Revision Rhinoplasty
The surgical operation applied to those who have had rhinoplasty operations before but need to have rhinoplasty operations again for different reasons is called "Second Rhinoplasty" or "Revision Rhinoplasty".
There are many factors that cause revision rhinoplasty. These factors may arise directly due to the failure of the first operation or as a result of post-operative blows to the nose. While revision rhinoplasty surgeries are sometimes a choice, sometimes it may become a necessity because there may be problems in the function of the nose.
The scope of revision surgeries may vary from person to person. The problem may occur in any part of the nose. When planning the surgery, many factors are taken into account, from when the patient had his first rhinoplasty operation to the extent of his problem.
What are the Most Common Reasons for Revision?
Failure of primary rhinoplasty operations are the most common reasons for revision surgeries.
After primary rhinoplasty;
- If the nasal functions could not be corrected or deteriorated; in other words, if the patient cannot breathe comfortably,
- If there is an obvious arch on the dorsum of the nose,
- If the supports in the nasal septum have decreased and collapse has occurred as a result of excessive intervention,
- If the curvature of the nose continues to be noticeable,
- If the tip of the nose has fallen off after the operation,
- If asymmetry in the nostrils persists,
- If the nose has become very curved,
- If the tip of the nose is lifted in a way that disrupts the harmony of facial features, revision operations are resorted to.
- Revision is not only caused by the failure of the first operation. The patient may be hit on the face, have an accident and the shape of the nose may change due to unexpected reasons. In such cases, revision rhinoplasty should also be applied.
At the same time;
- The patient is not satisfied with the results of the operation,
- Failure to carry out the preoperative process in sufficient detail,
- The patient's skin and nasal structure,
- Complications encountered in the postoperative period may also be a reason for revision.
What are the Differences Between Revision and First Surgery?
The main difference between revision and first rhinoplasty surgery is the scope of the operation. Since the patient has undergone a previous operation, the second operation needs to be planned more carefully.
The skill and expertise of surgeons are more prominent in revision surgeries. Revision is considered more difficult than the first operation because the removal of the effects of the first operation is a more complicated procedure. In terms of the techniques used, there may be differences according to the needs of the patient.
Apart from these, both operations serve the same purpose and preoperative planning is carried out with the same precision. While the patient's expectations and the results of facial analysis are taken into account in the first surgery, the surgeon needs to think more comprehensively in the revision. Problems or needs that appear after the first surgery will guide the surgeons.
What is the Difficulty of Revision Rhinoplasty?
If you have done research about revision nose surgery, you have always heard that it is difficult. However, doctors face the difficulty of this operation. Surgeons have to manage a very detailed process before performing the second operation of patients who have undergone surgery before. They need to determine the patient's health status and the effects of the first operation and plan the most appropriate surgical techniques.
The size of the scar tissue can make revision rhinoplasty operations difficult for the surgeon. The more scar tissue, the more variables surgeons need to consider. Completing the operation without introducing more scar tissue requires experience as well as skill.
The extent of the revision will also change the challenges doctors face. Some patients will have simple touch-ups while others will have their nasal structure reshaped. The fact that there is no standard for revision surgeries and doctors face problems of different dimensions increases the difficulty of the process.
What is the Difficulty of Revision Surgery for the Patient?
The process of deciding on revision surgery can be overwhelming for patients. Even if they do not experience any physical difficulty, psychologically, the prospect of undergoing a surgical operation again can make patients anxious. Factors such as the worry of being disappointed and the unpredictability of the operation results can lead patients to pessimism.
Patients who need revision surgery should maintain their positivity at this stage. They should keep in mind that the risks will decrease if they work with experienced and skilled specialists and establish a patient-doctor dialog on solid foundations.
Revision surgeries may recover later than primary rhinoplasty operations. It is known that the healing process of patients continues for 2 years after the operation. Patients are advised to be patient in this process and not to be pessimistic.
The expectation of a perfect nose is unrealistic and may also decrease the patient's motivation. The fact that the first goal of the patients is to look better should be explained in detail by the doctors before revision surgeries.
If Extra Tissue is Required in Revision, Where to Get Cartilage?
When it is necessary to use additional tissue to improve the shape of the nose, this need is met by cartilage in different parts of the body.
Since the structure of the nose is made of cartilage, the added cartilages fuse smoothly. During revision surgery, cartilages are usually taken from the ear.
In cases where there is a lot of tissue to be added, rib cartilages are used. Since the patient is informed about the procedures to be performed during the operation, information about the area from which the cartilage will be removed is also conveyed to the patient.
