Rhinoplasty may appear to be a minor procedure, but it is one of the most intricate procedures a cosmetic surgeon can perform. If the surgeon does not remain focused on maintaining facial balance, the nose shape may turn out to be attractive, but may not complement the entire face.
In some cases, an unsuccessful primary rhinoplasty may cause breathing obstructions, in addition to cosmetic problems. All such issues can be corrected by a skilled plastic surgeon by way of revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Paul McCluskey is an experienced plastic surgeon providing revision rhinoplasty and other procedures to patients in Atlanta, GA and surrounding locations.
Open Technique
While primary rhinoplasty is usually performed as a closed surgery, a revision procedure may require an open surgical technique. Open technique will be relatively more invasive and require a longer time to recover.
The benefit with open rhinoplasty is that the overlying skin will be removed to expose deeper layers of tissue and enable better visibility of the underlying nasal structures. A skilled cosmetic surgeon will be able to work carefully to conceal any scarring along the columella to produce highly desirable results.
Nose Augmentation
If nose build-up is required to make it more proportionate to other facial features, the plastic surgeon will usually have two options to replace the lost tissue and cartilage. The first option is to choose patient’s own tissue, which may be harvested from elsewhere in the septum or another part of the body such as the ribs. The other option is to use synthetic nasal implants.
Advanced synthetic implants are porous and encourage the tissue growth around a framework. Restoration of recessed areas will occur with natural tissue growth. The latest qualities in implants are extremely safe and have minimal risk of infection. Dr. McCluskey receives patients from in and around Atlanta, GA for revision rhinoplasty.
Refinement of Scar Tissue
One of the common requirements in revision rhinoplasty is refinement of scar tissue. Too much cartilage may adversely affect the appearance of the nose, or create asymmetry in the scar tissue.
The surgeon can simply reposition what is already in place. If significant nose refinement is required, the surgeon may remove more tissue to create narrower nostrils, or reduce the nasal bridge, or refine the tip of the nose.
Functional Corrections
In some cases, the primary rhinoplasty may have created an attractive nose in aesthetic terms, but may create unexpected breathing difficulties for the patient. Grafting, turbinoplasty, or other anatomical corrections may be performed to correct nasal airway dynamics and restore normal breathing through the nose, without impacting the cosmetic nasal appearance.
Recovery
Immediately after the revision rhinoplasty procedure, the patient will experience temporary difficulty breathing through the nose. As the effect of anesthesia wears off, mild pain and soreness in the incision areas is expected. The surgeon may apply a splint outside the nose with soft packing in the nostrils.
The patient may have to return to the surgeon’s office in three to five days to have the nasal packing removed. The splint is usually removed within a week after the procedure.
For more information on procedures and treatments offered by Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Paul McCluskey and the Plastic Surgery Institute of Atlanta, visit: