Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is a correction surgery performed in case of deformities, functional problems or aesthetic expectations that are not met as a result of a previous rhinoplasty surgery.
Some complications arising from the first rhinoplasty surgery, failure to achieve the expected result in the shape of the nose or changes in the nasal structure over time may make revision rhinoplasty necessary.
This surgery aims to meet the patient’s expectations by correcting the nasal structure both aesthetically and functionally.

Causes of Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty can be performed for many different reasons.
These reasons include the following:

Aesthetic Dissatisfaction: After the first surgery, aesthetic problems that do not meet the patient’s expectations may occur in the shape of the nose.
Problems such as irregularities on the back of the nose, asymmetry, low nasal tip may cause aesthetic discomfort.
Functional Problems: Functional problems such as nasal congestion, difficulty breathing and snoring may occur as a result of damage to the structures in the nose during the first surgery.
Injury and Accident: Trauma or accidents in the nasal area after the first surgery can cause disorders in the nasal structure.
Nose Tip Problems: Revision rhinoplasty can be performed in cases where the tip of the nose is too raised, low or too thin.
Cartilage and Bone Problems: Curvatures and irregularities in the nasal structure may occur due to bone and cartilage problems that were not adequately corrected during the first surgery.

Suitable Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is suitable for people who are not satisfied with their first rhinoplasty surgery and who want to correct the nasal structure with re-surgical intervention.
Suitable candidates for this surgery:

At least 6 months – 1 year has passed since the first rhinoplasty surgery (This period is necessary for the nose to heal completely and take its new shape).
Those who have aesthetic or functional problems with the shape of the nose.
People in good general health and able to tolerate surgical intervention.
Patients who have realistic expectations and understand the limits of surgery.

Preparation Before Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is more complex and challenging than the initial surgery.
Therefore, the preoperative preparation phase is very important:

Detailed Examination: The doctor examines the patient’s nasal structure, skin quality, cartilage and bone structure in detail.
In addition, the techniques used during the first surgery and the results of this surgery are evaluated.
Imaging: Imaging methods such as computed tomography (CT) can be used to evaluate the internal structure of the nose.
Interview with the Patient: The patient is informed in detail about the patient’s expectations, the difficulties of the surgery, possible outcomes and risks.
Medication Use: Blood thinners, vitamin supplements and herbal products should be stopped at least one week before surgery.

How Is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?

Revision rhinoplasty is planned according to the patient’s nasal structure, the result of the first surgery and the complexity of the problems to be corrected.
The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia and can last between 2-4 hours.
During the procedure, closed or open rhinoplasty techniques can be used.

1. Closed Rhinoplasty: Nasal structures are accessed through incisions made through the nose and necessary corrections are made.
This technique is suitable for smaller revisions and leaves no postoperative scar.

2. Open Rhinoplasty: The nasal structures are exposed through a small incision in the columella separating the nostrils.
Open rhinoplasty is preferred for complex and large corrections.
This technique gives the surgeon an advantage in terms of seeing the nasal structures more clearly and intervening.

3. Cartilage and Bone Corrections: During surgery, the bone and cartilage tissues on the back of the nose are shaped.
The position and size of the tip of the nose are readjusted.
If necessary, tissue taken from the patient’s ear or rib cartilage is added to the nose to support the structures.

4. Tissue Additions: Tissue grafts can be used to compensate for missing or over-extracted tissues during the initial surgery.

Recovery Process After Revision Rhinoplasty

The recovery period after revision rhinoplasty may be slightly longer than the first surgery.
Points to be considered after the procedure:

Swelling and Bruises: There may be swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes after surgery.
It may take a few weeks for the swelling to decrease and 6 months to 1 year for the nose to take its full shape.
Intranasal Tampons: The tampons placed during surgery to protect the structures inside the nose are usually removed after a few days.
Head Position: Keeping the head upright in the first weeks helps the swelling and bruising to decrease faster.
Avoid Heavy Activities: During the first 2-3 weeks, heavy exercise, nasal impact and wearing glasses should be avoided.

Advantages of Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty allows correction of both aesthetic and functional problems.
The advantages of the surgery are:

Improving Aesthetic Results: With revision rhinoplasty, the shape of the nose is corrected in accordance with the patient’s expectations and a more natural, aesthetic appearance is achieved.
Elimination of Functional Problems: Problems such as nasal congestion and breathing difficulties are corrected during surgery to improve the patient’s quality of life.
Permanence: When the complications of the initial surgery are resolved, permanent and long-lasting aesthetic and functional results are achieved.

Risks and Side Effects

Revision rhinoplasty carries some risks and side effects, even when performed by an experienced surgeon:

Infection There is a risk of infection at the surgical site.
Postoperative care and following the doctor’s recommendations minimize this risk.
Swelling and Bruising: Postoperative swelling and bruising may persist for several weeks.
Length of Recovery: Since it is more complex than the first surgery, the recovery time may be slightly longer.