Secondary nose job surgery is performed to correct problems which persist or develop after a previous rhinoplasty. Sometimes the problems are minor and easily corrected, but if they are major, the secondary nose job surgery is always more difficult and requires more expertise than the first rhinoplasty surgery. This is due to the fact that the normal anatomy is no longer intact and the tissue planes which were present before the first surgery are now filled with scar tissue making it difficult to separate and reposition the remaining cartilages and bones. However, using the proper techniques, significant improvement and sometimes dramatic results can be achieved.

Since most patients for secondary nose job surgery have an unnatural looking nose that does not function properly and is not in balance and harmony with the other facial features, it is necessary to reshape the supporting framework of cartilage and bone and allow the skin to re-drape over the reconstructed framework, giving the nose its new shape. The patient's wishes in regard to the type of nose desired are always considered but there are limiting factors, such as the skin texture and thickness, the amount of scar tissue from the previous surgery and the facial proportions and contours. All this will be discussed with you during your consultation.

 

The following are questions most commonly asked by patients.

How does the surgery differ in a primary and secondary nose job surgery?

In most primary nose job surgeries, bone and cartilage are removed to give the nose its new shape. In patients requiring secondary nose job surgery, usually too much bone or cartilage was removed during the primary nose job surgery and these tissues have to be replaced to rebuild the nasal framework.

 

Where does the tissue come from that is used to rebuild the nasal framework?

Dr. Hackney prefers the patient's own tissue. The first choice is nasal septal cartilage which is present in the partition inside your nose that separates the left and right nasal cavities. However, sometimes this cartilage has already been removed during the primary nose job surgery and is not available. If it has been removed, ear cartilage or rib cartilage have to be used. If the rebuilding involves mainly the nasal tip, ear cartilage is usually sufficient. If the bridge has to be rebuilt, rib cartilage is required.

 

Is there anything that can be used to rebuild the nasal framework other than the patient's own tissues?

Yes. Cartilage from a tissue bank can be used. This is cartilage taken at autopsy and treated and tested so it is safe to place in another individual. While it is safe, your own tissues are preferred as there is less chance for infection and absorption. Implants (man-made materials) are used occasionally in unusual cases, but they also have greater chance of becoming infected or rejected.

 

Is secondary nose job surgery more difficult to perform than primary nose job surgery?

If the deformity to be corrected is minor, there may be a simple solution. However, if it is major, the secondary nose job surgery is definitely more difficult to perform. In fact, many plastic surgeons will not attempt a secondary nose job surgery because of the disappointing results obtained if one does not perform this type of surgery often.

 

Can you make my nose perfect?

No. There are several factors that are not under the complete control of the surgeon. Most of these occur during the healing process and affect how the nose heals. After surgery, many patients become "nose conscious" and continually look in the mirror to see if they can find anything wrong. If they look long enough they will see something that worries them. If you are a perfectionist and a significant improvement would not be good enough for you, Dr. Hackney recommends you not have nose job surgery. In almost every case, there will be imperfections if you look close enough. These are usually minor and would not be noticed if you had not had surgery. In fact, an imperfection may have been there before surgery, but was not noticed.

 

Is it possible to show me what my new nose will look like?

Not exactly. However, during your consultation photographs will be taken and Dr. Hackney will sketch on the photographs to demonstrate what he believes to be the best shaped nose for your face and discuss with you the surgical goals. These are for discussion only and do not imply or guaranty a result. However, it does give you an idea of what can and can not be achieved.

 

Will insurance pay for secondary nose job surgery?

Some insurance companies will pay only for the portion of surgery which is performed to improve breathing (functional surgery). They usually do not pay on that portion which is performed to improve appearance (cosmetic surgery). Our office will give you as much support as possible, but we cannot be responsible for the final decision of your insurance company. If the insurance company pays for part of the surgery, they usually pay for part of the anesthesia and facility fees.

 

What happens if further surgery is needed after the secondary nose job surgery?

Depending on the circumstances, the surgeon's fee is adjusted or waived to avoid any financial hardships on you. However, there will be facility and anesthesia charges which will vary depending on the procedure.

 

Is it necessary to pack the nose?

Usually not. Dr. Hackney tries to avoid packing and uses small soft plastic splints which have a built-in airway if internal support is needed. If packing should be required, Dr. Hackney usually uses the type that dissolves and does not have to be removed.

 

Will there be any incision on the outside of my nose?

In major secondary rhinoplasty surgery, it is almost always necessary to place a small incision on the column of the skin (on the underneath surface of the nose) between the nostrils. This incision usually heals very well and is not visible at conversational distances. If the base of the nose is too wide, it is narrowed by making incisions in the creases on both sides where the nostrils and cheeks join. The resulting scars are hidden in the creases.

 

Where is the surgery performed?

Nose job surgery is an outpatient procedure and is performed as an outpatient surgery procedure. If extensive grafting with rib cartilage is required, you may have to be admitted for a 1-2 night stay.

 

What type of anesthesia is used?

Nose job surgery is performed under a light general anesthetic. This allows the anesthetist to have complete control of the airway and keep any drainage from getting into your lungs. Since it is a light general anesthetic, you usually awaken easily with no side effects.

 

How long do secondary nose job surgery patients have to stay in Dallas?

You should remain in Dallas for at least two days after the surgery and come back at 6-7 days to have your cast removed. If you have a plastic surgeon in your hometown who is willing to take the cast off and take care of you after surgery that is acceptable. Most patients who travel a long distance find it easier to stay in Dallas 6-7 days and go home after the cast is removed. After cast removal, Dr. Hackney will see you as often as needed to ensure proper healing.

 

How much swelling will there be?

Although medicines are given prior to surgery to keep swelling to a minimum, it varies with different patients. Some swelling and bruising of the nose and around the eyes is expected. This reaches its peak 48-72 hours following surgery and then starts subsiding. You will be given iced gel eye masks to place on the eyes to help during this time.

Swelling will still be present when the cast is removed at one week. Normally, after 10 days to 2 weeks, most of the visible swelling will have disappeared, but there will be a feeling of numbness and stiffness of the tip of the nose which means some swelling persists. A question frequently asked is "how swollen is it"? It is impossible to give exact percentages, but Dr. Hackney will let you know if it is more than expected.

It will take the remaining swelling several months to subside completely but it will not be noticeable to anyone but you. In patients with thick, oily skin, swelling is slower to resolve. It is usually one year after nose job surgery before the nose reaches its final appearance and the final contours are visible.

 

How soon after surgery can glasses be worn?

Glasses can be worn while the cast is on. After it is removed, they can still be worn but should not rest on the nose for seven more weeks. We will show you how to do this. Contacts can be worn as soon as the swelling goes down around the eyes so they can be easily inserted and removed. This is usually within a few days of the surgery.

 

What are the limitations after nose job surgery?

Patients usually go back to school or to sedentary work one week after surgery. You should avoid strenuous activity (any activity which increases your hear rate) for 2 weeks. After 2 weeks you may gradually increase your activity so that you are back to your regular routine at 3 weeks. Avoid sun exposure (use sun screen), bumping your nose, and do not let your glasses rest on your nose for 8 weeks.

 

What kind of guarantee can you give me?

The only guarantee Dr. Hackney can offer is he will do his best to give you the best result possible. He will not leave the operating room until he feels your nose is in the best shape (functionally and aesthetically) it can be.

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