Secondary Rhinoplasty

What is secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Secondary rhinoplasty surgery is the procedure of performing rhinoplasty again in patients who have previously experienced severe nasal trauma or undergone nasal surgery but still have visual and functional problems. Before secondary rhinoplasty surgery, the nasal anatomy should be carefully analyzed, the patient’s expectations should be evaluated, and the extent to which these expectations can be met should be clearly explained to the patient.

What is the purpose of secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
The aim of the surgery is to achieve, as much as possible, an acceptable appearance in accordance with the patient’s expectations by correcting deformities that developed after previous surgery or trauma, without impairing breathing.

Is secondary rhinoplasty surgery a difficult operation, and how long does it take?
Depending on the degree of nasal deformity, secondary rhinoplasty surgery can be relatively difficult both technically and in terms of achieving a successful result. It is performed under general anesthesia and takes approximately 3.5-4 hours.

How is secondary rhinoplasty surgery performed?
Secondary rhinoplasty surgery is generally performed using the open technique. During surgery, excess cartilage in the nose is generally removed, the hump on the nasal bridge is corrected, the nasal septum is corrected if it is curved, the nasal bridge is refined, and the nasal tip is supported to achieve a more delicate and triangular appearance. If necessary, the nasal wings and nostrils are also reshaped. In order to perform these procedures, cartilage tissue may be taken from the ribs when necessary. Afterwards, silicone tampons are placed in the nostrils and plastic splints are placed on the nasal bridge to complete the surgery. If cartilage is taken from the ribs, a surgical scar of approximately 6-8 cm remains in that area.

What are the possible risks and complications of secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
As with any surgery, there are risks such as bleeding, bruising-swelling, asymmetry, scarring and dissatisfaction with the result after secondary rhinoplasty surgery. These risks will be minimized as much as possible with the appropriate approach of your surgeon and by the patient strictly following the recommendations.

Are there any side effects of secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Secondary rhinoplasty surgery does not have any specific side effects, and the surgical risk is not higher than that of other aesthetic surgeries.

Will there be scars after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Since secondary rhinoplasty surgery is generally performed using the open technique, a V-shaped surgical scar forms at the junction of the nose and upper lip. However, the scars fade over time and become much less noticeable. Unless examined very closely, they are difficult to notice, and in the long term the scars become barely visible.

What should be done before secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Before secondary rhinoplasty surgery, our doctor evaluates the patient and a plan is made regarding the procedure to be performed. The surgery date is decided. As with all other surgeries, smoking should be stopped 2 weeks before surgery. Blood-thinning medications, herbal teas, vitamins and weight-loss medications should not be used starting 1 week before surgery. Only medications that the patient needs to use because of existing diseases should be taken with the doctor’s knowledge. You will be informed about how many hours you need to fast on the day of surgery.

Why is it important to stop smoking before secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Since smoking significantly affects wound healing, it is strongly recommended that you do not smoke for 15 days before and 15 days after surgery. The patient should be aware that smoking is one of the main causes of poor healing.

How should we sleep after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
In order to prevent swelling in the facial area from increasing and to allow it to decrease over time, you should sleep on your back with your head elevated using 2-3 pillows. You may sleep on your side after 3 weeks, and 3-4 months should pass before sleeping face down.

How is dressing performed after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
After secondary rhinoplasty surgery, a small amount of leakage or bleeding from the tip of the nose is normal. Therefore, a dressing called a nasal tip dressing is applied to absorb this bleeding. This dressing should be changed when it becomes soiled with blood.

When can I return to work after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
After secondary rhinoplasty surgery, your tissues will have healed sufficiently within 7 days. However, in most cases, completing 10 days is sufficient before going out in public and returning to work.

When can I start exercising after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
For the first 3 days after secondary rhinoplasty surgery, you are generally advised to rest, walk around the house and perform simple daily activities. After 3 days, you may take short and careful walks outside. However, straining, lifting weights and strenuous exercise are not recommended during the first weeks. Generally, all types of sports activities are allowed after 2 months.

When will the nasal tampon and splint be removed after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Seven days after rhinoplasty surgery, your nasal tampon will be gently removed, and the bandage and splint on the nasal bridge will also be removed. Usually, no new bandage is applied. Removal of the splint and bandage is an easy procedure, so please do not worry.

Will the stitches be removed after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Since the sutures used in secondary rhinoplasty surgery are completely hidden, there is no need for stitch removal.

Is secondary rhinoplasty surgery very painful?
Most patients state that they experience very little pain after rhinoplasty surgery. Mild tightness and pain may be expected in the surgical area, and regular use of the prescribed antibiotics and painkillers is generally sufficient.

When can I take a shower after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
After surgery, we recommend keeping both the nose area and, if cartilage was taken from the ribs, the rib area dry. Therefore, you may comfortably take a shower after your nasal splint and tampon are removed on the 7th day after surgery. Extremely hot or extremely cold water is not recommended during the early period.

When can I swim in the pool or sea after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
It is recommended to wait 2 months before swimming in the pool or sea.

When can I travel after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
After secondary rhinoplasty surgery, short-distance road travel can be made after 4 days. For a 1-2 hour flight, it is appropriate to wait until 7 days have passed.

How long should sexual intercourse be avoided after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
During sexual intercourse, blood pressure increases, which may cause unwanted bleeding after surgery. Therefore, it is recommended to wait 3 weeks before sexual intercourse.

Is it harmful to wear glasses after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
Glasses should not be worn for 2 months after secondary rhinoplasty surgery. Contact lenses may be used.

When can I start sunbathing or use a solarium after secondary rhinoplasty surgery?
After secondary rhinoplasty surgery, sunbathing and solarium use are not appropriate for the first 3-4 months because the surgical areas may be affected and the scars may become darker.

How much does secondary rhinoplasty surgery cost?
In order to provide clear information about the cost of secondary rhinoplasty surgery, the patient’s complaints and aesthetic expectations need to be evaluated objectively, and the procedures required need to be determined. Pricing information will be provided after the examination.

If you have any questions regarding surgeries or would like to be evaluated by Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery Specialist Op. Dr. Fatih Söylemez, you can request an appointment via WhatsApp or Contact Form now.