Revision Rhinoplasty

Before Surgery

It is important to tell Dr. Bentkover just what is bothering you with relation to your original surgery. Some of your issues may be more 'fixable" than others.  Digital photographs and computer imaging help Dr. Bentkover evaluate your nose and recommend the appropriate changes needed to achieve the desired results. He will ask for your active participation while he evaluates and "morphs" your digital images. 

A fact of the matter is that the best chance to get the nose you want is at the first operation.  A revision rhinoplasty can often improve the appearance and function of your nose significantly, but still may not achieve exactly what you want.  The scar that forms under the skin and potentially distorts the underlying cartilage increases with each procedure and can be a limiting factor in what can and cannot be accomplished with a revision operation.

Method of Surgery

Because it affords better visualization of the nasal architecture and a better evaluation of the problems in a previously operated nose,  Dr. Bentkover performs most of his revision rhinoplasties through an "open" approach.  As much as he likes to avoid "surprises" at the time of a primary rhinoplasty, in a revision case it is even more important to be prepared for anticipated problems in the nose.  The operative report from your previous surgery is an important element in preparing for the surgery, but nothing beats the ability to clearly see all the problems.

He may use a closed approach for small touch up revision procedures.  This might be just some filing of the profile or a small graft.  Some of these cases can even be done under local anesthesia in our office.  However, most of the revision procedures he does are full rhinoplasties that require the open approach and cartilage grafts from the nose and/or ears.  These are usually done with general anesthesia in the Day Surgery Unit at Saint Vincent Hospital, Worcester Medical Center, Worcester, MA. We are confident you will find all of these facilities to be state-of-the-art, comfortable and very patient friendly  There is a bit more extensive discussion of the pros and cons of open vs. closed rhinoplasty in the Rhinoplasty section of this website.

Recovery: What to Expect

The recovery takes one to two weeks. Most people resume most of their normal activities and return to work within 10 days. At surgery, a lightweight splint is applied to protect the nose. The splint is removed in a week. Soft silicone plastic splints may be inserted on either side of the nasal septum at the time of surgery to protect the septum. These are also removed in a week. There is always some stuffiness of the nose for a week or two, especially when work has been done on the nasal septum. Pain is generally moderate and is usually well controlled with medication. Bruising occurs around the eyes, but begins to fade within a few days. Discoloration usually disappears within 10 days to two weeks.

Insurance

Your insurance company may cover part of the costs associated with your surgery if part of the surgery is done to correct breathing problems secondary to the original operation.  It never covers the cost of the cosmetic part of the procedure. We recommend that you check with your carrier to determine if there is coverage.