Rhinoplasty Revision Surgery Sydney

Revision Rhinoplasty refers to any second or third ‘nose job’ that is done in order to revise or improve upon a previous Rhinoplasty surgery. It is also sometimes called Secondary Rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty Revision Surgery Sydney

Revision Rhinoplasty, also known as Secondary Rhinoplasty, refers to a subsequent surgical procedure performed on the nose following an initial surgery. Its main purpose is to rectify any aesthetic discrepancies or functional concerns that may have occurred or were not properly handled during the first operation. The ultimate objective of this kind of procedure is to fine-tune the surgical results to more closely align with the patient’s medical needs and aesthetic desires, ensuring improvements in both the look and functionality of the nose.

What concerns may Revision Rhinoplasty help to address?

It’s important to remember that every individual is unique and so too are their needs and desired outcomes for cosmetic surgery. If you’re considering a procedure, it’s essential to have a comprehensive consultation with one of our experienced surgeons. They can help you understand whether you’re a suitable candidate and what you can realistically expect from the surgery. The information provided here is meant to help guide you, but it’s not a replacement for professional medical advice. Always organise a consultation for personalised advice.

If you are concerned about the way you look or are thinking about cosmetic surgery for confidence reasons, there are alternatives. Talking to a counsellor or psychologist may help you overcome your concerns about your appearance.

Correcting Breathing Difficulty: A revision rhinoplasty may be necessary to alleviate functional issues such as difficulty in breathing that were not fully addressed or caused by a previous surgery.

Addressing Prior Surgical Dissatisfaction: This procedure may be suitable for individuals dissatisfied with the result of a previous nasal surgery, whether in terms of appearance or functionality.

Further Nasal Reshaping: For those who desire further adjustments to the shape of their nose following an initial procedure, a revision rhinoplasty could be considered.

Fixing Asymmetries: A revision rhinoplasty may correct irregularities or asymmetries that resulted from a previous surgery, like an asymmetrical nasal tip.

Dealing with Septum Issues: A deviated septum not corrected by a previous procedure, causing discomfort or breathing problems, might necessitate a revision rhinoplasty.

Correcting Wide Middle Third: A wide middle third of the nose, if considered disproportionate or aesthetically unpleasing, could be addressed through revision rhinoplasty.

Scar Tissue Management: Excessive or problematic scar tissue resulting from prior nasal surgeries may require revision rhinoplasty for both functional and aesthetic reasons.

Adjusting Nostril Width: Wide nostrils that were not adequately addressed during a previous procedure can be corrected through a revision rhinoplasty.

What to expect

Consultation

The first step towards a revision rhinoplasty is a thorough consultation with our highly skilled surgeon, Dr Zacharia. During this meeting, your concerns, medical history, and nasal structure will be assessed. He will examine your nose externally and internally, possibly utilizing imaging technology to understand the structural complexities. This consultation offers an excellent opportunity for you to discuss any worries or ask any questions you may have about the procedure.

Important Information about Consultations and Consent

Number and type of consultation

It is a requirement under the law, that a patient seeking cosmetic surgery must have at least two pre-operative consultations. The patient’s first consultation must be with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery or another registered health practitioner who works with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery (not a patient advisor or an agent). At least one of the two consultations must be in person with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. Other consultations can be in person or by video.

When consent can be given

A patient must not be requested to sign consent forms at their first consultation and cannot consent to cosmetic surgery until they have had an in-person consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the surgery. The decision to have the surgery (provision of informed consent) must be made at a consultation with the medical practitioner who will perform the procedure (in person or by video).

Cooling-off Period

There must be a cooling-off period of at least seven days after the patient has had two consultations and given informed consent (signed consent forms), before the surgery can be booked or a deposit paid.

Preparation

Once the surgical goals have been agreed upon, you will receive specific preoperative instructions to prepare for your revision rhinoplasty. These guidelines may include dietary recommendations, advice on smoking and alcohol consumption, managing certain medications or supplements, and cleaning your nostrils.

Surgery

Revision rhinoplasty is often more complex and may take longer than primary rhinoplasty, typically ranging from two to four hours. The surgery is usually performed under general anesthesia. The procedure involves making incisions either inside the nostrils or across the columella, depending on the technique best suited to achieve your goals. The surgeon then works to correct the issues from the previous surgery, which may involve reshaping the nasal structure, enhancing nasal function, or both.

Recovery

Post-surgery, you will be monitored in a recovery room for a short period. Most patients are allowed to go home the same day, although sometimes an overnight hospital stay may be required. Splints and/or packing may be placed inside your nose and a cast or bandages on the outside to support and protect the new structures during initial healing.

Swelling and bruising around the eyes and nose are normal after revision rhinoplasty and will start to improve after a few days. Most patients feel ready to return to their daily activities within a week or two.

Regular follow-up appointments will be scheduled to monitor your progress and ensure a smooth recovery. The final outcome of your revision rhinoplasty may not be apparent for 18 to 24 months, as it takes time for the nose to fully heal and settle into its new shape.

Surgery Time
2 to 4 hours

Hospital Time
Day stay with an option for overnight

Time off work
2 weeks

Cast Removal
After 12 days

Exercise
4 to 6 weeks

Driving
24 hours after general anaesthetic and not while taking prescribed pain relief. We also recommend checking with your CTA insurer as to the post surgery exclusion period.

Travel
After 7 days for national and 4 weeks for international

Full Recovery
24 months for final results

Considerations Before Cosmetic Surgery

While we aim to provide accurate information about the different surgical procedures available, it’s important to understand that the content provided here serves as a general guide only. The specifics of each surgery, including the procedure detailed above, can and will vary significantly from person to person, depending on their unique circumstances and physical characteristics.

Undergoing cosmetic surgery is a serious decision that requires ample thought, careful consideration, and meticulous planning. It should never be taken lightly or treated trivially, as it can have profound impacts on one’s lifestyle and wellbeing.

Recovery from cosmetic surgery, too, requires time, support, and proper aftercare. We strive to present realistic and transparent information about the recovery process, but individual experiences may vary. It is typical for recovery to involve certain services or requirements, such as the use of compression garments or receiving therapeutic massages. It also often necessitates significant lifestyle changes, which may include a period of absence from employment and temporary restrictions on certain activities.

In light of these considerations, we strongly encourage potential patients to engage in comprehensive discussions with their GP and our surgeons. The goal is to fully understand the implications, requirements, and likely outcomes of any chosen procedure, and to make informed decisions about their health and aesthetics.

For more information on preparing for cosmetic surgery visit health.gov.au/cosmeticsurgery

General risks and complications of surgery include:

Substantial Hemorrhage: This involves severe blood loss from the area that underwent surgery, which may necessitate additional medical interventions.

Susceptibility to Infection: Post-surgery, the risk of infection can rise, potentially requiring either antibiotic treatment or subsequent surgical interventions.

Allergic Responses: Patients may exhibit allergic reactions to medical materials such as sutures, dressings, or antiseptic solutions used during and after the procedure.

Hematoma Formation: This involves the development of a sizable clot of blood beneath the incision site, which may necessitate medical drainage.

Post-Surgical Discomfort: Patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling in the area surrounding the surgical site.

Scar Development: There's a risk of developing keloids or hypertrophic scars, which are elevated, red, and thickened scars over the healed incisions. Though they can be bothersome and aesthetically displeasing, they don't pose a direct health threat.

Delayed Healing Process: Healing can be sluggish, especially in patients with pre-existing conditions like diabetes or those who smoke.

Anaesthesia Risks: Patients may experience short-term nausea following general anaesthesia, along with other potential risks associated with anaesthesia.

Revision Rhinoplasty risks and complications include:

Post-Surgical Pain: Nose surgeries can lead to severe and persistent pain that requires pain management.

Altered Sensations: After the subsidence of bruising and swelling, the nose may exhibit numbness or a changed sense of touch.

Temporary Numbness in Teeth: Following the surgery, the upper front teeth may experience temporary numbness.

Unfulfilling Cosmetic Outcome: There's a chance that the visual outcome may not meet expectations, necessitating further corrective surgery.

Impaired Olfactory Function: The sense of smell may be negatively affected, with rare instances of permanent loss or distortion.

Long-term Swelling: The nose may remain noticeably swollen for several months post-operation.

Darkened Under-eye Skin: The skin beneath the eyes may darken, persisting for more than six months after the procedure.

Structural Instability: The support structure of the nose may weaken, leading to a flattened appearance of the nose. This could also result in complications with any implanted materials, possibly causing them to protrude into the nose or through the skin, and potential narrowing of major airways that may result in difficulty breathing.

Meet Our Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Dr Michael Zacharia

Cosmetic Surgeon & ENT Specialist

Combining the latest medical, surgical and health techniques, Dr Zacharia strives to deliver the best outcome for each and every one of his patients.

How Much Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost?

Your personalised quote will be prepared following an in-depth evaluation by our expert surgeon. This includes a thorough assessment of your individual needs, detailed explanation of the procedure, and a tailored approach to best achieve the desired outcomes. The quote considers various elements including surgical supplies, hospital requirements, and the specifics of the surgery itself.

Potential rebates might be available if the procedure is deemed medically necessary by relevant health authorities. Conditions for this include providing evidence supporting the medical necessity of the surgery and a referral from a healthcare professional. Your private health insurance may also provide coverage, so it’s essential to discuss this with your provider.

FAQ

There are two main reasons why a patient will require revision nasal surgery. First, he or she may be unhappy with the appearance of the nose. This is the most common problem, since most people undergo Rhinoplasty in the first place to change their nasal appearance. Second, the patient may be experiencing nasal obstruction after surgery. Sometimes the obstruction was present before the first surgery and was not improved enough. Other times, obstruction can be caused by surgery.The ideal candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty surgery is someone who is in good physical and mental health. Smokers are encouraged to quit at least a couple of weeks before the procedure and it is also recommended to not drink alcohol before and after surgery. This promotes proper healing and aids in avoiding complications during the procedure.Dr. Zacharia will explain what can be done to assist eligible candidates for this procedure. He will discuss the steps of the proposed surgery and the variables that may affect the procedure. Physical characteristics such as the size and shape of nasal bones and cartilage, as well as the thickness of skin may affect the technical considerations.

The cost of Revision Rhinoplasty surgery varies to each individual, as well as the complexity of the procedure performed. The cost will be based on specific fees for the physician, anesthetic, hospital, and if applicable, charges for an overnight stay.Revision surgery is more complicated than primary surgery, usually because of scar tissue, too much cartilage and bone has been removed, or not enough cartilage or bones have been reduced. It is more time consuming to reverse another physician’s complications; therefore, Revision Rhinoplasty surgery is usually more expensive than primary surgery.Any surgery performed for purely aesthetic reasons will not be covered by health insurance. In cases where the procedure is considered medically necessary, such as corrections of birth defects or damage due to trauma, the procedure may be covered. It is recommended that patients discuss what will be covered by their insurers prior to booking the procedure.

At the consultation, Dr. Zacharia will discuss the procedure, risks and limitations, costs involved, patient expectations and goals, as well as the recovery process. He will also conduct a medical examination and help the patient prepare both physically and mentally for Revision Rhinoplasty.Dr. Zacharia will then provide a checklist surgery information packet that explains everything a patient should do and know before their Revision Rhinoplasty surgery date.

In most nasal surgeries, general anaesthesia is used. However, in some cases, local anaesthesia with intravenous sedation may be used. Dr Zacharia and his anaesthetist will assist patients in making the decision regarding which type of anaesthesia is best for their individual procedure.

Right after surgery, patients may feel some discomfort, which generally can be controlled with medication. Recovery duration varies on individual-to-individual basis. Most of the bruising that patients experience will have faded by about the tenth day. Swelling is also common and this can take months to fully fade. The splint and stitches will be removed within about six to seven days. Patients should also avoid bumping or jarring the nose, as well as sunburn for eight weeks after.

No surgery is risk free. As with all procedures, there are number of risks and complications. Understanding the risks is imperative and Dr. Zacharia discusses these openly with prospective patients in the initial consultation.The chance that any of these complications may occur during the surgery or during recovery is usually very small.The following is a list the most common risks that may occur, such as bleeding, infection, scarring, small burst blood vessels, etc.There is a 25% chance of requiring further touch-up surgery performed after Revision Rhinoplasty.During the initial consultation, Dr. Zacharia will answer any questions and make sure the patient fully understands all possible complications involved with the surgery

Recovery after Revision Rhinoplasty can take longer than the first surgery. Generally, the nose will be more swollen for two to three weeks. It is not uncommon for patients to have slight discoloration of their skin after a secondary (revision) surgery because the skin has been traumatised by the multiple surgeries.

At least one week is recommended to all patients. The plastic splint on the patient’s nose will be removed after seven days or more, leaving the patient free of this obvious stigma of surgery. In some cases, patients may want to take two weeks off to feel comfortable to return to work or school.

Anytime that the skin is cut, a scar is formed. Incision healing is dependent on several factors, including surgical technique, prevention of infection, reduction of tension, patient nutrition, as well as smoking (before or after surgery), etc.Like general Rhinoplasty, if a procedure is done with the “closed” technique, then all incisions are inside the nose, meaning no scars are created in the skin. The “open” technique will likely lead to a very small, unnoticeable scar in the skin between the patient’s nostrils.If the nostrils are narrowed, there will be fine scar on the skin.

Like General Rhinoplasty, it can up to two years for the final shape to become apparent.

Rhinoplasty Revision Surgery Sydney