Making the decision to proceed with a rhinoplasty is a big step; one that most likely requires a lot of time, research, and financial planning. Try to imagine the excitement involved in anticipating your final result. Unfortunately sometimes a primary rhinoplasty doesn’t produce the aesthetic or functional result desired by the patient. So, what should you do if you are unhappy with your rhinoplasty? Seek out a board certified facial plastics surgeon, like Dr. Babak Azizzadeh, who has extensive experience performing revision rhinoplasty procedures.
Dr. Azizzadeh, Beverly Hills rhinoplasty specialist has helped countless patients who find themselves in this situation. Dr. Azizzadeh is a Harvard-trained specialist in nasal and facial plastic surgery. He is double board certified in both facial plastic surgery and otolaryngology which results in an extremely high level of expertise with both the aesthetics and function of the nose. He has been recognized as a Top Doctor by the US News and World Report for rhinoplasty and is the author of five best-selling books including the definitive rhinoplasty textbook Master Techniques in Rhinoplasty.
What Is a Primary Rhinoplasty?
A primary rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure used to reshape the nose. It helps a person correct nasal asymmetry, enhance the nasal proportions and achieve facial harmony. Additionally, primary rhinoplasty surgery may be used to improve the nasal function.
The goal of a primary rhinoplasty surgery is to help a patient achieve a nose that complements his or her eyes, cheeks, chin and other facial features. Following a nose job procedure, a rhinoplasty patient can enjoy a nose that leads to a balanced facial appearance, resulting in increased self-confidence.
What Is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
A revision rhinoplasty surgery is performed if an initial nose surgery fails to help a patient achieve his or her desired rhinoplasty results. In some cases, revision nose surgery is performed to treat aesthetic and/or functional nose problems that occur after a primary rhinoplasty. Or, a revision rhinoplasty may be used to correct primary rhinoplasty results that do not meet a patient’s expectations.
A Closer Look at Revision Rhinoplasty
Patients that are unhappy with the results of their primary rhinoplasty are usually grappling with a lot of different emotions. Expectations are high, and after hoping to love their nose post-surgery, the disappointment that comes with an unsatisfactory result can be even more devastating. This is when many people try to find a doctor to perform a revision rhinoplasty. Revision is the term used to describe secondary procedures. Research shows that rhinoplasty has the highest revision rate out of all cosmetic procedures with the national average being 15-20%. Many patients who seek revisions state that they knew something was wrong right when the cast was taken off their nose. This creates a sense of urgency to get it fixed as soon as possible. However, patients must wait 12 – 24 months before having a revision.
Although it’s extremely hard to be patient, it’s important to give your nose the appropriate amount of time to heal after the primary surgery. While from the outside, your nose will look much less swollen 7-10 days after surgery, there is swelling that needs to go down on the inside that can take up to a year or two to resolve. Dr. Azizzadeh recommends waiting at least a full year after the first surgery before getting a revision to make sure that the internal swelling is completely gone. This helps to ensure that the nose will be at baseline when the second surgery is performed and won’t continue to heal and change after the revision has taken place.
Who Should Perform Revision Rhinoplasty?
Patients who are in need of a revision rhinoplasty face a difficult decision: go back to their original surgeon or find a new doctor. If you continue to have a great relationship with your original surgeon and they have expertise in rhinoplasty then it would be wise to continue your care under them. Occasionally, the trust between the patient and doctor who performed the primary rhinoplasty is hindered. If you decide to look for a new doctor there are a few important things to be aware of. It’s always important to ask about the doctor’s credentials and find out how often they preform revisions. You want to go to an expert, someone who truly specializes in revisions, as they are some of the most complex plastic surgery procedures. Expertise with this procedure is key in ensuring that the patient gets the best possible outcome and do not experience any further complications. Ask to see before and after pictures of other revision surgery’s that the doctor has performed, and if possible ask to speak to a patient who has had a revision. This can be a great way to get questions answered from the patient perspective. Finally, trust your instincts. If you are questioning your decision to go with a specific surgeon for your revision, you probably want to consult with other doctors. You’ve already been though a lot with your primary rhinoplasty so you want to be confident with your choice when it comes to your revision rhinoplasty surgeon.
Is a Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery More Expensive Than a Primary Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Revision rhinoplasty tends to be more complex than primary nose surgery. As such, a revision nose job generally requires more time to perform than a primary rhinoplasty, and it may be more expensive than a traditional nose surgery.
Dr. Azizzadeh outlines the costs of revision nose surgery prior to treatment. He is happy to explain all revision rhinoplasty treatment costs and respond to a patient’s treatment concerns or questions. That way, a revision rhinoplasty patient can make an informed treatment decision.
How Can I Fix My Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty often provides a viable option to correct a primary rhinoplasty surgery that did not deliver the optimal results. Dr. Azizzadeh takes a holistic approach to revision rhinoplasty surgery, and by doing so, works with a patient to develop a personalized treatment plan. Once this treatment plan is in place, Dr. Azizzadeh helps a revision rhinoplasty patient achieve a balanced and natural-looking nose that complements his or her facial features.
What Do I Do If I’m Unhappy with My Rhinoplasty?
There is no reason to settle for inferior rhinoplasty surgery results. If a patient is not satisfied with his or her rhinoplasty results, it is important to consult with the nose job surgeon who performed the procedure. At this time, a patient and surgeon can explore revision rhinoplasty surgery.
Will My Nose Keep Changing After Rhinoplasty Surgery?
The nose will gradually change in the weeks and months following rhinoplasty surgery. Full rhinoplasty surgery results become visible within about two years after treatment. Meanwhile, during the nose job recovery period, a patient should expect the nose to change. Once rhinoplasty recovery is complete, a patient can achieve a nose that brings harmony to his or her face.
Dr. Azizzadeh helps a patient establish realistic expectations for rhinoplasty surgery. Although some patients expect immediate nose surgery results, it is crucial to remember that recovery usually requires an extended period of time to complete. Therefore, Dr. Azizzadeh works directly with a nose job patient to help him or her maintain focus throughout the recovery cycle. And if a patient is concerned about nose changes during the rhinoplasty recovery cycle, Dr. Azizzadeh is happy to provide support.
Will My Nose Change as I Heal After Rhinoplasty Surgery
The nose changes during the rhinoplasty recovery period. Furthermore, a patient must follow a surgeon’s postoperative treatment recommendations to ensure his or her rhinoplasty surgery recovery stays on course.
Dr. Azizzadeh provides each rhinoplasty patient with comprehensive instructions to help the nose heal properly after surgery. He also requests follow-up appointments to monitor a patient’s recovery progress. Of course, if a patient has concerns or questions at any point during the rhinoplasty recovery cycle, Dr. Azizzadeh is available to respond to them.
Set Up a Nose Job Surgery Consultation with Dr. Azizzadeh Today
If you are considering a revision rhinoplasty, trust your nose to facial specialist surgeon Dr. Babak Azizzadeh. For more information contact The CENTER for Advanced Facial Plastic Surgery.