Dr. Serhan Derin, born in 1982, is a seasoned ENT specialist who graduated from Ankara University School of Medicine. He completed his residency at Kocaeli University in 2010. Dr. Derin is a highly skilled surgeon specializing in functional and cosmetic nose surgeries, including Primary Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty, Ethnic Rhinoplasty, Septoplasty, Septorhinoplasty, Nasal Valve Surgery, and Sinus Surgery.
Revision rhinoplasty is one the most complicated procedures among other rhinoplasty types. Since the nose is already weakened by the previous operation, rhinoplasty surgeons have to be very careful and precise. But also, the patients have some duties to fulfill as well. As long as the patient’s concerned, knowing how to get ready for revision rhinoplasty might be the most important aspect of this procedure.
A revision rhinoplasty patient has to ask spot-on questions to make sure that there are no problems left to deal with.
Now, let us show you what these crucial questions are and how to make the most out of them.
Getting ready for revision rhinoplasty by asking spot-on questions
As long as the patient’s concerned, knowing how to get ready for revision rhinoplasty might be the most important aspect of this procedure. The quality of the conversation and exchange between you and your plastic surgeon will determine how well your secondary rhinoplasty will be accomplished. This process is called the preoperative evaluation.
In a revision rhinoplasty consultation, the doctor will listen to your concerns and desires about your nose. And then, your doctor will analyze your nasal issues and the deformities you have like scar tissue or nasal valve collapse.
After the analysis, your doctor will come up with some solutions to treat the problem. You can also make a request for before and after photos belonging to the previous revision rhinoplasty patients to have a better idea.
In addition to these, your doctor will ask you questions about your medical history to see if you are an ideal candidate for a revision rhinoplasty operation. After this, you can ask questions about the surgical procedure, the techniques that will be used, and the recovery process.
Now let’s see what these questions might look like.
- What specific changes do you recommend to achieve my desired result?
- How will the revision procedure be different from my initial rhinoplasty?
- What is your experience with revision rhinoplasty procedures?
- Are there any non-surgical options that may be effective in achieving my goals?
- What is the cost of the revision rhinoplasty procedure?
- Can you explain in detail what changes you plan to make?
- What are the potential risks, and how will they be managed?
- What should I expect during the recovery period, and what can I do to optimize my healing?
- What options do I have if revision surgery will not achieve the desired results?
- Will the revision rhinoplasty result in any changes to my breathing or sinus function?
- How many follow-up appointments will I need after the procedure?
1- What specific changes do you recommend to achieve my desired result?
Asking this question is of great importance because knowing what to change or avoid in the course of a nose job can determine how well things will play out. In order to get a successful outcome, you need to ask your doctor whether the way you live could have any effects on the surgery or not. If it could, your surgeon may advise you on one or two things considering your lifestyle or diet to make sure you are a fitting patient in all aspects.
2- How will the revision procedure be different from my initial rhinoplasty?
This question is as important as it gets. Because revision rhinoplasty actually differs from the initial procedure in various ways. Your doctor will take you through each step where the differences show up. By knowing these differences prior to the surgery, you can prepare yourself for the operation both physically and psychologically in a healthier way.
3- What is your experience with revision rhinoplasty procedures?
The first thing that you should ask your doctor before undergoing surgery is the amount of experience he/or she has in revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty requires a detailed and well-thought-out operation. For example, there can be instances where the surgeon has to make an important decision intraoperatively meaning “in the moment of surgery”. Without a qualified surgeon, these moments can pose a major danger to the patient’s health. Thus, you cannot afford not to ask this question.
4- Are there any non-surgical options that may be effective in achieving my goals?
Alternative ways are always a possibility. If you have doubts about the surgical process, you can benefit from asking if there are any non-surgical options for your case. When you inquire about these alternative options, your doctor will mention the ones that may be suitable for your particular goals. However, non-surgical options may be risky in some cases. So, don’t forget to ask about the risks associated with non-surgical alternatives before agreeing to get one.
5- What is the cost of the revision rhinoplasty procedure?
Cost is a major component in a revision rhinoplasty procedure. Since every case has its particular features, costs may differ for every patient. Based on your nasal anatomy and your experience with the previous surgery, your doctor will determine what kind of surgery you need, and come up with a price accordingly. You can also search for financing options if you find the expenses rather high. Keep in mind that you have to be a suitable case in order to make use of these financing options.
6- Can you explain in detail what changes you plan to make to my nose during the revision surgery?
By asking this to learn how to get ready for revision rhinoplasty, you will be informed of the process in detail. After the preoperative evaluation, your surgeon will devise a plan to be used during the operation. Different approaches and techniques can be used in a single operation. Understanding what goes on during the surgery will help you act properly before and after the procedure.
7- What are the potential risks, and how will they be managed?
You should always keep in mind that every rhinoplasty procedure comes with postoperative risks and complications. There’s no guarantee that you will not experience any complications after a successful surgery. These risks and complications may have negative effects on your healing process and result in an unsuccessful procedure. Because of this, ask your doctor to give you a detailed explanation of these risks and tips on how to minimize or even avoid them if possible.
8- What should I expect during the recovery period, and what can I do to optimize my healing?
A smooth recovery period is key to satisfactory results. To optimize the healing process there are certain warnings and tips that every rhinoplasty patient should adhere to. These tips can be about taking good care of your nose, your diet, or even the way you put on your clothes. So. ask your doctor about what these tips are so that you will achieve your goals better and quicker.
9- What options do I have if revision surgery will not achieve the desired results?
Having reasonable doubts is always useful. If you are afraid of not getting the results you wish to have from your surgery, you must verbalize it to your cosmetic surgeon. You need to make sure that there are other options to fix any unwanted issues that may occur during or after the operation. Your doctor has to convince you that everything is under control and that he/or she has a backup plan should anything goes sideways.
10- Will the revision rhinoplasty result in any changes to my breathing or sinus function?
Revision rhinoplasty may have effects on different parts of the nose and breathing function is one of them. These effects can manifest themselves in both positive and negative ways. If you’re having issues with your breathing or sinus function, you should address them with your doctor before the surgery in order to prevent causing any further damage.
11- How many follow-up appointments will I need after the procedure?
Follow-up appointments or post-operative instructions play a significant role in the course of the healing process. In order to attain the best possible results, attending follow-up appointments regularly is necessary. Your doctor will determine how many of these appointments you will need so that you don’t have any problems during your recovery period. If you want to achieve your goals and have your nose done just like you’ve imagined, you must be attentive and responsible.
This has been our article that answers how to get ready for revision rhinoplasty. We believe that asking questions will be a proper way of doing your consultation session before the surgery. If you still think some things may be missing, don’t worry, because your doctor will surely bring them up at some point.
References:
-Cochran CS, Ducic Y, DeFatta RJ. Current concepts in the postoperative care of the rhinoplasty patient. South Med J. 2008 Sep;101(9):935-9. doi: 10.1097/SMJ.0b013e3181807a79. PMID: 18708980.
-Swamy RS, Most SP. Preoperative, anesthetic, and postoperative care for rhinoplasty patients. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2009 Feb;17(1):7-13, v. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2008.09.006. PMID: 19181277.