[Eton TV] Nose Surgery: Why Are Revision Surgeries So Common?!

Nose surgery. Why are revision surgeries so common?!

Revision rhinoplasty.

Is it truly an unavoidable fate?

Let’s examine the reasons.

If you are considering rhinoplasty

or have already undergone surgery,

you have probably heard at least once that

“revision rhinoplasty is unavoidable.”

In fact, many people visit plastic surgery clinics

for revision surgery.

Why is revision rhinoplasty so common?

Is it simply because they are dissatisfied with the design?

One of the biggest causes of revision rhinoplasty is

“a change in the patient’s feelings.”

Before surgery, a patient may want a specific design,

but after surgery, while looking in the mirror over time,

their feelings may change.

They may begin to wonder,

“Does this nose really suit me?”

Aesthetic standards can change

in many ways over time,

so it is important to think carefully before surgery

and make a cautious decision

through an in-depth consultation with a specialist.

In addition, nose surgery

involves physical changes to the body

beyond simply changing its shape.

In particular, in Asian rhinoplasty to raise the nose,

pressure is placed on the skin and soft tissue covering the nose,

which may become thinner or deformed over time.

The nose is broadly divided into the bones,

cartilage that does not move,

and the soft, flexible cartilage at the tip of the nose.

Of these,

the tip of the nose is strongly affected by gravity.

As people age, the tip of the nose may droop,

like the nose of the old witch in Snow White,

and this becomes more pronounced the higher the nose is.

Even when it is fixed in place through surgery,

these natural changes cannot be completely prevented,

so the tip of the nose may gradually drop slightly over time.

Whether an implant is used in rhinoplasty

is also an important cause of revision surgery.

Implants are often used to raise the bridge of the nose

because they are considered more stable in the long term

than autologous tissue.

However, because an implant is a foreign material

introduced into the body,

it may trigger a reaction.

This reaction may cause changes

such as the nose becoming shorter or thicker,

which can ultimately lead to patient dissatisfaction

and consideration of revision surgery.

For nasal tip surgery,

autologous tissue is used in most cases.

The materials mainly used are septal cartilage,

ear cartilage,

and rib cartilage.

Each material has clear advantages and disadvantages,

so it is important to select the appropriate material

depending on the condition of the patient’s nose

and the desired shape.

✔️ Septal cartilage

It is firm and well suited to shaping the nose,

but in Asian patients, the septum is often small,

making it difficult to obtain a sufficient amount.

If too much is harvested,

there is a risk that the nose may collapse,

and it may also change into a bone-like structure with age,

making it unsuitable for grafting.

✔️ Ear cartilage

It is soft and can create a natural-looking nasal tip,

but harvesting too much may deform the shape of the ear.

In cases where the nose is very low

or has a bulbous tip,

it may be difficult to achieve the desired height.

✔️ Rib cartilage

There is enough of it and it is strong,

so the surgical result can be more definitive,

but many patients are reluctant to use it

because harvesting it from the rib carries an additional burden.

However, contrary to expectations, postoperative discomfort

may be less than with ear cartilage.

The problem is that, because of financial or psychological concerns,

patients tend to choose the material that feels more comfortable to them

rather than the material most suitable for them.

However, in the long term,

this may increase the risk of revision surgery,

so it is wise to follow the doctor’s professional opinion.

Then, should all dissatisfaction after nose surgery

lead to revision surgery?

No, it should not.

If the previous surgery has stabilized

biologically and structurally

and there is little possibility of a major problem,

and if the dissatisfaction is not so severe

that it interferes with daily life,

it is recommended that you simply live with it

rather than undergo revision surgery unnecessarily.

However, revision surgery should be considered

in the following cases.

✔️ When silicone has been used all the way to the nasal tip

: Over time,

there is a high possibility that the nose will continue to shorten.

✔️ When there is a severe foreign-body reaction

to the silicone

: The problem may worsen over time.

✔️ When the nasal tip has been raised excessively

and the skin continues to become thinner

: If the skin becomes too thin later

or severe contracture develops,

it may be difficult to resolve the problem.

These issues can also be identified visually,

and if left untreated,

they may lead to bigger problems.

Therefore, it is best to consult a specialist

and address them as early as possible.

If you are preparing for rhinoplasty,

it is important to think carefully

about what kind of nose shape you like.

At the same time,

unless your aesthetic sense is at a professional level,

it is especially important to listen carefully

to the specialist’s opinion.

Rather than simply creating a beautiful nose,

a specialist considers the proportions and harmony

of the patient’s entire face

to find the most ideal nose shape.

In particular, having nose surgery

at a younger age may be advantageous.

This is because undergoing surgery while young,

rather than waiting too long after reaching adulthood,

may make it more likely that septal cartilage can be used.

At a younger age, you may not yet have found

the nose shape that suits you best,

so especially in such cases,

following the professional advice of an experienced doctor

can be a shortcut to achieving a successful result.

Revision rhinoplasty

may feel like an unavoidable fate,

but through sufficient information, careful choices,

and close communication with a specialist,

its risks can be minimized.

We hope you make a wise decision

for a beautiful and healthy nose.

Thank you.