A patient’s first plastic surgery rarely looks like their second on that same body part. Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery that is done to alter the size, shape, and appearance of one’s nose. It differs for patients depending on whether it is their first or a second time undergoing the procedure. That second time is called a revision rhinoplasty.
The first major difference between first-time rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty is that the operation tends to be more lengthy. This is due to the fact that the procedure is more complex with the nose’s scar tissue from the previous surgery. In contrast, a first-time rhinoplasty would not take as long since the tissue and cartilage in the nose has been untouched by a surgeon. All that tissue is much more tender and easier to work with. Furthermore, due to the complexity, the healing time would additionally take longer. Plastic surgery is an art form. Each surgeon has their own special techniques or preferences when it comes to rhinoplasty. When opening the nose for a second time by a different surgeon, one has to carefully analyze what the previous surgeon has left behind. It takes a high level of artistry and creativity to build off of and improve another surgeon’s work.
With every surgery comes complications, but rest assured it is very rare for rhinoplasties to have severe consequences. Unfortunately, the healing process for the revision rhinoplasty may not have the result patients may imagine, due to the fact that the nose needs to do a greater job to heal itself. Circulation within the nose may also be negatively affected, especially if the patient has a long history of smoking and other health complications. These may be aggravated by a revision procedure. But, again, no need to fret. In the hands of a skilled surgeon, these complications are not likely to occur. As future surgeons ourselves, developing those skills is important. Even outside of plastics, we should give patients the security that they will always be in the best care and obtain the results that make them happiest.
References
Terry J. Dubrow, M. D. (2015, October 27). How does revision rhinoplasty differ from a first rhinoplasty? – dr. Terry Dubrow. Terry J. Dubrow, M.D., F.A.C.S. https://www.drdubrow.com/how-does-revision-rhinoplasty-differ-from-a-first-rhinoplasty/#:~:text=In%20addition%20to%20increased%20complexity,more%20time%20to%20heal%20again.
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