It’s been 11 months since my revision rhinoplasty; I have been seeing changes but not drastic ones. I still like my profile view better than the front view. The tip of my nose still looks swollen and hard. I can see some contouring starting to take form on the tip but it’s taking a while for me to be fully happy. I have my close to one year follow up this month, I hope my PS will bring hope, tell me that my nose is still changing. Why does it take so long for the tip to contour after a revision?
August 7, 2012
Answer: Revision rhinoplsty requires a great deal of patience
Your concerns are not uncommon among those undergoing revision rhinoplasty. Each time the nose is operated on, more scar tissue forms. It is this scar tissue and contracture which take time to reorganize. It is an extremely difficult operation because it is very difficult to determine how the nose is going to change when performing techniques required in revision cases (such as cartilaginous grafting). Many times a surgeon must use strong cartilage such as that obtained from a rib to counteract these forces. The disadvantage to rib cartilage, however, is that the nose no longer is pliable and deformable like it used to be. All these factors cause the nose to remain a little more stiff and swollen for a longer period of time. I tell all my revision patients that their nose at 1 year out is still changing. Visiting a surgeon who listens to you and is well versed in revision cases is a necessity. Good Luch to you and be reassured that the nose will continue to soften up with time.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
August 7, 2012
Answer: Revision rhinoplsty requires a great deal of patience
Your concerns are not uncommon among those undergoing revision rhinoplasty. Each time the nose is operated on, more scar tissue forms. It is this scar tissue and contracture which take time to reorganize. It is an extremely difficult operation because it is very difficult to determine how the nose is going to change when performing techniques required in revision cases (such as cartilaginous grafting). Many times a surgeon must use strong cartilage such as that obtained from a rib to counteract these forces. The disadvantage to rib cartilage, however, is that the nose no longer is pliable and deformable like it used to be. All these factors cause the nose to remain a little more stiff and swollen for a longer period of time. I tell all my revision patients that their nose at 1 year out is still changing. Visiting a surgeon who listens to you and is well versed in revision cases is a necessity. Good Luch to you and be reassured that the nose will continue to soften up with time.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
November 18, 2014
Answer: Why so long for tip revision?
Without seeing your before and knowing what was done it's hard to be precise. However I have done many revisions which involved releasing severe scar, reconstructing cartilage and supporting soft tissue to avoid future scar. In a number of these patients I know and tell them to expect an 18-24 month "project" to see final results. Be patient and talk to your surgeon about his/her expectations for you.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful
November 18, 2014
Answer: Why so long for tip revision?
Without seeing your before and knowing what was done it's hard to be precise. However I have done many revisions which involved releasing severe scar, reconstructing cartilage and supporting soft tissue to avoid future scar. In a number of these patients I know and tell them to expect an 18-24 month "project" to see final results. Be patient and talk to your surgeon about his/her expectations for you.
Helpful 2 people found this helpful