Revision Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is widely recognized as the most challenging procedure in plastic surgery. It is an operation where a millimeter can make all the difference, and long-term changes during the healing process can sometimes be difﬁculty to predict.

For these reasons, there is a higher revision rate with rhinoplasty than with other surgeries. Many patients seek the care and expertise of specialists like Dr. Rodwell to help improve the appearance of their nose or gain relief from nasal obstruction after previous rhinoplasty surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty is usually the best recommendation, but many patients seeking revision work are now able to get excellent results with the use of ﬁllers for non-surgical rhinoplasty. This is a very advanced technique that should only be done by providers who have a thorough understanding of nasal anatomy and rhinoplasty surgery.

I absolutely love my nose. I feel so much better when I look in a mirror and see myself in pictures – Mary A.

Why Consider Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision Rhinoplasty can:

Correct unsatisfactory rhinoplasty results
Restore a proper balance to the face
Minimize distracting features of the nose
Improve nasal obstruction caused by previous surgery

Dr. Rodwell’s Approach to Revision Rhinoplasty

The most simple explanation of the goal with any rhinoplasty (primary or revision) is to minimize features of the nose that draw negative attention to themselves and distort the balance with other areas of your face.

Revision rhinoplasty consultations always start with listening carefully to your areas of concern and your desired goals. Dr. Rodwell will then guide you through careful analysis and help you to understand what you are seeing. After that you will be better able to consider your options for making improvements.

Tip graft carved from cartilage

Revision rhinoplasty surgery is performed under general anesthesia in the operating room. Dr. Rodwell always uses an open rhinoplasty technique for revision cases. These revision rhinoplasty surgeries typically involve a need for cartilage grafts not only to improve the appearance and shape but to make sure that long term support of the tip of the nose is maintained.

Your own cartilage is the best option if available – either from the septum or from the ears as a backup option. Rib cartilage is used by many rhinoplasty surgeons. If septal or ear cartilage is not adequate, then Dr. Rodwell can use cadaveric rib cartilage which avoids the need to make an incision on your chest which comes with increased risk of complications and pain.

What to Expect After Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Revision rhinoplasty takes several hours to perform, but you can go home after the procedure. Tape and a small cast are placed on the nose and removed 6-7 days later at the same time that some stitches near the nostrils are removed.

Dr. Rodwell avoids using any packing in the nose for the majority of patients, but occasionally soft septal splints may need to remain in place for a few days in some cases when a deviated septum repair is also needed.

Dr. Rodwell will provide you with full post-op instructions. Most people choose to take at least 1 week off from work or school. There will be some soreness as well as bruising and swelling. You can take pain medication and apply cold packs to reduce discomfort. Keeping your head elevated will also help swelling to go away faster.

If you are considering revision rhinoplasty surgery you already know that the nose goes through many subtle changes for several months after surgery, and full results are not often seen until 1 year or longer. In revision cases we need to be mindful of this long term gradual healing, so you will have many follow up visits with Dr. Rodwell to make sure that you continue to heal as well as possible. Out-of-town or out-of-state patients can arrange virtual follow up appointments via FaceTime or Skype.

If you are considering revision rhinoplasty surgery in Charleston, contact Dr. Rodwell today to discuss your candidacy.