Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary correctional surgical procedure performed after a primary rhinoplasty or the first procedure performed elsewhere by a different surgeon. Rhinoplasty revision may even be carried out a second time to improve the appearance and function of the nose. Revision rhinoplasty can correct both aesthetic deformities and functional disturbances. Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures performed at Centre for Surgery, and many surgeons elsewhere often avoid performing the procedure.

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Most types of revision rhinoplasty require reconstructive surgery to provide adequate structural support for the nasal tip and all the nasal dorsum or bridge of the nose. This is often provided in the form of cartilage. In many revision rhinoplasty procedures, there will already be a lack of cartilage available in the nasal septum to be used for reconstruction, and your surgeon may need to harvest cartilage from another part of the body as an alternative approach. Other common sites include cartilage removal from the ear and sometimes from the ribs. Patients who have abnormalities affecting the nasal tip or bridge of the nose may require harvesting soft tissue from other parts of the body. The hairline is also a source of fascia, a tough connective tissue layer occasionally used by some rhinoplasty surgeons. Often, the internal architecture of the nose has been distorted by scar tissue from previous surgery, and skin grafts or soft tissue flaps will be required to correct abnormalities of airway patency, which may result in breathing difficulties. Ideal candidates for a revision rhinoplasty at Centre for Surgery are fit and healthy patients over the age of eighteen with realistic expectations of what a revision rhinoplasty procedure can achieve.

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Choosing Centre for Surgery for your procedure means you will be seen and assessed by specialist rhinoplasty surgeons who are dedicated sub-specialists in rhinoplasty surgery. They do very few other types of surgery and have become experts in all aspects of rhinoplasty surgery. Patients who choose us for revision rhinoplasty do not do so based on price. They do so based on their skill, compassion and professionalism as experienced medical professionals. You can expect our surgeons to assess you expertly and provide accurate, unbiased medical advice along with several treatment options, one of which may be to do nothing. A decision to undertake rhinoplasty surgery, especially revision surgery, should not be taken lightly. Our surgeons will take the time to explain all the risks and benefits and what you can expect to achieve. This could be aided by computerised 3D imaging, which may be used at your consultation to give you a rough idea of how you could look after revision rhinoplasty surgery.

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Patients often decide to have a revision rhinoplasty to address the poor results from a previous nose job procedure often performed by another surgeon. Patients often express dissatisfaction with their rhinoplasty results for several reasons. They may feel the overall facial features are no longer balanced. They may believe the nose is still too big for their face, or they may now have problems breathing through their nose due to the previous rhinoplasty. Even in the most skilled rhinoplasty surgeon’s hands, revision rhinoplasty surgery has a higher revision rate than primary rhinoplasty. On average, about 15 to 20% of all patients who have a primary rhinoplasty will require a corrective procedure of some type to address anaesthetic or functional concerns they may have.

No surgeon can guarantee the outcome of any type of surgery, especially a highly complex revision rhinoplasty surgery where many factors will be beyond the surgeon’s control, including the healing process, with significant variation in this area between patients.

If you would like to consider having a revision rhinoplasty, you should wait until you are fully healed from your first rhinoplasty procedure. We would recommend waiting at least 12 months from the first procedure before even having a revision rhinoplasty consultation. Having surgery sooner than this may result in further structural damage to the nose, which may prove difficult, if not impossible, to correct adequately. We would advise all patients considering revision rhinoplasty to undertake detailed research and to have a very clear idea of what the procedure can achieve with realistic expectations established from the very beginning.

Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult surgical procedures to undertake for many reasons. Often previous rhinoplasty surgery results in the formation of dense scar tissue. This makes it challenging to perform revision rhinoplasty surgery as the common identifying features of the nose may be distorted by scar tissue. This can compromise the final results as excessive scar tissue may recur even after well-performed revision rhinoplasty. Many noses after primary rhinoplasty may have damaged cartilage or lack cartilage, which is often required as part of a secondary rhinoplasty procedure to adequately reconstruct the nose.

Patients who choose to have a revision rhinoplasty in London need to understand that even a corrective rhinoplasty procedure may not be entirely successful in repairing cosmetic abnormalities which were not adequately addressed in the first procedure or have resulted from having a primary rhinoplasty. The success or failure of a nose job procedure can often be difficult to objectively measure, as even successful revision rhinoplasty surgery may be viewed as unsuccessful by the patient. The likelihood of developing dissatisfaction after revision rhinoplasty is higher for patients who are already unhappy with the results of the first procedure.

Patients must be aware of all the potential risks and complications of revision rhinoplasty surgery, including an unsatisfactory outcome. They must have realistic expectations of what the procedure can achieve before being accepted for a revision rhinoplasty at Centre for Surgery.

The need for a rib graft during revision rhinoplasty depends on the specific issues that need to be addressed in the revision surgery. Rib grafts can be used to provide additional support and structure to the nose if the original cartilage has been removed or damaged during the initial surgery. However, not all revision rhinoplasties require a rib graft, as other options, such as ear or nasal cartilage, may be used.

It is important to have a detailed consultation with a qualified and experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon to determine the best course of action for your specific case. They will be able to evaluate the structure and condition of your nose and make recommendations based on their expertise and experience.

Remember that revision rhinoplasty is generally considered more complex and challenging than primary rhinoplasty, so it is essential to choose a surgeon with experience and a proven track record with revision procedures.

This is not possible. No surgeon can ever guarantee successful results from any surgical procedure. Every surgery carries potential risks and complications, even if they are very rare. Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures undertaken at Centre for Surgery. Indeed, many experienced rhinoplasty surgeons in other parts of the UK may not perform this procedure due to its high risk of patient dissatisfaction.

All patients should have realistic expectations of what results can be achieved after revision rhinoplasty. The final outcome will depend on several factors, including the current structural configuration of the nose and how much damage has already been caused by previous surgery. This will be determined by the type of rhinoplasty undertaken. It is often helpful for the revision rhinoplasty surgeon to review the operation record from your first procedure so they can be fully familiar with what was carried out.

Many of our surgeons at Centre for Surgery perform 3-D imaging to give you a rough idea of how you could look after your revision rhinoplasty. Although the technology can be useful, it is important to avoid fixating on the 3-D images as these are merely approximations of the final result and may not reflect the actual results.

Choosing the best surgeon for revision rhinoplasty in the UK can be a difficult task, but there are several steps you can take to ensure that you find a qualified and experienced professional who can help you achieve your desired results.

Look at before and after photos

Most reputable surgeons will have a portfolio of before and after photos of their patients available at the consultation. This will give you an idea of the surgeon’s skill level and the type of results they can achieve.

Check their qualifications and experience

Make sure the surgeon is properly qualified and experienced in performing revision rhinoplasty. They should be a Fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons (FRCS) or equivalent and should have specialist accreditation in plastic surgery, otolaryngology, or maxillofacial surgery.

Schedule a consultation

Once you have narrowed down your list of potential surgeons, schedule a consultation to discuss your specific needs and goals. The surgeon should take the time to listen to your concerns and explain the options available to you.

Cost

Revision rhinoplasty can be a costly procedure. Make sure you understand the costs involved and if they are within your budget.

Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeons at Centre for Surgery

A facial plastic surgeon is a dedicated subspecialist trained to undertake aesthetic surgical procedures in the facial region. Compared with general plastic surgeons, facial plastic surgeons are inherently better trained to perform delicate facial procedures. The extra years of surgical training by facial specialists focused on the facial region result in an exceptionally high degree of skill.

Our plastic surgeons are rhinoplasty specialists and are highly experienced in performing all types of revision rhinoplasty, from minor corrections to complex reconstructive procedures involving rib grafting. Revision rhinoplasty surgery is performed at our specialist day surgery facilities at Baker Street in central London. Revision rhinoplasty surgery takes longer to perform than primary rhinoplasty surgery, and 3-4 hours of operating time are typical under TIVA general anaesthesia.

Revision rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that is typically more challenging than primary rhinoplasty. The specific steps involved in a revision rhinoplasty procedure will depend on the specific issues that need to be addressed, but generally, the procedure follows these steps:

Anaesthesia

Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anaesthesia, which means you will be asleep during the procedure.

Incision

The surgeon will make incisions in the same location as the previous surgery, typically inside the nostrils, to minimise visible scarring.

Correction of deformities

The surgeon will then address any deformities by removing or reshaping cartilage or bone. They may also use additional cartilage or other materials to build up or reshape the nose as needed.

Repositioning the nose

The surgeon will then reposition the nose as needed to achieve a more symmetrical and balanced appearance.

Closing the incisions

The surgeon will then close the incisions and place splints or packing inside the nostrils to help maintain the new shape of the nose during the healing process.

Recovering after revision rhinoplasty can be a longer process than recovering from primary rhinoplasty. The recovery time can vary depending on the extent of the procedure, but generally, it can take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to subside.

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During the first few days after the surgery, you may experience some pain and discomfort. Your surgeon will prescribe pain medication to help manage this. It is also common to have swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose. This will usually start to subside after the first week but can take several weeks to disappear completely.

You will have a splint or cast placed on your nose to help maintain the new shape of the nose during the healing process. The splint or cast will be removed by your surgeon in the first week after the surgery.

You will also have to avoid strenuous activity for about two weeks after the surgery. This includes heavy lifting, intense exercise, and bending over. You will also need to avoid blowing your nose, bending over, or any activities that may cause an increase in blood pressure for about two weeks after surgery.

You must also avoid exposing your nose to direct sunlight for the first several months after the surgery. This is because the skin on the nose is very delicate and can be easily damaged by the sun’s UV rays.

You will have post-operative appointments with your surgeon to monitor the healing process and ensure everything is going well. It may take several months for the final results of the revision rhinoplasty to be visible.

Revision rhinoplasty is a complex procedure with a higher risk of complications than primary rhinoplasty. The specific risks and complications will depend on the individual patient and the specific issues that need to be addressed. Still, some of the most common risks and complications include the following:

Scarring

Revision rhinoplasty often requires incisions in the same location as the previous surgery, which can increase the risk of scarring.

Unsatisfactory results

Despite the best efforts of a qualified and experienced surgeon, there is always a risk that the final results of the revision rhinoplasty will be unsatisfactory.

Loss of sensation

The surgery may cause temporary or permanent loss of sensation in the nose or the surrounding areas.

Bleeding

As with any surgical procedure, there is a risk of bleeding during or after the revision rhinoplasty.

Infection

There is also a risk of infection after revision rhinoplasty, which can delay healing and increase the risk of complications.

Breathing difficulties

The surgery may cause temporary or permanent breathing difficulties or obstruction.

Complications with anaesthesia

As the procedure is performed under general anaesthesia, complications related to anaesthesia, such as allergic reactions or respiratory failure, may occur.

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The decision to undergo revision rhinoplasty is personal and depends on the individual’s goals and expectations. In general, revision rhinoplasty can be worth it if the patient is unhappy with the results of their previous nose surgery and can achieve their desired changes through revision surgery. Remember that revision rhinoplasty can be more complex and technically challenging than primary rhinoplasty, and the recovery period may be longer. Try to have realistic expectations and understand that perfect results are not always possible.

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Centre for Surgery is one of the top UK centres for London revision rhinoplasty with some of the very best nose job surgeons in the country practising from our facilities in central London. Our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic is located in Marylebone and is easily accessible for patients from London and further afield. When you come to Centre for Surgery, you can be assured of receiving the very highest standards of medical care from highly experienced and qualified revision rhinoplasty specialists.

Our surgeons perform hundreds of rhinoplasty procedures annually and are regularly called upon to deliver keynote speeches at some of the top national and international rhinoplasty conferences. They have received sub-specialist training in all types of rhinoplasty in the UK and overseas to deliver the best possible outcomes and revision rhinoplasty results.

Before any planned surgery, it is important to have a clear idea of the potential risks and complications associated with revision rhinoplasty and what to expect during recovery. Getting the best results means following your surgeon’s post-operative instructions in full.

If you have been thinking about having a revision rhinoplasty in the UK, give us a call today and speak to one of our expert patient coordinators to book an initial consultation with one of our rhinoplasty surgeons in London. The cost of revision rhinoplasty surgery can significantly exceed the cost of a primary rhinoplasty due to its increased complexity and higher potential for risks and complications. Once you have had a face-to-face consultation with a rhinoplasty specialist, you will receive a full quotation from your dedicated patient coordinator.