Revision Rhinoplasty

Q: Dr. Eppley, I have spoken with you a few times about a getting a revision rhinoplasty procedure. I’m getting very close to scheduling my consultation and procedure with you. I have a question in the event I want any corrections after my procedure how long will I have to wait for a revision? I don’t want any additional surgeries after this one, but I wonder will a quick follow up procedure cause damage to my previous cartilage graft?

A: Like all rhinoplasties, whether they are primary or secondary, any efforts at revision rhinoplasty should wait a minimum of six months so the tissues have time to return to a more normal state so they can tolerate surgical manipulation. This is also an adequate amount of time for all nasal swelling to subside and one can appreciate that their concerns are stable and no new shape concerns have arisen.

Secondary revision rhinoplasty surgeries will not damage previously placed cartilage grafts. Cartilage grafts in the nose are quite hardy and are only damaged (undergo resorption) in the presence of infection. Otherwise they can be worked around, over and even removed and replaced without affect their survival and structural support.

Dr. Barry Eppley
Indianapolis, Indiana