When undergoing a rhinoplasty procedure, most patients expect beautiful results, and usually they get them. Occasionally, the patient did not receive all the results desired.  Often minor problems can be easily corrected with a small intervention. When the problem is more complicated, experienced surgeons can successfully correct the nose by performing revision rhinoplasty, an effective option to simultaneously correct nasal deformities while preserving maximal nasal function in a previously operated-on nose. Read on to learn more about revision rhinoplasty, why people choose to undergo this procedure, and why it is vital to choose a skilled facial plastic surgeon to perform this procedure.

What is Revision Rhinoplasty and Why Do Patients Undergo this Procedure?

Revision rhinoplasty is a term to describe a facial plastic surgery procedure to correct problems or deformities of the nose from a previous rhinoplasty. It’s sometimes called a secondary rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty procedures are generally considered to be one of the more difficult facial plastic surgery procedures.

In general, revision surgery will take longer than the initial rhinoplasty procedure, as the surgeon must assess the underlying structure of the nose and is often faced with damaged tissues and scar tissue from the previous surgery. In some cases, additional material may need to be used to rebuild the nose. Dr. Cote always plans on what he might need for structural grafting. If there is enough cartilage present in the nasal septum already, that may be used to repair the nose. Ear cartilage is also used in limited instances. The most commonly used material is rib cartilage; this may include the patient’s own rib or donated tissue that is used for reconstruction.

It is important to note that synthetic materials should never be used during primary or revision rhinoplasty. This includes silicone implants, Gore-Tex implants, and MEDPOR (porous polyethylene) implants, as they have been shown to be hugely problematic with failure rates around 20%.

Recovery from initial surgery can take upwards of one year. Before a patient opts for a revision rhinoplasty procedure, they should be fully recovered from their initial surgery. If they undergo revision rhinoplasty before this time, it can negatively impact the results, so a skilled facial plastic surgeon can help to determine if it’s the right time and what sort of final outcome to expect.

How to Achieve Optimal Revision Rhinoplasty Outcomes

Overall, there are some key factors that can impact the outcome of your procedure. These include the skill of the surgeon performing the procedure, how well the surgical site heals, and the expectations of the patient. For optimal results, patients should have realistic expectations regarding what is achievable while maintaining the function of the nose. The best way to determine if revision rhinoplasty is a good option for your aesthetic goals is through a consultation appointment, during which you can discuss your medical history, concerns, and goals with your surgeon.

Why Choose a Board-Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Because a secondary rhinoplasty is a more complicated procedure, it is crucial that you choose an experienced and trustworthy plastic surgeon. Patients do not have to return to the surgeon who performed their original rhinoplasty procedure. In fact, it can be more beneficial to select a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasties.

Dr. Christopher Cote is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon and specialist in revision rhinoplasty procedures. He is double board-certified in both otolaryngology and facial plastic surgery and therefore understands the form and function of the nose. He has the experience and expertise needed to correct nasal issues as he performs hundreds of rhinoplasties yearly, and takes pride in giving rhinoplasty patients results they can be confident in. Regardless of who performed your primary rhinoplasty, Dr. Cote can offer a successful revision surgery.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about revision rhinoplasty and if it is right for you, please contact FacesFirst Cosmetic Surgery in Lone Tree, Denver, and New Castle, CO today. Your first step will be to schedule a consultation appointment with Christopher Cote, MD, or Nicolette Picerno, MD.