It is impossible to please everyone; and unfortunately, some rhinoplasty procedures do not yield the desired result. If a patient is dissatisfied with his or her nose job results, they have the option to undergo a revision. Patients wondering if they should have a revision should first consider the following facts when making the decision.
Revisions Aren't Always Necessary
A common misconception about nose reconstruction is that everyone needs it. There is a prevailing belief that surgeons need to make minor adjustments, or that he or she will want to correct small issues after an initial procedure. In the best-case scenario, however, a patient will be completely satisfied with the results of the first surgery. Ideally, those results will last for a lifetime, meaning that additional surgeries are not necessary.
Revisions are Different from Initial Procedures
Rhinoplasties and revisions at the Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery are not identical in nature. It has been said that revision is more difficult than an initial procedure, which is considered a challenge in its own right. Revising a rhinoplasty is not a simple matter of retracing the surgeon's steps. During the process, the doctor must work around previously altered tissue as well as scar tissue. A surgeon may be unaware of changes in the patient's nasal structure, especially if he or she did not do the initial procedure. Therefore, revisions typically take longer than primary surgeries because of these factors.
Patients do not Always Need a Different Doctor
When patients are contemplating revision, they will first need to consider who will perform the procedure. It is often recommended that patients look for a different doctor, but that does not have to happen. Sometimes, returning to the original doctor is the way to go. However, if the patient feels that the surgeon did not address his or her concerns, or if they are just dissatisfied with the results, they should find a new practitioner.
Results Don't Happen Immediately
An important thing to know about revision is that it cannot be scheduled too soon after an initial procedure. It takes time for the nose to heal and, during the process, it will settle into a new shape and size. A patient may not like the results a month or two after the surgery, but most surgeons recommend waiting at least one year before deciding to have a revision.
If you need additional assistance regarding nose reconstruction, call Dr. Patt at Houston Center for Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule an initial consultation.
