Surgery on the nose, called rhinoplasty, is often a cosmetic procedure. However, it may also be done for functional reasons, because the air passages and sinuses can sometimes need treatment due to genetics or injury.
No matter the reason behind the decision to have rhinoplasty, aesthetics and function remain important for a successful outcome. Unfortunately, the final outcome can be a bit unpredictable. If the results aren’t completely satisfactory, this is where a revision rhinoplasty comes into play. With this procedure, we make adjustments to the original procedure.
Revision surgery may be even more difficult than the original rhinoplasty, so you need a highly capable surgeon. Alexis Furze, MD, whose practice is in Newport Beach, California, is not only a skilled facial plastic surgeon, but he’s also a board-certified otolaryngologist with expert knowledge of the nasal airways.
The nose and its associated structures have a complex internal structure, and every element contributes to easy breathing. This complexity makes the healing process for rhinoplasty somewhat unpredictable. Procedures that focus on the appearance of the nose can result in unexpected changes that affect the airways and complicate breathing.
On the other hand, if you have surgery to correct breathing function, the cosmetic results might not be satisfying. Breathing function is, of course, a key to good health, while satisfaction with your appearance is important to self-esteem and confidence. So, rhinoplasty surgery needs to balance these considerations. However, even if both of these aspects are taken into consideration, the healing process can also affect the results.
While the particulars of your revision rhinoplasty will depend on the unique conditions of your nose and airways, there are some common issues involved with revision rhinoplasty.
For example, revision rhinoplasty often requires building up cartilage and other tissues. This material is usually harvested from various places in your body. Cartilage may come from your ear. Natural soft tissue filler may come from your scalp, so your hair can hide any resulting scar. And scarring in your nose might require skin grafts to assure that your internal airways remain open.
Whenever possible, incisions for revision rhinoplasty are made inside the nose to hide potential scars. Through these incisions, Dr. Furze can reshape bone and cartilage, and he can supplement areas with harvested tissue. You’ll likely receive general anesthesia for your procedure.
The bulk of the swelling should subside within a week of surgery, though it will take longer for all the inflammation to subside as the internal areas continue healing. Whenever possible, Dr. Furze uses certain techniques and sutures that allow him to avoid packing the nose. The specific approach Dr. Furze uses for your revision rhinoplasty will depend on your condition.
If you need a revision rhinoplasty or want to see if you need one, Dr. Furze can help. To learn more, call 949-389-6673 to book an appointment with the practice of Alexis Furze, MD, today.
