Revision Rhinoplasty
Austin, TX

 

 
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Before & Afters


*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Doctors Edward Buckingham and Erin Smith offer Revision Rhinoplasty solutions for patients in Austin & Sunset Valley, TX. Dr. Buckingham is board certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology. He specializes in facial plastic surgery treatments, including facelifts, eyebrow lifts, chin and cheek augmentation and rhinoplasty. He has extensive training and experience in completing primary and secondary (revision) rhinoplasty at Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Rhinoplasty has been one of the more popular plastic surgical procedures for many years in the cosmetic surgery industry. This is a favored procedure because it dramatically improves the appearance of the nose and the face. The nose surgery improves the overall symmetry of the facial features and can drastically improve the profile. But, this procedure is also one of the most complex plastic surgeries, and the surgeon must have extensive experience and training to achieve consistent results. Sometimes, even with an experienced and respected surgeon, unexpected issues can arise.

While Dr. Buckingham’s personal results have a very low revision rate, primary rhinoplasty overall carries one of the highest revision rates among plastic surgery procedures because of its complexity. Surgical complications or disturbances in the healing process may occur that negatively impact the expected results. When complications occur, rhinoplasty patients may require a secondary rhinoplasty.

Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

Revision rhinoplasty is a revision or secondary procedure that is designed to improve cosmetic or functional complications of the nose occurring from a previous rhinoplasty. Patients may need revision rhinoplasty in situations such as the following:

Undercorrection. Undercorrection during the primary rhinoplasty may leave a slight hump or another issue that requires additional changes.
Overcorrection. Overcorrection may require the addition of cartilage grafts to augment the nose correctly.
Functional Problems. Functional problems like a deviated septum may require septoplasty or other techniques to correct a breathing problem resulting from a primary rhinoplasty.
Primary rhinoplasty is a complex and technical operation, and subsequent revision rhinoplasty entails new intricacies requiring delicate and exacting techniques. Scar tissue from the first rhinoplasty complicates the secondary procedure. Dr. Buckingham is experienced in both primary and secondary rhinoplasty, and he will carefully examine your nose and discuss the details of your revision rhinoplasty during your consultation. Digital imaging software is a helpful tool for visualizing the requested changes.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Revision Rhinoplasty is completed in three to four hours under general anesthesia. Dr. Buckingham will complete revisions to the tissue, cartilage and bones in a closed (endonasal) or open surgery. The incisions are created internally in the closed technique, and the incisions are placed on the underside of the nose (across the columella) and internally when an open technique is required.

The techniques used during the surgery will depend on the revisions that are needed. Dr. Buckingham begins the operation by creating incisions that separate the skin on the nose to reveal the underlying cartilage and bone. Dr. Buckingham then creates the desired shape by repositioning bone and cartilage. He will also repair any overcorrection with the use of cartilage grafts. These cartilage grafts are usually created with cartilage from the nasal septum, but if sufficient cartilage is not obtainable from the septum, cartilage may be gained from the ear or rib. After the surgery, the incisions are sutured. Post-operatively, the nose has a small intranasal dressing overnight, but no “packing”, and is covered with a flexible splint for optimal healing and protection.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery

The revision rhinoplasty stitches and the splint are removed in one week. Bruising, swelling, mild bleeding and discomfort are common. Pain medication is prescribed as needed.

Patients commonly return to work within one week, depending on the job requirements and type of activity involved. Patients must avoid strenuous activity during the first three weeks and any contact to the nose for six weeks. Light activity may be resumed after the first week. Swelling and bruising will fade in the first few weeks, though minor swelling can last for up to a year.

Revision Rhinoplasty Expectations

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgeries because of the excellent cosmetic outcomes that men and women can expect. Revision rhinoplasty should be completed by an experienced surgeon, such as Dr. Buckingham. Dr. Buckingham understands the importance of the surgery and the healing process and will remain by your side throughout your entire revision rhinoplasty process. You can expect to experience cosmetic and functional improvements and to reach the revision goals that Dr. Buckingham explains to you during your consultation.

Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation

Dr. Buckingham will examine your nose and discuss any concerns, frustrations and health problems that you are experiencing from the primary rhinoplasty. Dr. Buckingham will review your medical history and will discuss options that are open to you. He has provided successful care for hundreds of primary and secondary rhinoplasty patients, and he can put your mind at ease.

Before and after photos are available that demonstrate previous revision rhinoplasty patients, and 3-D Vectra digital imaging software can help you to visualize and adjust your proposed after-surgery profile and facial symmetry. Your nose may require adjustments to improve breathing or to correct an over- or under-correction from your prior rhinoplasty. Dr. Buckingham will walk you through the planning process and will help you find a solution that will meet your cosmetic and functioning nasal goals.

Our Patient Care Consultant will assist you with inquiries and will explain payment options that fit most budgets. Dr. Buckingham is a rhinoplasty specialist who can answer all of your questions and address any of your concerns. Call 512.401.2500 for a consultation.

The Ideal Revision Rhinoplasty Candidate

The ideal revision rhinoplasty patient is in good mental and physical health, has no significant medical problems, and has realistic revision rhinoplasty expectations. Men and women who are currently unsatisfied with the outcome of their primary rhinoplasty may be good candidates for revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Buckingham at Buckingham Center for Facial Plastic Surgery.

Revision Rhinoplasty Cost

Revision rhinoplasty is usually considered to be a cosmetic procedure, which is not covered by medical health insurance. Although at times insurance may cover a portion of the procedure related to breathing as long as that obstruction is not the result of a previous cosmetic procedure. Payment options are available that are designed to fit most budgets. The financial staff at Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, is ready to help you achieve the revision rhinoplasty that you desire.

Frequently Asked Revision Rhinoplasty Questions

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary treatment that is designed to repair complications of an aesthetic or functional nature after a primary rhinoplasty.

How Soon after my Primary Rhinoplasty Can I Have the Revision?

Dr. Buckingham usually advises patients to wait for one year after their initial procedure to have revision rhinoplasty, because your nose will continue to heal over the first year.

Where is the Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?

Dr. Buckingham completes the revision rhinoplasty at an outpatient surgery center in Austin, Texas.

What Type of Anesthesia is Used During Revision Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Buckingham completes revision rhinoplasty with general anesthesia. He will share the exact treatment plan with you during your consultation.

How is the Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?

Each revision rhinoplasty surgical method is dependent on the individual’s specific needs. During the procedure, Dr. Buckingham will separate the skin to reveal the bone and cartilage. Next, he will reposition cartilage or use cartilage grafts to restructure the nose if it has been overcorrected or undercorrected in a prior primary rhinoplasty. Dr. Buckingham may take cartilage from the septum for the graft. Cartilage can be used from the ear or a rib if there isn’t enough cartilage available in the septum. When the revisions are completed, stitches will be used to close the incisions. Dr. Buckingham specializes in revision rhinoplasty, and he will create a revision rhinoplasty plan based on your exact needs and desires. He will explain the recommended treatment plan during your consultation at Buckingham Center.

Where are the Revision Rhinoplasty Incisions?

Revision rhinoplasty is performed as an open or closed procedure. If the open technique is used, most of the incisions are created inside the nose, with an additional small incision made on the underside of the nose on the skin between the nostrils. When a closed technique is used, all of the incisions are created within the nose. Dr. Buckingham will carefully place the incisions, whenever possible, within the nose. The open procedure is oftentimes necessary, and this will be shared with you at your consultation.

Will I Have Scars from Revision Rhinoplasty?

The incisions for the closed technique used in revision rhinoplasty are created within the nose and are not visible, and scarring will be hidden in the nose. Patients who need the open technique will experience a very small inconspicuous scar under the nose and between the nostrils. Before and after photos are available to help you visualize the final results.

Is Revision Rhinoplasty Painful?

Dr. Buckingham’s patients often report that they experience less pain and discomfort following revision rhinoplasty when compared to their experience after their primary rhinoplasty procedure. There will be bruising, swelling and pain that can be treated with nonprescription or prescription medicine during the initial recovery. The majority of the pain and swelling will dissipate over the first week.

What is the Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

The recovery after the revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Buckingham is often somewhat easier for patients than the first rhinoplasty recovery, although recovery varies from patient to patient depending on the work required, and most can return to work in one week.

Schedule Your Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation in Austin Today

Board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Edward Buckingham and Dr. Erin Smith are a respected surgeons who are recognized for the exceptional primary and revision rhinoplasty results that they provide for their patients. Call 512.401.2500 to request a consultation at Buckingham Center in Austin, Texas, with Dr. Buckingham or Dr. Smith. We look forward to meeting you!

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