REVISION
RHINOPLASTY
Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex surgeries of the face. Very few plastic surgeons are proficient in the technical nuances and detail involved in rhinoplasty. As such, many patients end up with disappointing results or develop new problems such as difficulty breathing. This can be very frustrating, after having made a substantial decision and investment to undergo surgery on your face.
If you are dissatisfied with your rhinoplasty result, revision rhinoplasty may be a good option for you. The thought of undergoing another surgery can be daunting. Hence, selecting the right surgeon to correct your nose is critical.
Dr. Sharma’s practice is highly focused on rhinoplasty. Through his extensive rhinoplasty training and dedicated passion for the surgery, he has developed a vast understanding of rhinoplasty pitfalls and solutions.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR REVISION RHINOPLASTY?
You may be a good revision rhinoplasty candidate if you have persistent or new cosmetic or functional issues with your nose. During your consultation, Dr. Sharma will spend time discussing the concerns you had before your original rhinoplasty, how those concerns were addressed and how your nose has evolved since your last surgery. After thorough examination of your nose, he will discuss your current nasal anatomy and goals in detail and take the time to answer your questions.
Some patients who have already undergone multiple revision rhinoplasties may no longer be a candidate for another revision surgery. This is because of the risk of compromising the blood supply to nasal tissue, the risk for compromising structural integrity and increased scarring, to name a few reasons. Your candidacy for revision surgery is made by Dr. Sharma on a case-by-case basis after careful consideration of your surgical history, your anatomy and your goals and expectations. As challenging and rewarding as revision rhinoplasty can be, a rhinoplasty surgeon must always know their limits. Your safety and well-being are always the number one priority.
COMMONLY TREATED PROBLEMS
NASAL TIP
Pinched tip
Excessively round or wide tip
Raised tip
Drooping tip
NASAL BASE
Wide or asymmetric nostrils
Hanging columella
STRUCTURE
Crooked nose
Asymmetry
High dorsum (hump)
Low, overly reduced dorsum
High radix, or “trojan helmet”
Low radix
FUNCTION
Septal deviation
Nasal obstruction
Nasal valve collapse
Nostril collapse
NASAL RECONSTRUCTION
A complex revision rhinoplasty can be likened to rebuilding support for a house. Between the nasal septum and the upper and lower cartilage pairs, adequate support must be present in order to maintain the function of the nose. Improving or maintaining your breathing is always a top priority with revision cases. After optimizing the framework, your surgeon can focus on the details to refine your nose and improve its aesthetic.
Nasal reconstruction is often accomplished with cartilage grafts taken from your body. Cartilage from the nasal septum is most commonly used for rhinoplasty. Many patients who have previously undergone rhinoplasty do not have adequate septal cartilage left for further reconstruction. Hence, many revision cases require cartilage from alternate sources such as your ear (auricular cartilage) or your rib (conchal cartilage). Dr. Sharma is trained in advanced open-structural revision rhinoplasty, including the safe harvest and usage of such supplemental grafts.