Any subsequent nasal surgeries are referred to as secondary rhinoplasty. Patients undergo secondary, or revision rhinoplasty, for a range of reasons including post-surgery trauma or displeasure with the aesthetic or functional outcome of the primary procedure. Dr. Totonchi has extensive experience and expertise with secondary rhinoplasty and has co-authored book chapters regarding this type of procedure.
Secondary rhinoplasty is more complex and requires more creativity, artistic ability, and expertise due to the fact that the original shape of the nose has been previously altered. Secondary rhinoplasty oftentimes takes longer to perform and can have a more complex and unpredictable healing process due to the potential of previously formed scar tissue. In some cases, additional cartilage grafting may be required. If this is the case, a cartilage graft, usually involving the use of cartilage from the ear or ribs, is used to rebuild and reshape the nose.
When considering secondary rhinoplasty, it is important to ensure that at least 12 months has passed since primary rhinoplasty. This allows sufficient time for scar tissue to heal and for tissue inflammation to have sufficiently subsided. At the time of consultation, Dr. Totonchi will discuss any concerns and dissatisfaction with the previous outcome before carefully devising a plan for the secondary rhinoplasty. Digital photos are also utilized to compare the results of the primary rhinoplasty with the intended results of the secondary procedure. As with any cosmetic procedure, it is important to keep expectations realistic and to maintain honest and open communication with your surgeon in order to ensure the highest degree of satisfaction with secondary rhinoplasty.
