Revision Using Rib and Ear Grafts

Sorry for the delayed update. I am no longer on the Realself site. This revision journey has been physically, emotionally and mentally taxing on me. To think it all started with a primary surgery that was primarily for functional purposes and only a slight change was to take place with the aesthetic is so unreal to me. Anyway, I wanted to complete my review. The concerns I had after my surgery in 2020 with Dr. Wayne were valid. The changes I was noticing ended up being a warped rib cartilage and a shifted tip graft. As my surgical year progressed so did the new deformity from the warped rib cartilage and my breathing issues started to return. I was a very complex case for Dr. Wayne to take on and unfortunately, there are no guarantees with these grafts or how our anatomy heals. He did try to help me by waiving the surgeon's fee and doing a 2nd revision where he tried to straighten the warped rib graft that was in my nose. Unfortunately, that 2nd revision did not hold up and the grafts did not hold up. My tip became droopy and I had a collapse on my right side. I was having breathing issues along with pain on the right side of my face. I lived with this as long as I could. I saw ENT doctors and other specialists including a Rhinologist because I was afraid of having another surgery. Unfortunately, another surgery was required to try and repair my nose. I had another complete reconstructive revision requiring all new "rib" grafting. I choose a different surgeon for this. I had this surgery in May 2024.

Pros with Dr. Wayne: He was kind and had a great bedside manner. I do feel he genuinely cared and wanted to help me. When he saw that something was wrong after my rib revision he was honest about it, no gaslighting, and wanted to correct it. He waived the surgeon's fee and tried to fix my nose with a second revision.

Cons: I was a very complex case for Dr. Wayne to take on. I think if he had known just how badly damaged my nose was he would not have taken my case. I gave Dr. Wayne 3 stars for the reasons I listed here as well as I know there are ladies who also had rib revision with him who are many years out from surgery and are very happy.

Just words of advice- If there is a complete collapse of the nasal bridge which is called a saddle nose deformity such as in my case or if extensive septal damage has been done in any way I would recommend a surgeon who specializes in noses only and who is a "nasal reconstructive revision specialist".

Some of you have contacted me wanting an update. I was waiting until around the 6 week mark do to I've been dealing with some uneven swelling. Which from my understanding is normal do to the amount of grafting that had to be used to rebuild my nose. My swelling has started to go down, but is uneven. My left side looks great but my right side is still very swollen causing my nose to look off in pictures. In person it's not as bad. I contacted Dr. Wayne's office with my concerns. He explained that my right side had to have quite a bit more grafting in order to get my airway open, so it would take longer for that side to settle. I'm to send photos in a couple of weeks and if needed he will have me come in for a kenolog injection to help with the swelling. He said he wanted to stay on top of it, so I'm to call if I have any questions or concerns before that time.

Other than some cosmetic concerns I'm overall pleased. My breathing is much better than before. My right side does get stuffy off and on, but again I believe that is do to swelling. My ear is still a little numb and there is some slight tenderness when I bump it, but the incision looks great. My rib incision looks fantastic and its barely noticeable! I'm back to doing all of my normal daily activities and taking my mile long walks with no problems!

Even with the Covid-19 stuff going on Dr. Wayne's office has been great at trying to address all of my concerns. I'm happy I had my revision, but wow what timing....the coronavirus stuff is very scary.

I'm still happy I chose Dr. Wayne to do my extremly difficult and complex revision. When I have called with questions or concerns Dr. Wayne as well as his staff have been very prompt to respond, professional and caring. I'm praying my swelling subsides on it's own but if not I feel I'm in good hands.

I hope this was helpful!

My cast came off today! My nose is straight, the tip looks rounded and my breathing is 100% improved! It's very swollen, which is to be expected. Basically Dr. Wayne had to reconstruct my entire nose from the bridge to the tip using rib and ear cartledge both.
In my opinion Dr. Wayne did an amazing job!
It's a night and day difference between the two doctors. Not just regarding the outcome, but from my consult, the surgery,, and the recovery has all went smoothly so far!!