How Many Times Can a Nose Take an Open Rhinoplasty with out Damaging the Skin?

Question

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Provided that the nasal envelope has been properly dissected each time without thinning or devascularizing it, the surgery could be performed any number of times.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

This is a great question -- and the answer is, "it depends." As others have implied, technique is very important. If the skin and soft tissue overlying the tip cartilages is dissected in the correct plane, healing is generally quicker and less scar tissue is created. This makes revision surgery easier, if needed. There is also a significant effect of the skin type of the patient -- patient's with thicker, oily or sebaceous skin may have more or more prolonged swelling, but also frequently have less visible incisions or scarring. Thinner skin can create problems with revision surgery, as any tiny imperfection in the cartilages below will show through.  In these cases, fascia grafts to help with camouflage in the tip can be a great option.

David W. Kim, MD · Answer

In general, the skin becomes a little thinner and more fibrosed after each surgery. If you start with a thicker, more sebaceous skin envelope, you can withstand more surgery.  Even if you have thin skin, very meticulous, careful surgery can be done successfully, but there is greated risk of skin damage or contour imperfections visible through the thinned skin.  If the skin is nearly translucent or turns purple or blue with cold exposure, it may be too compromised to safely undergo surgery.  All of these considerations are true whether it an open or closed approach.  If the skin is thin, there are measures during revision which can be taken to reduce risk, such as placement of fascia beneath the skin to provide greater bulk to the soft tissue covering.

Andrew Pichler, MD · Answer

The question is not how many times but what was done and how it was done. What is the present condition of the nose and the skin. This has to be evaluated individually for each person. See experienced surgeons and get more than one opinion.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Every time a columellar incision(open rhinoplasty) is made, the tip and columellar skin  is lifted up through open rhinoplasty, there is a division of lymphatics and blood vessels. This can compromise the healing process. Closed rhinoplasty  is less invasive and  can be used in many instances to accomplish your goals

How Many Times Can a Nose Take an Open Rhinoplasty with out Damaging the Skin?

Answers (8)

Answer: How many revision rhinoplasties

Answer: How many revision rhinoplasties

Answer: Multiple open rhinoplasty procedures

Answer: Multiple open rhinoplasty procedures

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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How Many Times Can a Nose Take an Open Rhinoplasty with out Damaging the Skin?

Answers (8)

Answer: How many revision rhinoplasties

Answer: How many revision rhinoplasties

Answer: Multiple open rhinoplasty procedures

Answer: Multiple open rhinoplasty procedures

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.