In cosmetic surgery, a secondary procedure is a cosmetic plastic surgery procedure that is done after a previous plastic surgery procedure. Sometimes, people who have a rhinoplasty, or a nose job, will choose to have a secondary procedure.
People can choose to undergo a secondary procedure for a number of reasons. Usually, the procedure won't occur for several months after the initial surgery. In fact, most plastic surgeons and experts recommend waiting at least one year after the first nose surgery before having a secondary nose surgery.
People may get secondary plastic surgery procedures for a number of reasons, including the following:
Most often, communication between a cosmetic plastic surgeon and his patient can eliminate the need for a secondary procedure.
Making Sure a Primary Procedure Goes Right Patients and plastic surgeons need to communicate very effectively. Patients need to explain what they want from a nose surgery procedure in great detail. Photos, drawings or other visual aids can be helpful. Plastic surgeons must also communicate clearly. They must make sure that patients have reasonable expectations for a nose surgery. They must also clearly explain what the procedure will likely change on a person. Effective communication can eliminate the need for secondary procedures in many cases.
Patients and plastic surgeons need to communicate very effectively. Patients need to explain what they want from a nose surgery procedure in great detail. Photos, drawings or other visual aids can be helpful.
Plastic surgeons must also communicate clearly. They must make sure that patients have reasonable expectations for a nose surgery. They must also clearly explain what the procedure will likely change on a person.
Effective communication can eliminate the need for secondary procedures in many cases.
Secondary nose surgery procedures are more complicated than primary plastic surgery procedures on the nose. Because the skin, tissues and other parts of the nose have already been altered, they will be more sensitive and can be more difficult to work with.
Incisions and cuts should also be limited as much as possible during a secondary procedure to limit blood loss. If extra cartilage is needed, it is best to use the patient's own cartilage.
Additionally, it's important to have a plastic surgeon who is experienced in secondary procedures on the nose. While secondary nose surgery is similar to primary nose surgery, there are subtle differences that should be acknowledged. The principles of the surgery itself are the same, but plastic surgeons should know how to work with thinner skin and already-adjusted cartilage and tissue.
Plastic surgeons also need to be aware of the state of the nasal septum, which is the wall that separates the nostrils. In some cases, the septum is moved or removed during a primary nasal surgery procedure.
Some plastic surgeons specialize in secondary procedures. Plastic surgeons who specialize in secondary procedures are often efficient at communicating with patients and at establishing clear expectations and goals for a secondary procedure.
Most plastic surgeons do not recommend having more than two procedures done on the nose, so it's important to make sure the patient's desires are met with a secondary nose surgery procedure.
Hudson, Patrick (n.d.). Secondary Rhinoplasty. Retrieved November 5, 2007, from the Dr. Patrick Hudson Web site: http://www.phudson.com/rhino/FAQ/rhino2.html.
Rhinoplasty Chicago (2005). Secondary Rhinoplasty Surgery Chicago. Retrieved November 5, 2007, from the Rhinoplasty Chicago Web site: http://www.rhinoplastychicago.com/secondary-rhinoplasty-surgery-chicago.html.
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