When Your First Rhinoplasty Disappoints

Dr. Mehdi Sina is a board-certified facial plastic surgery specialist with extensive experience and training in complex revision rhinoplasty—he is dedicated to providing natural-looking results and improvement in nasal function to revision rhinoplasty patients. Dr. Sina understands the anxiety and fear associated with revision rhinoplasty. Most patients experience regret, sadness, and great disappointment when they don’t get the results they were hoping for after primary rhinoplasty. Dr. Sina will make sure to tend to both the cosmetic needs of revision rhinoplasty patients as well as the delicate psychology of pursuing revision surgery.

Revision Rhinoplasty Before & After

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What Are the Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is necessary when a patient is unhappy with the functional or cosmetic results of any previous rhinoplasty, be it primary or revision cases. As such, it’s designed to address issues caused by poor surgical techniques or poor healing. Possible benefits of revision rhinoplasty include:

  • Correction of a crooked nose
  • Reducing a persistent hump
  • Correction of a “ski slope” or overly reduced nasal bridge
  • Correction of a pinched or twisted nasal tip
  • Improved breathing
  • Improved symmetry
  • A more natural-looking, pleasing aesthetic
  • Increased self-confidence

Am I a Candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty?

If your previous rhinoplasty was unsatisfactory, you might be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty. This procedure is reserved for patients who meet certain criteria, such as:

  • You have had a previous unsatisfactory rhinoplasty
  • You want a second procedure to alter or improve the results of your first rhinoplasty
  • Your nasal skin, cartilage, and tissues are in good condition
  • You have viable cartilage for supportive grafts (from the nose, ear, or rib)
  • Your initial rhinoplasty was completed at least one year prior

In addition to the above, revision rhinoplasty candidates must also be in good health, have reasonable expectations for results, and be nonsmokers or be willing to quit.

If your previous rhinoplasty didn’t meet your expectations and you’re considering a revision, Dr. Sina can help. Call Vegas Facial Plastics today at (702) 890-8507 or complete our contact form to request a consultation.

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What Is the Difference Between Primary and Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is notably more complex than primary rhinoplasty; this is mainly related to the changes in native tissues and cartilage, as well as scarring. During your initial rhinoplasty, your surgeon will have manipulated the shape and size of the nasal cartilages and bone. Many revision rhinoplasty cases do not have the structural integrity that is necessary to perform the procedure, so creating a structural graft out of cartilage from the patient’s ear, rib, or another part of the nose is often necessary.
Additionally, extensive scar tissue may be present, which hinders the surgeon’s ability to easily manipulate the tissues and also makes healing a little more difficult. Therefore, this procedure requires a high level of surgical skill and finesse.

Why Was My First Rhinoplasty Unsuccessful?

There are many reasons why your first rhinoplasty might need improvement. The most common issue is a lack of surgical precision or the use of improper surgical techniques the first time around. As mentioned, rhinoplasty is a technically difficult plastic surgery procedure and demands great skill from the surgeon; an unpracticed or cavalier surgeon can cause an undesirable result.

Other times, the patient may heal in an unexpected and undesired way. Dr. Sina monitors his postoperative patients very closely and always sees them himself. Many times, if a patient is healing poorly, ancillary measures can be taken to help correct common healing problems such as extreme swelling or scarring and ultimately yield a lovely result.

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Why Choose Dr. Sina for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Deciding to pursue a secondary rhinoplasty to address a disappointing outcome can feel overwhelming—and finding the right surgeon for the revision can be equally challenging.

Dr. Mehdi Sina is board certified and fellowship-trained in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, specializing in complex revision rhinoplasty. What sets Dr. Sina apart from other facial plastic surgeons is his methodical approach to every step of the surgical process, including the consultation, the surgery itself, and the recovery. A hallmark of his patient relationships is his honesty—he will tell you exactly what you can expect from him, from the procedure you want, and the possible results.

When you choose Dr. Sina for your revision rhinoplasty, you can rest assured that not only will you receive exemplary surgical precision and a stunning result, but your overall experience will leave you feeling supported every step of the way.

How Is Revision Rhinoplasty Performed?

Your Consultation

Your revision rhinoplasty consultation will be a little different than your first rhinoplasty consultation, as Dr. Sina will need to know as much about your previous experience as possible. Because he only has access to the visible parts of your nose, he won’t know exactly what the condition of the nasal structures and anatomy is until the day of the surgery. That’s why it’s a good idea to prepare for your consultation by obtaining the operative reports from your previous surgery, thinking about your prior recovery process, and, of course, conceptualizing the goals you have in mind for your revision.

Dr. Sina will walk you through the procedure and give you a good idea of what you can reasonably expect from the results. Once you both agree this is the procedure for you, he will create a surgical plan and provide you with an accurate cost estimate.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Due to the complexity of the procedure, revision rhinoplasty is usually performed using general anesthesia. In instances where small changes need to be made, local anesthesia alone may suffice. The nature of your revision procedure will depend on the condition of your nose, your specific goals, and the details of your surgical plan. However, a general revision rhinoplasty procedure may look like the following.
Revision rhinoplasty procedure steps:

  • The incision is usually made across the skin between the nostrils (the columella). This technique is called open rhinoplasty; it gives Dr. Sina much more visibility during the procedure, and the incision heals well enough that it is typically unnoticeable.
  • Dr. Sina will begin reshaping the tissues, bone, and cartilage as necessary. In simple cases, this might be all that is needed. In more complex cases, he may have to use cartilage grafts to help with reshaping, rebuilding, and supporting the nasal architecture.
  • After ensuring all functional and cosmetic concerns are addressed, and once he is satisfied with the aesthetic results, he will close the incisions.

How Much Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost in Las Vegas?

The cost of revision rhinoplasty in Las Vegas will vary, typically depending on the complexity of the revision, whether the patient requires structural grafts, and the surgeon’s experience. The greater the surgeon’s level of expertise and skill, the more they charge for their services. This is because plastic surgeons with more experience ensure a more successful surgical result, a more luxurious experience, and more involved pre and postoperative care.

Of all procedures, revision rhinoplasty is not one you should skimp on the price or look for a bargain. Rhinoplasty is regarded as technically demanding and requires the greatest level of skill and precision—revision rhinoplasty even more so. To minimize the risk of another less-than-ideal outcome, it’s important to choose a revision rhinoplasty specialist with proven expertise. When you meet with Dr. Sina, he will craft a customized surgical plan and provide a detailed estimate for your revision rhinoplasty.

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What Is Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

Due to the changes in the tissues from previous surgery and existing scar tissue, revision rhinoplasty recovery may take longer, as swelling is more prevalent throughout the process. Immediately after your procedure, your nose will be bandaged and protected with a nasal splint, which supports your healing nose and provides structure to maintain its new shape. Most patients will not need nasal packing, as advanced surgical techniques allow a more comfortable process. But even if light packing is used, it is removed the next day.

Most revision rhinoplasty patients can return to work after a week, depending on the level of activity at their job. Dr. Sina will ask you to avoid exercise and contact sports for at least three to six weeks, sometimes longer. Dr. Sina will provide you with detailed aftercare instructions, so be sure to follow these as best you can. Protecting your nose is crucial during the recovery process, as injury can cause an undesirable result. If you ever have any questions about recovery, your instructions, or incorporating new activities into your routine, be sure to call our office—Dr. Sina and our team are always here to help.

When Will I See My Revision Rhinoplasty Results?

It may take some time to see the results of your secondary rhinoplasty, due to the increase in swelling as compared to your first procedure. It’s not uncommon to have swelling for six months to a year, but be patient. In time, you’ll be able to see the detailed work that Dr. Sina performed, along with the more obvious changes to structure and function.

When all is said and done, most revision rhinoplasty patients are ecstatic with their results: a stunning nose and comfortable surgical experience that they should have gotten the first time. Living with an unsatisfactory result doesn’t have to be forever. With revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Sina can help you achieve the outcome that you were hoping for the first time around.

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Want to Learn More About Revision Rhinoplasty in Las Vegas?

If you're ready to leave your disappointing nose job behind you and enjoy beautiful results from a skilled facial surgeon, call Vegas Facial Plastics today or fill out our online contact form to schedule a consultation for revision rhinoplasty in Las Vegas with Dr. Sina—and reveal your best self.

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