Rhinoplasty is a surgery that can enhance the shape of your nose, making it more aesthetically pleasing. This procedure could also be done for medical reasons, such as correcting disfigurement or other nose problems. Unfortunately, rhinoplasty could have undesired outcomes that could necessitate an adjustment rhinoplasty. Situations that may require an adjustment rhinoplasty include:
• Experiencing difficulty in breathing
• Too much bone or cartilage removal in the first procedure
• Bone or cartilage removal was not adequate
• Improper nose healing and scarring
• Trauma to the nose has compromised the results
• Displacement of cartilage grafts
• A mismatch of the results and expectations
When Should an Adjustment Rhinoplasty Be Conducted?
If you have misgivings with your first rhinoplasty procedure, be it for functional or cosmetic reasons, then you qualify for an adjustment rhinoplasty. After the first surgery, the restructured cartilage and bones require time to heal. Therefore, it is quite impossible for an adjustment rhinoplasty to be conducted immediately or in a few months.
Rhinoplasty surgeons recommend a minimum of 12 months of healing before an adjustment rhinoplasty can be conducted. This period allows the scar tissue to heal and become flexible enough to be worked on. All the swelling in the tissues is also reduced after these 12 months.
What Does an Adjustment Rhinoplasty Entail?
In adjustment rhinoplasty, cartilage is required for structural support for the bridge or tip of the nose. However, the septal cartilage is always limited, which forces the plastic surgeon to use cartilage from other parts of the body such as the ear. Soft tissue irregularities at the tip or along the bridge of the nose will also require tissue that will cover and work as a natural filler permanently. Mostly, surgeons turn to the temporalis fascia, which is taken from the hairline.
Skin grafts may also be required for scarring that occurs within the nose. These grafts will be useful in the reopening of a distorted and constricted nasal airway.
According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, adjustment rhinoplasty has a higher revision rate compared to primary rhinoplasty. Therefore, no ethical plastic surgeon will guarantee the outcome of this procedure.
Factors to Consider When Preparing for Adjustment Rhinoplasty
Considering a revision rhinoplasty is a big deal. Here are tips to help you get it right the second time:
• Timing is key- while you may want to get this procedure conducted immediately, it is recommended to have it done after 12 months. After this period, your nose has healed completely and all swelling has subsided.
• Find a board-certified plastic surgeon – rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult surgeries, thus you need a surgeon who is qualified enough to do it. Also, confirm your prospective surgeon’s experience from his/her website. A surgeon who does the procedure frequently stands a better chance of doing a clean job.
• Communicate your concerns to your doctor – once you settle on a plastic surgeon, share your concerns and be specific about it. Tell your doctor what you didn’t like with the previous procedure and what changes you aspire for.
• Understand the risks – adjustment rhinoplasty is more complicated than the original rhinoplasty, thus it has more risks. Your surgeon will explain to you what is achievable and what is not.
• A more difficult recovery is underway – since this procedure is performed on delicate structures that were previously operated on, the swelling and bruising may be more intense. Therefore, the recovery process may take even longer.
• You may have to walk away – based on your patient history, the plastic surgeon may inform you that the outcome could be worse than it is currently. In this case, it will be wise to heed your doctor’s advice and leave things as they are. Ignoring your doctor’s advice and going ahead with the surgery may have both physical and emotional repercussions.
Computer Imaging and Adjustment Rhinoplasty
With advancements in technology, plastic surgeons can now help their patients visualize how a specific cosmetic surgery may alter their appearance. For an adjustment rhinoplasty, a plastic surgeon will provide a computer-generated modification of a photographed image with the help of software.
Some software provides 3D imaging, which helps the surgeon and the patient to assess the treatment from varying angles. According to the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery, preoperative computer imaging was concluded to be effective and accurate in less complicated rhinoplasty and revision cases. For tougher cases, overall accuracy was found below.
FAQs
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
You are not a good candidate for rhinoplasty if you are a child, have thick skin, or play contact sports.
Why Is Adjustment Rhinoplasty Common?
The rate of adjustment rhinoplasty is high because there may be a disconnect between the patient’s expectations and that of the surgeon.
Can I Have Adjustment Rhinoplasty after 6 Months?
Although every individual has a different recovery time, most plastic surgeons will advise you to wait for a longer wait period of about 9 to 12 months.
Is Adjustment Rhinoplasty More Painful?
No, most patients claim that the secondary rhinoplasty is less painful compared to the original procedure.
Is an Adjustment Rhinoplasty Free?
In some cases, surgeons will operate for free. However, the patient will have to pay up the anesthesia and facility charges.
Is an Adjustment Rhinoplasty More Expensive?
Yes, an adjustment rhinoplasty costs more than the initial rhinoplasty because it is more complex.
Why Does Adjustment Rhinoplasty Take Longer to Heal?
Adjustment rhinoplasty has a longer recovery time than primary rhinoplasty because tissues were altered and have scarred. When operated on, these tissues will require more time for healing. For adjustment rhinoplasty, swelling will be experienced for up to three to four months, which is quite long compared to the original rhinoplasty where swelling subsides within two months.
How Many Times Can You Have Adjustment Rhinoplasty?
There is no definite number of times that one can have adjustment rhinoplasty conducted. Your plastic surgeon will guide you on whether to push forward with this procedure or not. However, it is good to note that each adjustment of rhinoplasty presents other new challenges.
What are the Potential Risks of Adjustment Rhinoplasty?
Some of the potential risks include:
• Temporary loss of your sense of smell
• Excessive scarring and skin loss
• Rupturing of small blood vessels
• Anesthesia complications