A Guide to Recovery Following Revision Rhinoplasty
Rami K. Batniji M.D., F.A.C.S. has years of experience in expertly improving his patients’ facial features. A surgery that Dr. Batniji has become highly sought-after for is the revision rhinoplasty. Though rhinoplasty is a common plastic surgery procedure, other plastic surgeons may not specialize in anatomical changes of the face or lack the skills to perform this procedure. In addition to the shortcomings of other surgeons, the nose does not always follow a predictable course of healing. As a result, complications or an unsatisfactory result may occur.
A revision rhinoplasty may require the addition of materials to the nose, in which case other parts of the body may be involved in the rebuilding of tissues. The ribs, ears, and parts of the nose may be used to harvest cartilage. This adds a new dimension to the healing process.
There are some general tips that a patient should follow to help ensure a good recovery following the revision rhinoplasty surgery. Though having been through the procedure once before, most patients will be familiar with post-surgical process of nose surgery but may not fully grasp how other areas of the body are affected when tissues are harvested, as well as other nuances specific to healing from this procedure.
- Though this first step is a pre-operative measure, it cannot be emphasized enough that a patient much choose a knowledgeable and capable facial plastic surgeon. Dr. Batniji is committed to addressing the patient’s emotions and concerns relating to this secondary surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is one of the doctor’s specialties, and patients visit his Coral Gables, Florida, office from all over the world to be treated by him. He has produced consistent results of excellence.
- Know that the healing process for revision rhinoplasty may be longer than for the first nose job. This may be due to the accumulation of scar tissue that must be treated during surgery, swelling caused by the new tissues added to the nose, or techniques and tools that are employed during the procedure. It is not unusual for results to continue forming well into the 18-24 months postoperative marks, and much later on in the process.
- Be prepared to favor certain areas of the body. Though you should remain upright for the first week of healing while sitting and sleeping in bed, you may also have soreness in your ribcage if cartilage has been harvested from this region to reshape the nose. Cartilage may also be removed from one or both ears, which can create soreness on the side(s) of the head.
- Because revision rhinoplasty patients have had a previous rhinoplasty surgery, they may be familiar with the steps to take prior to the procedure. If a long period of time has passed between the last nose procedure, below is a guide to remind patients how to prepare for the surgery.
- Clean the home (and wash bedding), grocery shop, and fill prescriptions prior to the revision rhinoplasty.
- Only purchase nasal mists and cold packs approved by Dr. Batniji.
- Have plenty of pillows available to prop up the head while sitting or lying down.
- Be prepared to rest by reading, watching movies, or performing any other low-key and stationary activities.
- Resist the urge to blow the nose, pick at sutures, or move the now-pliable tissues of a post-surgery nose.
The first step to enjoying the look of your nose is to visit Dr. Batniji’s Southern California area office to speak with him. Call (949) 650-8882 to schedule a patient/doctor visit. View the doctor’s Revision Rhinoplasty page to see real patient results and learn more about the procedure.