Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, involves fixing defects in the nose to address health problems or for cosmetic purposes. During rhinoplasty, cartilage is often removed, and it is quite a tough task to decide how much has to be taken off.
Because of this, a surgeon may sometimes unintentionally remove more of the existing cartilage than they should have. These issues happen because rhinoplasty is one of the most complex surgeries that a plastic surgeon can perform.
Removing too much cartilage can have a negative effect on the outcome, causing issues that may be noticed after the surgery or even after healing is complete.
What Happens When Too Much Cartilage Is Removed?
Removing too much cartilage can create a lack of support in the nasal structure, which can in turn create new aesthetic and functional issues. When there is a deficiency in support, a nasal valve collapse can occur. This causes nasal pathways to be obstructed, creating breathing difficulties.
When the first rhinoplasty does not fully create the intended results, a second surgical procedure may be required. This is known as revision rhinoplasty.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is a procedure performed on someone who has already undergone rhinoplasty and needs further nasal alterations. A revision rhinoplasty is needed to fix problems that arose as a result of the first procedure.
When the first surgery does not provide satisfactory results, it becomes all the more important that the revision rhinoplasty is done by an experienced and qualified facial plastic surgeon like Dr. Moran.
How Is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?
Since revision rhinoplasty is an even more complex procedure than primary rhinoplasty, general anesthesia is usually administered. If the revisions needed are minor, then it may be performed under local anesthesia.
In some cases, the incision made during primary rhinoplasty can be used again during revision rhinoplasty. In other cases, more incisions may be needed. Once incisions are created, the cartilage, bone, and soft tissue may be reshaped to correct aesthetic and functional deficiencies.
Since the internal nasal structure has been weakened by cartilage removal, cartilage grafts may be needed. Cartilage grafts are carefully shaped implants created using cartilage from other parts of the body like the rib or the ear. A number of different types of cartilage grafts can be created depending on the requirements of the procedure. These are sewn in to ensure stability.
Recovery and Healing
Once the revision rhinoplasty procedure is complete, a period of downtime will be required. The exact details of revision rhinoplasty recovery will depend on the nature of the issues corrected and the techniques used.
Generally, you will need to avoid blowing your nose for a time, it will be best to keep your head elevated at all times. Follow-up visits will be needed so that Dr. Moran can evaluate the recovery process. The sutures used are often absorbable in nature, meaning they can dissolve on their own.
Learn More During a Consultation
When done by an experienced surgeon, revision rhinoplasty can produce ideal results and correct any issues created during a previous procedure. Dr. Mary Lynn Moran is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. Contact our office to schedule your consultation.
