Very few surgeons are truly qualified to perform the complicated procedure of Revision Rhinoplasty. Revision or Secondary Rhinoplasty is a correction, whether functional or aesthetic, to the unsatisfactory results of a previous Rhinoplasty (Nose) surgery.

WHEN TO GO FOR THE REVISION… Typically, the recommendation is to wait a year after the original Rhinoplasty so that there is ample time for healing and the nose to “settle” into its new anatomy. There can be a shorter duration to this recovery time depending on the extent of the previous surgery, which can be discussed during the consultation.

Although the decision should not be made lightly, you should consider a revision if you have any of these issues:

• persistent breathing problems
• nose still too large
• still a bump in the bridge
• new nose not in balance with the rest of the face
• too much removed
• tip of your nose needs better refinement
• tip is deflected off to one side (“twisted tip”)

WHY IS REVISION RHINOPLASTY MORE COMPLICATED?

• Changes to the typical anatomy and geography of the nose due to cartilage removal during the first surgery
• There may not be enough cartilage in the nose to work with and it has to be borrowed from behind the ear, which also requires extra incisions
• Navigating the scar tissue in the nasal lining from the primary surgery
• There is a higher risk of developing little spider veins in the nose called telangectasias
• All of these issues increase the variables and the amount of time in surgery

SURGICAL EXPERIENCE IS CRUCIAL… It is possible that the problem resulting from the original Rhinoplasty may not be the fault of the original surgeon. Anatomical variations and the healing process aren’t under their control. Although, the actual surgery is under the surgeon’s control, which is why you need the most experience surgical hands for the best possible outcome. This is especially true with navigating the altered anatomy and scar tissue present during a revision Rhinoplasty. It requires not only skill, but an artful eye, as well.

CHOOSE A SURGEON WHO:

• IS Qualified with expert training (I’m triple board certified in Otolaryngology/Head and Neck surgery, Facial plastic & General plastic surgery)
• Has many years of experience with many surgeries (almost 2 decades of surgical experience)
• Does them regularly – Our patients come from across the country to have revision rhinoplasty  – using my advanced techniques and honed skills…

This is one of those surgeries where the extra care and attention I give to my clients is crucial for discussing expectations, changes and the best technique to accomplish the goal of the Revision Rhinoplasty. To schedule a consultation to get the nose you desire, visit www.davinciplastic.com.

Steven Davison M.D.

Baord Certified Plastic/Reconstructive Surgeon