Miami revision rhinoplasty surgery is a procedure in which patients can have their noses reshaped again following a failed nose job. While patient dissatisfaction is understandable, revision rhinoplasty isn’t rare. About 25% of people who undergo rhinoplasty surgery later return to a plastic surgeon to revise results. Reasons for wanting a revision rhinoplasty are varied and depend on the individual patient. Often, however, it comes down to the patient being unhappy with the overall appearance or function of the nose following surgery.
This is a reductive way of looking at it, I believe. There are many reasons why someone would need a revision for a previous rhinoplasty. Read on to find out hints that can help you determine whether revision rhinoplasty surgery is appropriate for you.
Reasons You May Need a Revision Rhinoplasty
The following are types of nose deformities that often occur after an unsuccessful rhinoplasty has taken place. If you have signs of any of these, you may need a revision rhinoplasty.
Nasal Tip Deformity
The nasal tip is composed of cartilaginous and soft tissues. Cartilage has no blood supply so healing occurs through fibrosis, where new scar tissue forms to close off the internal structures. This fibrosis can result in an unaesthetic appearance if too much scar tissue is formed and won’t allow the tissues to move freely over each other. Tip deformities can occur after rhinoplasty if the nasal bones or septum aren’t reduced during surgery.
Nasal Valve Collapse
A nasal valve collapse is a condition where the shape of the nose changes and its function decreases. Nasal valve collapse because of a loss of support due to the weakening or destruction of tiny cartilage structures that help maintain the structure and function of the nose.
Saddle Nose Deformity
Saddle nose deformity, characterized by a concave appearance resembling a saddle on the nasal bridge, often necessitates revision rhinoplasty to restore both form and function. This condition may result from previous nasal trauma or primary rhinoplasty procedures where there’s been a loss of nasal support. Revision surgery involves intricate techniques such as cartilage grafts to reconstruct the nasal structure and address functional concerns, including breathing difficulties caused by nasal obstruction.
When considering revision rhinoplasty for saddle nose deformity, it’s crucial to consult with a board-certified facial plastic surgeon experienced in complex nasal surgeries. During the revision rhinoplasty consultation, the surgeon will assess the patient’s nasal anatomy, previous surgical history, and desired outcomes to develop a personalized treatment plan. With advanced techniques and extensive experience, a skilled surgeon can achieve a successful outcome, restoring both the aesthetic appearance and functional integrity of the nose.
Hourglass Deformity
Hourglass deformity, characterized by a widening of the nasal shape from the dorsum to the tip, poses both functional and aesthetic concerns. This deviation often leads to a loss of support, resulting in the appearance of a hump or collapse of the nasal valve. Individuals experiencing this condition may encounter breathing difficulties and seek resolution through surgical intervention.
Revision rhinoplasty, a specialized surgical procedure performed by board-certified facial plastic surgeons, offers a solution for correcting hourglass deformity. During this complex procedure, skilled surgeons utilize advanced techniques such as cartilage grafts and skin grafts to restore balance and function to the nasal structure. A thorough consultation with a facial plastic surgeon familiar with revision rhinoplasty procedures is crucial to developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to address the specific concerns of each patient. By addressing both functional and aesthetic issues, revision rhinoplasty aims to achieve a successful outcome and improve overall nasal appearance and function.
Sometimes, All You Need is a Touch-Up
Several patients are looking to give their nose a touch-up after they have healed from the initial surgery. Usually, they want to address the nose tip or the bridge. These two areas are frequently altered with rhinoplasty surgery and sometimes need a little fine-tuning after healing.
Other touch-ups include fixing small bumps or dents in the nose. These can occur during the healing process or by accidental bangs and hits to the nose after surgery. These bumps or dents can be smoothed out by:
- trimming down the cartilage
- repositioning the soft tissue
- using dermal fillers to add a little more volume (also known as non-surgical rhinoplasty)
Before and After Photos
Each patient is unique and individual results may vary*.
What to Look For
When considering a revision rhinoplasty, it’s crucial to identify specific indicators that may warrant a secondary procedure. Common reasons for seeking revision rhinoplasty include dissatisfaction with the original surgery’s results, such as a slightly upturned or overturned nasal tip, a crooked nasal bridge, or the presence of minor bumps and dents around the bridge or in the soft tissue. These aesthetic concerns, along with functional issues like breathing difficulties due to nasal airway obstruction or improper nose function, underscore the importance of consulting with a board-certified plastic surgeon experienced in revision rhinoplasty.
Successful revision rhinoplasty requires a comprehensive evaluation of the nose’s complex structure, including the nasal septum, septal cartilage, lateral cartilage, and soft tissue issues. An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will develop a customized plan of action to address both aesthetic and functional concerns, which may involve additional cartilage grafting, restructuring of cartilage, or other surgical techniques. Understanding the potential outcomes and revision rates associated with secondary rhinoplasty procedures is essential for establishing realistic expectations and achieving satisfactory results.
Repairing Post-Op Damage to the Nose
There are instances where a rhinoplasty patient needs to have their nose surgery entirely redone. Damaging results can range from significant damage through trauma, injury, or botched surgery.
Noses can still be damaged after rhinoplasty surgery if you injure yourself or are the victim of assault. There is a higher chance that a revision surgery won’t be necessary if we reduce the fracture immediately after an injury. For patients who have severely damaged cartilage, their noses have to be rebuilt from the inside out through open rhinoplasty.
Examples of severely damaged noses include:
- Nasal bridge collapse
- Severely crooked or mangled nasal bridge
- Odd growths or bumps on the inside or outside of the nose from poor healing
Questions about your procedure?
Schedule a consultation with Dr. Andres Bustillo.
Botch Job: Rhinoplasty Gone Wrong
A botched surgery or a rhinoplasty gone wrong can refer to many different problems and most often occurs when patients opt for a less experienced or cheaper surgeon. A lack of experience and insufficient practice makes a rhinoplasty surgeon less qualified than other more experienced doctors.
When a person sees one of these less qualified doctors, they risk receiving a bad nose job. Signs of a botched nose job include the following:
- Nasal bridge collapse
- Migration or rejection of nasal implants
- A severe infection or bacteria growth from poorly inserted implants
- Too big or too small noses
- Severely upturned nose after rhinoplasty
- Poor incision placement
- Excessive scarring
If any of these apply to you, seek help from a revision rhinoplasty surgeon immediately. Having a nose this badly damaged can have a very negative effect on your overall health.
Why Choose a Quality Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon?
When considering a revision rhinoplasty, it’s imperative to choose a skilled surgeon who specializes in this complex procedure. While a plastic surgeon may excel in initial rhinoplasty, revision surgery demands a deeper understanding of nasal structures and complexities. Given the intricate nature of the nasal anatomy and the potential challenges posed by previous surgeries, expertise in both primary and revision rhinoplasty is crucial for achieving satisfactory outcomes.
A board-certified facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience in rhinoplasty, including revision procedures, offers the expertise needed to address common issues such as asymmetry, breathing difficulties, and nasal deformities. By thoroughly evaluating a surgeon’s qualifications, including their revision rates and before-and-after photos of previous patients, individuals can make informed decisions to ensure the best possible results for their revision rhinoplasty journey.
Dr. Andres Bustillo is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who dedicates his entire practice to procedures designed for the face and neck. About half of Dr. Bustillo’s practice involves performing rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty on patients. He performs over 300 nose surgeries yearly. During his studies, Dr. Bustillo completed a fellowship in facial and reconstructive surgery and was trained by some of New York’s best plastic surgeons.
To schedule a patient consultation with Dr. Bustillo, contact his office in South Florida at (305) 663-3380 or send your information anytime via the Contact page.