When Can I Revise My Rhinoplasty Safely?
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When Can I Revise My Rhinoplasty Safely?

While most rhinoplasty patients are only planning for one nasal surgery, some may find themselves considering a secondary rhinoplasty in the months or years to come.

There are many reasons a patient might turn to revision rhinoplasty Beverly Hills to re-address their nasal common concerns, from dissatisfying results to surgical error to unrelated injuries following surgery. The reasons for revision rhinoplasty are as unique as those cited for seeking a primary nasal surgery. If you find yourself considering a revision procedure, how do you know if you’re ready for it? Let’s talk about when and how you can plan that second rhinoplasty procedure.

About the author

Dr. Andrew Frankel is a facial plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, CA. His practice specializes in rhinoplasty, facelift, and much more!

About the Author: Dr. Andrew S. Frankel, M.D., F.A.C.S., a board-certified plastic surgeon specializing in both Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose and Throat) and the scope of his work is exclusively within the face and neck, brings over 20 years of experience in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. Recognized for his experience fixing nasal airways with septoplasties, turbinate reductions, perforation repairs, nasal valve adjustments, and other nose job methods, Dr. Andrew Frankel is committed to providing the highest standard of care, combining advanced surgical techniques with a personalized approach to meet each patient’s unique needs.

Dr. Frankel is a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons, and is an active member of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery. Dr. Frankel has served as an Assistant Professor on the Clinical Faculty at the University of California Los Angeles, as well as the University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, and remains active in academia by publishing, lecturing and performing clinical research.

Understanding Revision Rhinoplasty: What You Need to Know

Revision rhinoplasty, often more complex than the initial surgery, addresses both aesthetic and functional issues arising from the first procedure. Common reasons for seeking a revision include dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome, breathing difficulties, or structural problems like a collapsed nasal valve or asymmetry. Each case is unique, necessitating a personalized approach.

Preparing for Your Revision: Steps for a Successful Outcome

The process for planning a revision surgery will be very similar to the process of planning your primary rhinoplasty.

  1. You will meet with your surgeon or a new facial plastic surgeon, if necessary, for a consultation and examination.
  2. You will discuss the results you’d like to see and review your previous nasal surgery to discover what went wrong or what you’d like to do differently.
  3. Be open with your surgeon about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and health status so you can work together to plan a safe and successful surgery.

Optimal Timing for Revision Rhinoplasty: When Is the Right Time?

You may be eager to plan that revision rhinoplasty Beverly Hills surgery as soon as possible but bear in mind that it may not be possible as quickly as you’d like. While there’s no “official” rule for how much time has to go by after you’ve healed before undergoing a second surgery, you will need to wait for all of that swelling, redness, and bruising to subside.

It typically takes 6-12 months for post-operative swellings to resolve from the original surgery. During this recovery period, it is important to monitor the nasal bridge and tip for changes resulting from the procedure.

Before a revision procedure, consider bruising and swelling from the previous one
You have to consider the recovery process from your previous surgery

The surgical side effects can make your nose difficult to assess properly and to alter safely. Your surgeon can check your healing progress during your revision rhinoplasty consultation to give you a better idea of how much time you must wait.

The Technical Side of Revision Rhinoplasty: What Happens During Surgery

The technical intricacies of revision rhinoplasty involve navigating scar tissue, correcting structural alterations from the previous surgery, and often employing advanced techniques like cartilage grafting. The surgeon’s expertise in these specialized techniques is crucial for a successful outcome, emphasizing the importance of choosing a surgeon with specific experience in revision procedures.

Can I have Secondary Surgery after 6 months?

Most rhinoplasty surgeons agree that it is best for the candidate for revision rhinoplasty to have surgery planned at least one year apart. Of course, every Beverly Hills revision rhinoplasty patient is different, and every situation may change the rules, so it’s best to get your answers straight from a rhinoplasty expert.

Patient Testimonials

I am in complete awe of Dr. Andrew Frankel’s surgical expertise, remarkable technique and aesthetic judgment. Six months I ago, I travelled across the country to have Dr. Frankel perform a highly complex revision rhinoplasty with rib grafting. For years, I had consulted with top surgeons in NYC and other major cities and never felt comfortable with their vision or direction. Simply put, I didn’t trust them to fix my problem. I had resigned myself to living with a horribly misshaped and unnatural looking nose (the result of two prior surgeries gone wrong) until I met Dr. Frankel. In those first few moments of our consultation, I had finally found what I had been looking for all those years…the right surgeon! I was immediately comfortable with Dr. Frankel’s realistic assessment of my situation, his gentle, but confident demeanor, and his proposed plan for my revision surgery. Weeks later, Dr. Frankel brilliantly performed my surgery exactly as planned and delivered results beyond my expectations!

Today, when I look in the mirror, I see a softer, more improved version of myself staring back. For the first time in my life, I now have a beautiful nose. I am prettier than I have ever been at age 43, can breathe with ease and no longer stare at my nose and cringe.

I feel tremendously fortunate that I found Dr. Frankel and I am forever grateful and thankful for his extremely talented hands.

  • Star full Star full Star full Star full Star full 5 stars

When May Depend On Why

If you change your mind about your original rhinoplasty results quickly after surgery, chances are pretty good that you’ll need to wait a significant amount of time before you can be considered eligible for another surgical procedure. In some cases, your reason for rhinoplasty might make this waiting period moot:

  • An injury or trauma to the nose.
  • A surgical error.
  • Aesthetic correction due to droopy nasal tip or asymmetric nose and other conditions.
  • Unexpected functional concerns such as breathing issues due to blocked nasal airways.

In these cases, it’s best to consult with an experienced surgeon right away to consider your options and make a plan of action. You may not be able to have your surgery right away, but specific circumstances might make it better to act before your nose has completely healed.

How long will the Healing Time Be after Revision Surgery?

The healing time after a revision rhinoplasty Beverly Hills procedure will depend on the initial procedure and the amount of time that has passed since then. Generally, it is best to wait at least one year before undergoing revision surgery to give the soft tissue structures of the nose time to heal and settle.

Healing after revision rhinoplasty can last 6 months, depending on the care to be given. Your surgeon will give the steps to achieve a successful outcome.
The recovery time from a revision procedure will be 3 to 6 months

After revision surgery, it can take 3-6 months for swelling and bruising to subside and for results to be visible. During this time, your surgeon may recommend certain treatments, such as massage or taping, to optimize your results.

Will there be any scarring after a revision nose surgery?

Scarring is a potential side effect of any type of surgery, including rhinoplasty. In some cases, scar tissue can develop after a revision rhinoplasty Beverly Hills CA due to the complexity of the initial rhinoplasty as well as the cartilage grafts used during the revision procedure. To minimize the chance of scarring, it’s important to follow your surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions closely and attend all follow-up appointments.

Patient Case Studies: Successes in Revision Rhinoplasty

Addressing breathing issues, previous nose jobs that needs attention and asymmetry from the first surgery, the revision involved structural adjustments and septum realignment, significantly improving nasal function and appearance.

*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Plan a Successful Rhinoplasty Revision With Dr. Frankel

Get a second chance at achieving the rhinoplasty results you want when you work with a board-certified, experienced facial plastic surgeon.

Regardless of your reasons for a second rhinoplasty, speak with an expert who can deliver the results you want. Consult with a renowned plastic surgeon to achieve your best results. Dr. Andrew Frankel is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Facial and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear, Nose, and Throat).

He is experienced in the field of nasal surgery and has been recognized for his original research regarding vasculature to the nose and rhinoplasty’s effect on it. Schedule your appointment today with a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon to guarantee your best rhinoplasty results. Contact Dr. Frankel’s office, located at 201 Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (310) 552-2173.

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