Most rhinoplasty (nose surgery) patients achieve their aesthetic goals after their first procedure. For those who wish for additional cosmetic or functional changes, revisionary rhinoplasty is available for patients who experience complications or are simply no longer satisfied with their initial results. Double board certified plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Fernando Burstein discusses the various reasons for revision and the revsionary rhinoplasty process below:
After the initial procedure, it is necessary that patients wait until they have fully recovered before considering revisionary rhinoplasty. As the nose heals and surgical swelling subsides, bones and cartilage may cause an unplanned change in the shape of the nose’s bridge, tip, or base. For instance, a hump or a widened base can occur, affecting the nose’s aesthetic appearance. Scar tissue caused by poor healing or improper aftercare could also obstruct air passages. Patients may also desire to undergo revisionary surgery because they are no longer happy with their original plastic surgery results or have experienced trauma that affected the nose’s appearance. With over 25 years of facial plastic surgery experience, Dr. Burstein thoroughly consults with patients to best address both functional and aesthetic concerns during revisionary nose surgery.
For revisionary rhinoplasty patients who initially had too much cartilage or bone removed, Dr. Burstein typically opts for repair choosing the natural option of fat grafting instead of augmentation through other synthetic materials. Using the patient’s own fat, bone, and cartilage, Dr. Burstein can reconstruct areas of the nose that have either shifted or become too short. Fat grafts for rhinoplasty are commonly harvested from the ear or from other areas of the nose where additional healthy cartilage is available. To prevent any further scarring, Dr. Burstein will use the same incisions to reposition and repair cartilage and bone within the nose.
As rhinoplasty is a complex procedure, it is especially important to schedule an in-person consultation with a doctor with extensive experience in nose surgery to discuss treatment options and realistic expectations. If you are interested in a facial cosmetic or reconstructive procedure, be sure to contact us today. Also connect with Dr. Burstein on Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ for facial plastic surgery news and updates.
