Secondary or Revision Rhinoplasty
Am I a candidate?
The need for secondary or reconstructive rhinoplasty may follow trauma, cocaine use with loss of cartilage, and previous rhinoplasty with undesirable outcome. Often these cases require the replacement of the nasal structure to restore support and definition to the nose. Restoring missing structure can not only improve the overall look of the face, but also improve breathing by opening up the airway that may have partially collapsed.
Because of Dr. Mendes training and background as a reconstructive plastic surgeon with vast experience in the repair correction reconstruction of severe facial deformities, he has a unique perspective on secondary rhinoplasty
If you have had a nose job, and you think you might benefit from further surgical correction, contact Dr. David Mendes for a consultation … to learn what’s possible
The Quick Facts
What Are We Treating: A patient who underwent rhinoplasty and desires improvement of the result.
Goal of Treatment: The goal is to end up with a nose that looks better and works better – better aesthetics, better function (breathing) Duration of Treatment: 1 ½ - 3 hours or more - under general anesthesia.
Recovery: Depending on various circumstances, you may be discharged on the day of the surgery, or the following morning. Dr. Mendes will discuss these possibilities with you at your consultation and pre-operative visit.
Return to Daily Activities: There may be a splint on the nose for about a week after surgery. Recovery may be longer for patients undergoing more extensive reconstruction (e.g. rib cartilage graft harvest)
For A Winning Result Have realistic expectations, follow Dr. Mendes’ instructions, don’t smoke, and be patient. It takes a while for the swelling to come down
How is it Done?
The operation is tailored individually for each patient, based on the problem that needs to be addressed.
In secondary rhinoplasty, sophisticated reconstructive techniques may be used, including re-building of internal structures with cartilage grafts.
If there is nasal airway obstruction and septal deviaition, septoplasty may be performed. Sometimes grafts of cartilage are placed to shape or stabilize the nose and airway Cartilage grafts may be taken from the septum itself, from the ear, or, in some cases, from the rib..
“From an aesthetic perspective, I feel that the job of the nose is to “disappear,” or fade away. Your nose should fit in well with your other facial features. Along with your eyebrows, your nose should frame the beauty of the eyes, and not attract attention to itself, its asymmetries or disproportions.
At your consultation – Dr. Mendes will listen to you. Once he understands your concerns, he will carry out a detailed physical examination, during which he will assess the proportions of your face and nose. He will sit with you and, in a calm, unhurried manner, discuss your condition and your concerns with you. He will outline what is possible and hwat may be reasonable expectations from the surgery. Dr. Mendes will then create/design customized, individualized treatment alternatives for you. He will discuss these options with you, and together with you, arrive at a surgical plan.