Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is one of the most popular cosmetic facial surgeries. Most patients are very happy with their results! But what if you recently underwent this procedure and are dissatisfied with how your nose looks or functions? You might be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty, a procedure that can alter the results of your initial surgery. But how long should you wait to get revision rhinoplasty from a qualified Chicago physician? This blog post explains what you should know.
Reasons to Consider Revision Rhinoplasty
There are a few different reasons why you may decide to pursue revision rhinoplasty:
- You are dissatisfied with the appearance of your nose because the initial surgery did not meet your expectations regarding its shape, size, or symmetry.
- You are experiencing functional issues, such as breathing difficulties or nasal obstruction, following your initial surgery.
- The healing process caused unexpected changes to the shape or function of your nose, and you require further refinement.
- You experienced physical trauma during the healing process, leading to the need for a corrective procedure.
How Long Should You Wait?
Although you may be eager to get your nose in its optimal shape as soon as possible, it is important to exercise patience. The healing process after rhinoplasty can last up to a year or longer. (Some doctors recommend a waiting period of 18 months before considering a revision procedure.) During that time, swelling should continue to subside, and you might notice changes in your nose that make you realize you do not really need a second procedure!
It is also important to note that undergoing another surgery before you completely heal from your first one can come with some significant complications. For example, you may experience extra swelling and the development of more scar tissue, which could adversely affect the results of a second procedure. There is also a greater risk of infection if your nasal tissues are not fully recovered.
As you near the end of your first year after your initial surgery, schedule an appointment with a qualified plastic surgeon. (If you feel that your first surgery’s failure was the fault of your doctor, you may need to research other care providers in your area.) During your consultation, they can evaluate your case and help you have realistic expectations for what a revision rhinoplasty might be able to accomplish.
Revision rhinoplasty can help you get the nose you have always wanted, but you might need to wait to undergo it!
Meet the Practice
Dr. Gary Wiesman is an experienced facial plastic surgeon in the Chicago area. He is a Fellow of both the American College of Facial Plastic Reconstructive Surgery and the American Academy of Cosmetic Surgery. He has helped many patients to experience the benefits of revision rhinoplasty. To learn more about him and how he may be able to serve you, contact our office at 312-796-5550.
