Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision Rhinoplasty

Make your next rhinoplasty your last. Even if you have already had nasal surgery, a revision rhinoplasty (nose job), can create a more refined and proportioned nose that not only looks better but also functions better.

Things to know about Revision Rhinoplasty:

• Reasons to have a revision rhinoplasty
• Issues related to revision nose job surgery
• Finding a shared surgical goal
• Structure-based approach to rebuild the nose

Reasons to have a revision rhinoplasty

Perhaps you have had prior nose surgery in the past and are not totally pleased with the results. Or your nose looked great for the first year or two after surgery but then gradually took on a pinched or unnatural appearance. Or maybe you breathe worse after your surgery than before. These are all common scenarios that Dr. Lamperti has encountered in patients who turned to him to help correct their nasal problems.

Trust your nose to a rhinoplasty expert

Revision rhinoplasty is certainly more complicated than having a primary procedure. The natural tissue planes were disrupted during the original surgery and replaced with scar tissue, making dissection more difficult.  Often the natural supporting framework of the nose was compromised, necessitating reconstruction and structural supplementation.  Additionally, many such patients have already undergone a septoplasty, limiting the amount of septal cartilage that can be used for surgery.  Dr. Lamperti is able to use cartilage from either the patient’s ear or rib to complete the surgery if needed.

Formulate a shared surgical goal

Dr. Thomas Lamperti finds revision rhinoplasty surgery to be among the most personally rewarding procedures he does. A key to revision rhinoplasty is obtaining a shared, realistic goal with the patient.  Very often the lack of appropriate communication with the original surgeon is what led to the less than optimal results.  Dr. Lamperti uses computer-based imaging software to morph his patients’ photos to give them an idea of what he thinks is realistically possible given their skin type, anatomy, and overall facial features.  Dr. Lamperti’s patients understand that the morphed images are not a guarantee of results but a simulation of a shared surgical goal.

Structure-based approach to nasal surgery

Dr. Thomas Lamperti often performs revision rhinoplasty using a small, nearly imperceptible, incision across the bridge of tissue between the nostrils (the columella).  This affords an excellent view of the cartilages of the nasal tip and allows for more precise surgical maneuvers.  This is especially important in revision cases where the underlying cartilage has been compromised.  The surgery is performed under general anesthesia and you will be able to return home the day of surgery. You can read more about Dr. Lamperti's overall philosophy regarding nasal surgery here.

Meet Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Lamperti

Dr. Lamperti, a Seattle rhinoplasty super-specialist, has devoted his career to treatments of the head, face and neck. He feels that by focusing his plastic surgery endeavors solely to the face he is best able to provide the excellent results his patients desire.

More about Dr. Lamperti ›