Things to Consider Before Revision Rhinoplasty
When it comes to choosing a surgeon for your revision rhinoplasty, you must be careful to select an expert in the procedure. Revision rhinoplasty is not the same as primary rhinoplasty; revision rhinoplasty is much more complicated, and there are many factors involved that determine the best result. Having completed hundreds of revision nose surgeries, Dr. Richard Clark is extremely knowledgeable and skilled regarding revision rhinoplasty and the most important facts patients should consider.
Realistic Expectations
To ensure the best results, it is of utmost importance to communicate your expectations with your surgeon. During your consultation, you and Dr. Clark will discuss your desired outcome and what is realistically achievable during surgery. No surgeon can create a nose that is a mirror image of another person’s nose, nor can a surgeon achieve a particular result if certain factors, such as poor healing, scar tissue, structural irregularities, or certain complications from primary surgery, cause limitations. Many of these hurdles will not be known to the surgeon until surgery begins unless specific details of the primary rhinoplasty are available before your revision rhinoplasty.
Recovery Time
Recovery time from revision rhinoplasty will be similar in length to your primary rhinoplasty, if not longer. Depending on the extent of the correction needed, you will have surgical drains, packing in the nose, or a splint to help your nose conform to its new shape. Most patients plan to take two weeks off from work and feel more comfortable showing their face in public after about three weeks when most of the swelling has dissipated.
Results
Swelling will be most apparent after the first few days, but some degree of residual swelling may not disappear for several months due to the unique structures of your nose and the way your tissues heal. You should begin to see some refinement and improvement to your nose by approximately six months post-surgery. As with primary rhinoplasty, the final results from revision rhinoplasty can take up to a year to show.
If you are considering revision rhinoplasty, please schedule a consultation with Dr. Richard Clark today. Call 916-925-3912 or fill out our online contact form for more information.