There are few times in life when you get a do-over.
Fortunately, revision surgery provides just that for cosmetic surgery patients who are unhappy with the results of their procedures. With those patients in mind, Costhetics scoured the latest news and information on cosmetic surgery and aesthetics, and gathered up-to-date information on this trending topic.
Revision vs Reversal Cosmetic Surgery
Reversal surgery, rather than revision surgery, is another timely topic, though not ours today. It’s performed when a patient has been happy with the results of a previous surgery, but now wants to go back to their natural state. Breast implant removal is a reversal surgery that many celebrities are embracing. Fear of ruptures, breast cancer, and other complications, drives some of these decisions but many, like actress Chrissy Teigen, simply decide the time has come to go au naturel.
Revision surgery, the subject of this article, is an option for patients who are not completely happy with the results of their procedure. As the name implies, a revision is about improving a result, rather than undoing it. With breast implants for example, revision surgery may be needed to reposition the implant into a more desirable position.
4 Common Revision Surgery Sites
Revision cosmetic surgery generally focuses on these four areas:
- Breasts – All types of breast surgery, whether to lift, augment or reduce, can lead to the need for revision surgery. The most common reasons for revision to this area are capsular contracture, implant deflation, and adjustment of implant size.
- Tummy – Revision surgery after abdominoplasty addresses problems including raised scars or a belly button that has become misshapen during healing. Revision surgery may also be appropriate for patients who have gained or lost weight, causing the skin to sag.
- Nose – Rhinoplasty revision surgery is quite common, perhaps the most common of all. Revision surgery on the nose is performed to correct a problem that was not addressed in the original surgery, such as a droopy tip or overly wide nostrils. Revision nose surgery is also frequently necessary to improve functional problems with breathing.
- Eyes – Revision blepharoplasty is frequently sought by patients with scar tissue that affects the positioning of their eyelid skin. It’s a complicated surgery as the surgeon must navigate around the thick, firm scar tissue.
Why Revision Surgery Is Necessary
The world of cosmetic surgery has seen an explosion of advancements in the 21st century. Why then, hasn’t the frequency of revision surgery decreased? A number of factors can lead to the need for revision cosmetic surgery:
- Doctor and patient have different aesthetic opinions
- Poor communication between doctor and patient regarding outcomes
- Healing did not go as expected
- Unforeseen complications
- Poorly executed surgery by an inexperienced doctor
This last reason is painfully common as more and more doctors enter the field of cosmetic surgery.
When It Comes to Revision Surgery, Patience is a Virtue
It takes a long time to heal from a surgical procedure. During that time, you may be very unhappy with what you see. Don’t despair and please be patient. Many surgeries do not heal fully until a year has passed. Keep in touch with your surgeon and voice your concerns, but don’t be surprised if the advice you get is, Just give it time. After a proper healing period, you can explore options to fine-tune your surgery.
Are you dissatisfied with the results of recent cosmetic surgery? Would you like to make changes, but don’t know who to call? Costhetics can help. Contact us for guidance and the name of a great surgeon in your area.