Revision Rhinoplasty (Nose Surgery) Denver

Many people who have undergone a rhinoplasty may be unhappy with the aesthetic and/or functional results of their procedure, and may seek additional surgery to correct their problem in order to achieve the results they desire. Unsatisfactory results may occur as a result of a complicated condition, an inexperienced surgeon, or simply due to the patient's healing techniques

Revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a complicated procedure that is most successfully performed by a rhinoplasty specialist to reshape or re-size the nose after an initial procedure. Dr. Bershof is known not only for his successful results with his own primary rhinoplasties, but also known for improving the results of rhinoplasties performed by other surgeons.

Some of the problems patients complain of after their initial rhinoplasty procedure include:

• Pinched tip
• Pulled up nostrils
• Creases around the nostrils
• Scooped out profile
• Breathing difficulties

These problems can range from minor imperfections to severe deformities. Dr. Bershof strives to help patients achieve the highest level of satisfaction from their rhinoplasty and will do his best to produce the results that the patient desires.

Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty

Anyone who is unhappy with the results of their initial rhinoplasty procedure may be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty. Patients should discuss their initial procedure with either their original surgeon or a different one in order to determine the new goals for revision. It is also important for patients to be both emotionally and financially prepared for additional surgery. What is equally important is for both the patient and the surgeon to set reasonable goals; due to scar tissue from the first rhinoplasty, not all goals might be achievable.

Dr. Bershof will determine whether or not revision surgery is a possibility for you after discussing your goals for surgery and performing an examination.

Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

The revision rhinoplasty procedure is usually performed on an outpatient basis under deep sedation or general anesthesia to help reduce any potential discomfort. Revision rhinoplasty is usually performed using an open technique, allowing for greater visualization of the nasal cavity because the already-reshaped bone and cartilage may be more difficult to sculpt. An open approach also allows the skin covering to be for freely released from scar tissue so that, as the new underlying anantomy is created, the skin can re-drape in a better fashion.

In cases where reshaping is difficult, a cartilage graft from the nasal septum, ear or rib may be required. Injectable fillers may also be used to correct small defects after the initial procedure, although use of the patient's own cartilage is preferred. The entire procedure usually takes 3-4 hours to perform.

Recovery from Revision Rhinoplasty

After the revision rhinoplasty procedure, patients will usually experience bruising and swelling for 1-2 weeks, along with some mild pain that can be managed with medication prescribed by Dr. Bershof. Once bruising and swelling subside, patients can usually return to work and other regular activities. The nose will continue to heal and may change slightly in appearance over the course of a year after surgery, when full results will be visible. Revision rhinoplasty results take longer to fully achieve than primary rhinoplasty results.

Initial results of the revision procedure will be noticeable right away, but will continue to improve as swelling subsides and the nose heals. It is important for patients to wait until full results appear before deeming their procedure a success.

Risks and Complications

Revision rhinoplasty carries the same risks associated with the initial rhinoplasty procedure, but also involves thicker skin, scar tissue and less cartilage within the nose. The patient's airway may also have been affected by the initial procedure, which makes revision surgery more difficult to perform.

It is important for patients to understand the risks associated with this procedure and to maintain realistic expectations for their revision rhinoplasty. The best results are achieved by choosing a highly skilled and experienced surgeon to perform your revision surgery, and by maintaining open communication with Dr. Bershof.