Why Do Most Surgeons Avoid Revision Surgeries?

Revision rhinoplasty is very challenging to perform. The easier ones are those in which there is still something that needs to be removed. The harder ones are those where tissues need to be restored or replaced. There is then the problem of patient expectations. As each revision is performed, the patient's expectations go higher. After all, for the extra money, recovery and pain, why shouldn't you (they reason) finally have the result you want? In actuality though, every time you... more

Cosmetic surgical procedures, especially those performed on the nose, require expertise and experience. Surgeons without significant expertise and experience wisely avoid performing revision surgery. Revision surgery is much more difficult than the initial surgery since the anatomical tissues have been altered and a certain degree of subcutaneous scar tissue has developed. It is often difficult to get the same good results whether revision procedure as compared to a primary procedure. A... more

After 33 years of rhinoplasty surgery I truly enjoy the challenge of revision work. Because of the presence of scar tissue and the frequent need for grafts, it is the most difficult nasal surgery I do. Many excellent surgeons do not share my interest. In all medical specialties, specialization is usually beneficial.

Hello, A revision surgery is a complicated procedure. There is scar tissue present from the first surgery, and it takes an expert surgeon to reconstruct a nose that has already been operated on and make it structurally and functionally perfect. Please let me know if you have any specific questions, and feel free to send me any photos. Thank you and best of luck. Dr. Nassif

Many of us, myself included, enjoy both the challenge of revision rhinoplasty as well as the satisfaction of restoring a patient to a more normal appearance. That said, some surgeons shy away from revisions either because they don't like the extra difficulty or don't feel confident in their ability to get a good result. It is, however, specious to say that those who don't do revisions shouldn't do primaries. A decent surgeon will slowly build his expertise in rhinoplasty by picking those... more

Many reasons. Some of which are: 1. Rhinoplasty is a complex operation which is done differently by different surgeons. A suboptimal result does not always indicate what exactly was done to the nose. Some surgeons are not comfortable with unpleasant intraoperative findings which limit their options. (Similar to building contractors who prefer to build new homes rather than remodel homes and be subjected to surprise findings in the walls) 2. Some suboptimal results may be impossible to... more

Surgeons can sometimes be reluctant to revise noses because of the possibility of worsening a good result. "Revision Rhinoplasty Experts" are simply rhinoplasty surgeons that are very comfortable performing rhinoplasty. "Rhinoplasty experts" typically perform more complex rhinoplasties more often than the casual rhinoplasty surgeon. It is in your best interest to find a surgeon that is very comfortable revising your nose. Best, Dr.S

I know you asked this in question form, but your comment is correct. The reason why you should seek out an expert for revision surgery,especially revision Rhinoplasty is because rhinoplasty is a very complex surgery in the first place. Revision rhinoplasty is even more difficult and has subtleties that may not be recognized by a surgeon who only occasionally performs this operation. All too often patients have even worse results if revsions are attempted by less than very experienced... more

Without specifying what type of revision you need I can only use generalizations. I think it is important to have a qualified surgeon do any surgery. But, revision surery can be tough because you are dealing with problems from the first surgery. Depending on what surgery it was will determine the complexity of the problem and the future surgical options.

Revision Rhinoplasty surgery presents several unique challenges. There is scar tissue that makes exposure of underlying cartilage difficult. And, there can also be a paucity of cartilage remaining in your nose. For example, if you had Septoplasty performed during your initial Rhinoplasty, then there might be inadequate septal cartilage for grafting purposes. You should consult a qualified, experienced Rhinoplasty specialist with many favorable photos before you proceed. I hope this is... more

Hi, The fact that a Plastic Surgeon will do a primary Rhinoplasty but not a Revision Rhinoplasty should be an alarm to patients. The fact is that Rhinoplasty is the most complex of all cosmetic surgeries. There is no disputing this fact. But many surgeons insist of performing primary Rhinoplasties when they are clearly not comfortable enough with the nose to perform Revisions as well. On one hand its good that these surgeons know their limitations and refer Revisions to more experienced... more