Revision Rhinoplasty in Irvine, CA
In some cases, patients may find themselves dissatisfied with their results after rhinoplasty surgery. There’s nothing wrong with feeling a little bit down after healing from nose surgery and finding that the final product doesn’t meet your expectations —it is a difficult procedure to perform and things don’t always go according to plan. Dr. Homer Hojjat, MD, offers revision rhinoplasty surgery in Irvine, CA at SoCal Aesthetic Surgery to help patients resolve any lingering concerns and feel incredible about their rhinoplasty results.
Secondary Nose Job
What is Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a procedure that repairs the aesthetics and function of a nose that has been operated on previously.
There are many reasons why a patient might opt for revision rhinoplasty. Most often, patients seek out secondary rhinoplasty because the results of their first surgery simply didn’t meet their cosmetic expectations, for one reason or another. In other cases, patients may find themselves having difficulty breathing after their primary rhinoplasty, due to poor surgical techniques or healing issues.
Anyone considering a revision rhinoplasty surgery must consider the procedure carefully. The surgery itself can be more complicated than the first procedure and will require a surgeon with extensive knowledge of both the nasal structure and surgical techniques.
Be sure to have an open and honest conversation with your surgeon when discussing the problems caused by your primary rhinoplasty. This way, Dr. Hojjat can match your expectations and deliver a final product both of you can be proud of.
The Procedure
The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure
The revision rhinoplasty procedure is customized to suit the patient’s needs and can range from straightforward to extremely complex. The procedure can be simple, just requiring the removal of excess bone and cartilage. On the other end of the spectrum, the procedure may require a complete overhaul of the nasal structure.
If a patient’s revision procedure is required due to the removal of too much tissue, patients can expect a long and complicated surgery. These types of surgeries will require tissue grafts that are typically harvested from the ear cartilage or rib area.
Problems can and do occur within any area of the nose. The upper third, middle third, or nasal tip can face complications and will possibly need adjustment. It is important to go over the procedure with your revision surgeon and make sure that the recommended surgery is customized to deal with your specific problems.
Preparing for Revision Rhinoplasty
Before the procedure, you should be given a pre-op information packet. This packet will be full of information such as things you should do and know before the surgery.
The packet will contain a list of medications and substances that should not be used for at least 2 weeks before the procedure. These substances will usually include aspirin, alcohol, and some herbal supplements. Smoking is also not allowed for several weeks before and after the surgery.
Recommendations
Recovery after Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery
Recovery from revision rhinoplasty can take longer compared to primary rhinoplasty. Bleeding will occur during the first few days but should gradually dissipate. Cold compresses will help to reduce swelling.
Keep your head elevated during the first week after surgery. This will help avoid any trauma to the nose area. It is also recommended that you do not blow your nose for two to three weeks after surgery.
Three to seven days after surgery, you will have to return to Dr. Hojjat to have the cast removed. Most of the swelling should subside after two weeks. After about 2-3 months, your nose should be completely healed but will continue to experience subtle changes for up to a year or more.
Schedule a consultation
Rhinoplasty Rhinoplasty Potential Complications and Risks
As with any surgery, there are some potential complications and risks involved with secondary rhinoplasty. Risks include but are not limited to:
- Prolonged swelling
- Temporary loss of sense of smell
- Excessive scarring
- Anesthesia complications
Review all of the risk factors with Dr. Hojjat before and after surgery so that you are prepared to handle any problems that might arise
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Rhinoplasty
It is recommended that you wait at least a year before undergoing revision rhinoplasty. During recovery from a primary rhinoplasty, the swelling can take up to a year to completely subside. Scar tissue is another concern, and could possibly take a year to soften.
Only you and your surgeon can determine your individual candidacy for revision rhinoplasty. If you are dissatisfied with your results from prior nose surgery, it is worth consulting with a qualified surgeon to get their opinion.
Generally, revision rhinoplasty is performed with local anesthesia and sedation or general anesthesia. Because a revision rhinoplasty surgery will take longer (usually 3-4 hours) than a primary rhinoplasty surgery, general anesthesia is typically recommended.
The length of the procedure will depend on the specific work that is needed. You and your surgeon should review the expectations for your surgery and determine the best anesthesia option for your individual procedure.
You should prepare a “healing room,” and stock it well with supplies before your surgery. Do your laundry and make sure the house is clean and tidy before the procedure so you don’t have to worry about it while you heal. Prepare and freeze some easy meals in advance so you don’t have to cook.
To ease swelling and bruising, bags of frozen vegetables and/or fruits will be helpful in icing the area down. Other items that should be stocked include:
-Anti-bacterial soap
-Gauze and other dressings
-Entertainment such as a laptop, television, video games, and books
-Seltzer
-Extra blankets
You might feel a little concerned about trusting a surgeon with your nose again, especially if your poor rhinoplasty result was due to your surgeon’s error. This is perfectly normal, but you don’t want to live with your bad results forever!
You should choose a skilled and qualified plastic surgeon with extensive experience in revision rhinoplasty to set yourself up for a successful secondary rhinoplasty. Ask to speak with former patients and look at the surgeon’s before and after photos to set your mind at ease. Be sure they have the proper credentials and experience before moving forward.
If you live near Irvine, CA, Socal Aesthetic Surgery offers revision rhinoplasty among its services and is conveniently located at 113 waterworks way, Suite #100, Irvine, CA 92618.
Irvine, CA
Consult with a Revision Rhinoplasty Expert
Dr. Homer Hojjat, MD is dedicated to helping patients feel confident and happy with their appearance. If you are dissatisfied with the results of a previous rhinoplasty, then it may be time to schedule a consultation and discuss revision rhinoplasty. To make an appointment, call SoCal Aesthetic Surgery today at 310-729-4475.
ADDRESS:
113 waterworks way, Suite #100
Irvine, CA 92618
400 Newport Center Dr, Suite #704
Newport Beach, CA 92660
PHONE:
HOURS OF OPERATION:
Mon-Friday: 09:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sat-Sun: Closed