic reactions or side effects to anesthesia are rare, but the risk exists.
Most of the risks mentioned above are inherent in every surgery. However, the likelihood of these risks occurring in operations to be performed by a competent doctor will be considerably reduced.
What Should Be Considered After Revision Rhinoplasty?
The main things to be considered after revision rhinoplasty are as follows:
- You must not use tobacco products for at least 2 weeks.
- You should take antibiotics and other medicines prescribed by your doctor regularly.
- You should avoid inserting anything into the nose except on doctor’s advice.
- You should maintain the nasal bandage and splint as recommended by your doctor.
- Do not rub the nose area and protect it against impacts.
- You should clean your nose according to your doctor’s instructions.
- You should sleep with your head elevated.
- If you need to wear glasses, you should wear them after a period of time allowed by your doctor.
- You should avoid sports and heavy physical activity for the first few weeks.
- You should limit alcohol consumption.
- You should avoid hot and spicy foods.
- In case of breathing problems or suspected complications, you should contact your doctor immediately.
- You should clean your eyes and face gently and avoid irritation.
- You should not perform any additional surgical procedure without your doctor’s approval.
- You should avoid intense sunlight and extreme temperatures for the first few weeks.
- You should not miss revision rhinoplasty controls.
