Revision rhinoplasty question - adding cartilage?

it is a common practice to add cartilage to both support and widen the thin parts. I would recommend having at least 2 consults.

Most patients who have revision surgery need it for one of 4 reasons. In order of common to less common:1) because too much supporting cartilage material was removed in the primary procedure and the nose looks skeletonized2) due to unrecognized or unrepaired nasal deviation3) had a partial procedure and the nose is out of balance now4) had poor work, a healing complication, or a different post-surgical issue affecting the outcomeCartilage replacement is often required in cases 1,2, and 4 and occasionally in reason 3. Structural integrity is critical for long term results and your structure should be relatively similar before and after a nose procedure. There is a reason your nose has the material inside that makes it have a shape; to breathe and support itself. A skilled Rhinoplasty surgeon should be able to reshape the nose without removing a lot of cartilage. In the end, most Rhinoplasty procedures are not simple and should not be simple. Even ones you think are going to be simple can end up complicated and vice versa.For revision, your surgeon needs to have a lot of experience with both primary and revision cases, in order to be able to problem solve during the operation, giving you the best outcome possible.

The most important thing for you to do is seek out a board certified plastic surgeon with EXPERTISE in revision rhinoplasty.  This is a difficult procedure and it is imperative to have a qualified surgeon.  Regarding the cartilage graft, yes, the operative plan sounds reasonable and in the hands of the right surgeon, poses minimal risk.  Your nose can be widened with the grafts as well as your tip refined.  Ask to view the surgeon's portfolio of revision rhinoplasty patients and make sure he/she meets the qualifications for performing revision rhinoplasty.

Thank you for your question. It is imperative to find a qualified board-certified facial plastic surgeon for this procedure, as a revision rhinoplasty is considered one of the most difficult procedures in cosmetic surgery. From what you described, the revision your surgeon has proposed sounds reasonable. However, it is difficult to assess your the status of your nose without pictures or an in-person consultation. My suggestion would be to conduct additional research about your surgeon’s revision rhinoplasty ratings prior to committing to the procedure. Consulting additional board-certified facial plastic surgeons is also a useful option for you to explore. Good luck!

Thank you for your question. The techniques of adding cartilage to the tip and the bridge are well described in the rhinoplasty literature. Revision rhinoplasty procedures are challenging, particularly if patients have had a difficult experience in the past. It is very important to clearly discuss your expectations with your surgeon and be reasonable with your own. Best of luck!RegardsDr Guy Watts