I have already had two revision rhinoplasties and think I might need a third? Is that too many?
You ask a very important and sensible question. It really depends on the extent of your previous operations. The problem with repeated extensive procedures is additional scarring and compromised circulation. See an experienced surgeon who does a lot of revision work.
No one likes to think about going through surgery and recovery more than once. At Profiles Beverly Hills, patients who have not been entirely happy with prior cosmetic results often are referred to us seeking revision surgery. This is not to say that many patients are unhappy after surgery…quite the contrary is true.
A great majority of patients are happy with their outcomes and most are not looking for perfection. What is a minor imperfection to some, though, is not so to others. Still fewer patients are left with a more significant deformity.
Conditions that may increase chances for a suboptimal result are:
An honest dialogue between you and your surgeon regarding desires and expectations can go a long way toward avoiding postoperative disappointment. If you have a suboptimal result, it can often be improved upon.
However, you should be aware that the chances for unbridled success must be downgraded slightly in this situation. This is because we are faced with having to revise surgical alterations against a background of scar tissue and distorted or lost anatomy. Scar tissue also tends to build upon itself with each subsequent surgery while normal structures or layers within and below the skin may thin out or atrophy.
Nevertheless, in well-considered cases, we have had numerous successes in third, fourth, or even fifth rhinoplasty revisions. There is no magic number for allowable procedures. We consider each patient on an individual basis. If we believe that a person’s concerns are clear, motivations are honest, and desired improvements are achievable in our hands with acceptable risk, we'll recommend proceeding.
Sometimes, though, things are better left alone, and we will be frank with you in that event. If you have questions about revision surgery, feel free to contact us for a more detailed discussion.
You need to visit a well established rhinoplasty specialist. There is no magic number for revision rhinoplasty, but as I have said so many times in this forum, please choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully. Unfortunately, many patients spend more time picking out the color of their new car interior than they do on choosing their surgeon.
Your nasal deformity needs to be diagnosed by a specialist with experience who will then share with you the plan for revision. In the Midwest, Dean Toriumi, MD in Chicago; in the south, Jack Gunter, MD, or Russell Kridel, MD in Texas; in the west, Rollin Daniels, MD in California are among the giants in revision rhinoplasty.
Stay away from Michael Jackson's surgeon.
Be well and good luck.
Dr. P
| Discussion | Replies |
|---|---|
| Nose after 6 rhinoplasties | 0 |
