Many people consider having a revision rhinoplasty, and you need to understand what to expect from the surgery. The following list of factors should give you insight as to what can be expected with different types of procedures, the potential risks, and complications associated with these surgeries, as well as other information about how to prepare for this type of surgery.
1. What Type of Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure You Should Have?
When considering what type of revision rhinoplasty you should consider, there are a few factors to keep in mind. Studies have shown that the following types of procedures produce the best results:
- Frontal/Lateral Flap Rhinoplasty: This procedure works well with patients with thin skin that comes to a point at the tip of their nose. This is a good option for patients with a prominent nose or barrel-shaped nose. The frontal/lateral flap technique creates the new nose by taking skin from the upper part of your forehead, along the bridge of your nose, and up to just below the hairline.
- Rhinoplasty Plus Reconstructive and Resorbable Scaffolding: This method removes excess skin and bone on the inside of the nose as well as outside. This method best suits patients with a hump nose, whose skin is thicker, and the longer surgical times associated with other techniques are difficult.
- Rhinoplasty Scaffolding: This procedure is best for those with thick skin on their nose and must surgically remove a lot of tissue to achieve the desired result. In this procedure, your doctor will typically use grafts of your tissue to create new nasal structures. Another type of rhinoplasty scaffolding is called alloplastic scaffolding, and it involves using artificial materials, such as silicone or Gore-tex, to create new nasal structures. The benefit of alloplastic scaffolding is that it can be constructed in a more custom manner than grafts.
2. Know the Potential Risks and Complications
The majority of patients can have revision rhinoplasty performed without complication. Still, there are risks involved with any surgery, even when performed by a skilled surgeon.
This is why you need to discuss your concerns and fears with your doctor and determine what they are. Some of the potential risks and complications associated with revision rhinoplasty include:
- Deep vein thrombosis (DVT): This blood clot forms in one of the deep veins in the body. It is sometimes referred to as a pulmonary embolism.
- Infection: Although antibiotics can prevent infection, it does happen, so you must follow your doctor’s instructions about what to do if an infection develops. Antibiotics will be prescribed after your surgery, and the doctor will likely recommend that you follow a course of medication for a few weeks to prevent infection.
- Pneumothorax: This is an accumulation of air in the space around the lungs. It is often caused by bleeding in the chest or injuries to the lung or rib cage. Your doctor may need to insert a tube through your nose to drain away from the accumulated air, as this can pose a serious infection risk. Again, you will need to follow your doctor’s instructions on what to do if this happens.
- Hemorrhage: This occurs when part of the lining of a blood vessel breaks off, causing bleeding in the blood vessels or surrounding tissues. It can cause a person to bleed from their nose and eyes. Blood that seeps from this type of injury can be difficult to clear and may require surgery. Your doctor will likely need to inject several stitches into the affected tissue for blood to clot and stop bleeding. You may require additional surgery as a result of this injury.
- Nose fracture: This occurs when the nose breaks or fractures. If this occurs, your doctor may need to re-position the nose and fix it with a plate. Your doctor will also likely give you antibiotics once this happens, which may be for several weeks. Please note that there are other types of nose fractures besides a fracture in the tip of the nose, such as a crack across your nose or a fracture in your cartilage.
- Masking: This is an issue that can occur due to blood or tissue loss caused by the surgery.
- Infection: Although antibiotics can prevent infection, it does happen, so you need to follow your doctor’s instructions about what to do if an infection develops. Antibiotics will be prescribed after your surgery, and the doctor will likely recommend that you follow a course of medication for a few weeks to prevent infection.
3. What Should You Do Before Your Revision Rhinoplasty?
There are some things as a candidate for revision rhinoplasty you can do to help ensure the success of your revision rhinoplasty. Some of these suggestions include:
Stay hydrated: You will be given medications to drink, and you will be encouraged to drink them, but you may need to drink up to 60 ounces of fluid each day. If you are on a restricted diet the day before surgery, you will most likely be allowed to eat once it is over, but it is best to avoid caffeine and alcohol.
4. What Will Your Revision Rhinoplasty Involve?
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During your revision rhinoplasty, your nose will be reshaped to match the shape and characteristics of how you would like it to look after surgery. There are so many different ways that this is done, including:
- Rhinoplasty by incision: This is the traditional method of performing a rhinoplasty. This involves making an incision through the skin of the nose. The nose is then reshaped inside of this incision.
- Rhinoplasty by excision: This involves completely cutting the nose and then sculpting it back to its previous shape and size.
- Rhinoplasty by grafting: This involves taking skin from another part of your body and using it to create new nasal structures.
5. What Should You Expect Before Your Revision Rhinoplasty?
You will likely be given antibiotics and pain medication in the days before your surgery. If you are taking a steroid, you should consult with your doctor to see if you should do so on the day of surgery. Please note that you must receive your anesthesia before visiting the hospital and not afterward. This usually occurs after breakfast, and it often takes about 20 minutes to take effect. The surgery itself can also take anywhere from 2 to 8 hours to complete.
6. What Should You Expect After Your Revision Rhinoplasty?
You will be given antibiotics and pain medication after your surgery. Some areas of your nose may also be packed with gauze padding or covered in bandages. You must follow your doctor’s instructions about what to do with these materials.
7. How Much Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost?
In most cases, the cost of your revision rhinoplasty will be between $4,500 and $8,000. The price will depend on various factors, including how soon you need your surgery and how complex your revision rhinoplasty may be. For example, a patient who has just recovered from the surgery for their first rhinoplasty can expect to pay upwards of $10,000.
Conclusion
Like many other types of plastic surgery, nose reshaping is an effective way to improve your appearance. However, you need to know what to expect before undergoing the procedure. Revision rhinoplasty can involve several different procedures. You can do several things to ensure that the revision rhinoplasty is a successful and comfortable experience.