Rhinoplasty represents a common surgery for those who want to reshape the nose and improve their appearance and self-confidence. However, a second rhinoplasty may be necessary if the initial procedure fails to deliver the desired results. But with revision rhinoplasty from Changes Plastic Surgery & Spa, you can reap the benefits of a procedure performed by the top revision rhinoplasty surgeons in San Diego.
Common revision rhinoplasty procedures include:
Osteotomies
The nasal bones usually require narrowing at the time of Rhinoplasty. This is achieved by fracturing the bones in a controlled fashion with narrowing. Dr. Lee performs percutaneous osteotomies using a small stab incision along the lateral nasal wall. A small (2mm) instrument is introduced to produce a controlled fracture.
Septoplasty
The septum is a single, mid-line cartilaginous structure that supports the nasal tip and nasal vault. External trauma can cause septal deviation, which in turn, can lead to tip deviation and difficulty in breathing (nasal obstruction). A septoplasty usually involves the removal of the deviated portion of the septum. Sometimes grafts are used to support the repositioning of the septum.
Inferior Turbinate Resection
There exist three shelves on the lateral aspect of the nasal cavity that function to warm the air prior to entering the lungs. These shelves are lined with mucosa which is highly vascular and sensitive to external stimuli. The mucosa will swell to certain allergens, causing the narrowing of the airway at the inferior aspect. Thus, inferior turbinate hypertrophy is the most common cause of airway obstruction. This turbinate is often reduced (submucosal turbinate resection) at the time of rhinoplasty.
Alar Wedge Excisions
It is not uncommon for the nostrils to flare at the time of shortening nasal tip. To correct this, a wedge of soft tissue is excised in the alar groove. This excision can be carried into the nasal sill if nostril reduction is desired.
For many patients, the same techniques that were used during the initial rhinoplasty will be leveraged during revision rhinoplasty.
Comparatively, the goals of revision rhinoplasty may differ from those of rhinoplasty, as revision rhinoplasty is used to fix problems that were not corrected during rhinoplasty or resulted from the initial surgery.
Scientists first thought about using the neurotoxin that causes botulism cosmetically because botulism can paralyze muscles. This made researchers think about developing the toxin in tiny, precise doses to force relaxation in the facial muscles. This is the beauty of Botox and Dysport; the proteins in them bind with your neurons and prevent your nerves from triggering contractions in your facial muscles. In other words, they are really just making your facial muscles relax out of the contractions that cause fine lines, wrinkles, worry lines, and crows feet. The result is softened features with lines that relax away.
Does Insurance Cover the cost of revision rhinoplasty?
typically, insurance will cover the cost of correcting problems that impair breathing. This means if revision rhinoplasty may be covered by your insurer if the surgery is considered reconstructive.
On the other hand, cosmetic surgery rarely, if ever, is covered by insurers. In this case, you may need to cover the cost of revision rhinoplasty.
An average revision rhinoplasty surgery may take between 1.5 hours and 3 hours to finish. Additional time may be required if advanced surgery is required.
There are three anesthesia options available that will determine whether you remain awake or asleep during revision rhinoplasty:
Local – You may receive local anesthesia that is injected directly into the nose during revision rhinoplasty. This anesthesia will numb the pain but ensures you can stay awake during the procedure.
Local with sedation – In addition to local anesthesia, you may receive a sedative that will put you to sleep during the surgery.
General – This ensures you are fully sedated and breathing is done for you via an endotracheal tube. This is the most common anesthesia option for revision rhinoplasty.
Ultimately, your medical history may impact whether the surgeon recommends you remain awake or asleep during the procedure.
Revision rhinoplasty commonly is performed as an outpatient procedure. Thus, you’ll likely be able to return home after the procedure is finished with minimal restrictions.
It always is better to err on the side of caution after surgery. As such, you should plan to have a friend or family member drive you home from the surgical facility.
Furthermore, having someone stay with you the first night after surgery frequently is a good idea. By doing so, this individual will be able to help you with nasal care following revision rhinoplasty.
To learn more about revision rhinoplasty, please contact us today at (858) 264-3800.