Revision Rhinoplasty Details

The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

Revision rhinoplasty typically involves taking bone and cartilage grafts from your ear or rib and reshaping them for your nose. The procedure is very complex and requires the skilled hand of an experienced plastic surgeon and you can rest assured that Dr. V is a specialist in the field of revision rhinoplasty. When possible, she will make the incisions in the same area as your original rhinoplasty to avoid excess scarring. In some cases, revision rhinoplasty requires a nose to be reduced in size and common problems include the nasal tip being too wide, the lack of definition, the nostrils being too wide, or a nasal hump is left behind which is a bump on the bridge of your nose called a “Pollybeak” deformity. Because the problems are different for each patient, Dr. V will customize your plan to resolve your unique problems. The necessary procedures for your revision rhinoplasty may be as simple as removing more cartilage or bone or reshaping the existing cartilage in your nose. Your nose may also need to be restructured by adding cartilage support and grafts. Cartilage grafting is necessary when the results of a rhinoplasty give a “pig nose” look or you have a collapsed middle bridge called an inverted V deformity.

Recovering From a Revision Rhinoplasty

Following your revision rhinoplasty surgery, most patients experience minimal pain. You will be instructed to clean your incisions and the inside of your nose approximately twice a day by spraying salt water (saline) into your nose with a spray bottle or syringe. With an open revision rhinoplasty, your cast and stitches will be removed in one week and your nose will be taped for the second week. After that, if needed you will tape your nose nightly to help reduce swelling. Recovery from revision rhinoplasty is similar to that of traditional rhinoplasty and you will need to protect your nose from harm in the first few months after treatment. Most patients are able to return to their normal routine after one week.

Benefits of a Revision Rhinoplasty

There are a number of reasons patients want to have a secondary (revision) rhinoplasty and you may be a candidate if:

• You are displeased with the results from your original rhinoplasty
• You have experienced complications from your original rhinoplasty
• You have difficulties breathing as a result of your original rhinoplasty

Contact The Virginia Institute of Surgical Arts by clicking here or calling 703-327-8200.