Revision Rhinoplasty

shutterstock_24460642Most Rhinoplasty procedures, whether cosmetic or functional, are very successful with minimal, post-surgery side effects. Patients enjoy a more confident look and/or improved nasal breathing. Some physicians, including Dr. Jay Dutton of Midwest Facial Plastic Center, specialize in minimally invasive Rhinoplasty, which allows for minimal downtime.

However, a very small number of patients who undergo rhinoplasty are not satisfied with their results. A poor nasal surgery outcome may be due to an inexperienced surgeon, a complex condition or final look that just doesn’t meet expectations. Called revision rhinoplasty, or secondary rhinoplasty, this procedure can be complicated and often requires more expertise than primary nasal surgery because the complicaitons may be more significant than before.

“I meet quite a few patients who have undergone rhinoplasty from another surgeon and are not happy with the results,” explains Dr. Jay Dutton, Midwest Facial Plastic Center. “Patients really need to do research to find a skilled surgeon who will take the time to communicate expectations and execute the best results.”

The two most common reasons for a revision rhinoplasty are an unnatural look or a nose that doesn’t function properly. “When I work on a revision patient, his or her nose usually looks like it has undergone surgery. The nose is either concave, which is known as a “saddle nose” or “ski slope nose” and they can have pieces of cartilage poking out from the tip,” Dr. Dutton explains.

Revisions may not appear necessary up to one to three years after surgery. That’s because, in some cases, post-surgery swelling and bruising can take that long to disappear completely. Patients may notice protruding pieces of bone or cartilage and unevenness in the nostrils.

In addition, some rhinoplasty patients’ noses can start to break down, making the nose look scooped-out, causing difficulty breathing because the nasal passages become blocked. When patients have trouble breathing, a surgeon like Dr. Dutton can use a graft to help support the weak bone or cartilage and relieve discomfort.

“In some cases, patients who come to me looking for a revision surgery may not have the recovery time or budget for a second rhinoplasty and I am happy to discuss non-surgical options with them,” Dr. Dutton explains. “One alternative is fillers which can disguise bumps, refine the tip, provide symmetry and help fill in a scooped-out nose.”

Dr. Dutton, double board certified in both otolaryngology and plastics, specializes in advanced rhinoplasties. He has the experience to satisfy first time rhinoplasty patients and those undergoing a rhinoplasty revision. He performs more than 100 rhinoplasties each year, in addition to hundreds of other facial surgery procedures.

If you are interested in exploring facial plastic surgery options, please contact Dr. Jay Dutton, Midwest Facial Plastic Center, at 630-574-0822 or visit www.rhinochicago.com.

 

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