Complicated rhinoplasty, often just called a complex "nose job," is surgery meant to fix problems from past nose surgeries. It's for people who've had nose surgery before but aren't happy with how it looks or works. This surgery is tricky because it has to deal with scar tissue and changes in the nose's structure, making it more complicated than the first-time nose surgery.
Healing from complicated rhinoplasty depends on how big the surgery was and how quickly you heal. Here's a basic timeline:
Recovery Time: Expect to spend about 2 to 3 weeks getting through the first part of recovery. It might take up to a year to see the final results as the swelling goes down.
Stay in Turkey: If you're having your surgery in Turkey, plan to stay for about 7 to 14 days for your initial healing and check-ups.
Return to Work: Most people can go back to work and do light activities about 2 to 3 weeks after surgery.
Exercise: You can start gentle exercise after 3 weeks, but avoid heavy lifting and intense workouts for at least 6 weeks.
Final Results: You'll start to see improvements right away, but the final look of your surgery will show after 6 to 12 months when the swelling is totally gone.
Activities to Avoid: Stay away from anything that could hit your nose, like contact sports, for at least 6 weeks.
Post-Surgery Diet: Eat soft or liquid foods for the first few days after surgery to avoid putting pressure on your nose.
Consultation
First, the surgeon will look at your nose, talk about your past surgeries, and understand what you want to change. They'll check your nose carefully and might use imaging to plan your surgery.
Before the Surgery
Get ready by avoiding certain medicines that can make you bleed more, stop smoking, and arrange for someone to help you after your surgery. Your surgeon will give you specific instructions based on your health history.
The Surgery
The surgeon will make cuts, usually inside your nose or at the base, to work on the bone and cartilage. They'll carefully shape, remove, or add to these parts to get the look and function you want, being careful with both the outside and inside of your nose.
Follow-Up
Your first check-up will likely be within a week after surgery to take out any splints or stitches and see how you're healing. You'll have more check-ups to keep an eye on your recovery.
How happy people are with complicated rhinoplasty varies, but most people see better looks and function when a skilled surgeon does it. A study in the Journal of Aesthetic and Reconstructive Surgery found that about 85% of people are happy with their results, so picking an experienced surgeon is important.
Procedure | Complicated Rhinoplasty |
Duration | Surgery typically lasts a few hours |
Stay | 7-14 days in Turkey for initial healing and check-ups |
Cost | €2,650 - €5,000 |
Anesthesia | General anesthesia |
Recovery | Initial recovery is 2-3 weeks; final results may take up to a year |
Final Results | Improvements noticeable immediately, final shape settles after 6-12 months |
Side Effects | Swelling, bruising, discomfort, potential trouble breathing, scarring |
Risks | Infection, bleeding, need for additional surgeries |
Success Rate | High, varies by individual; approximately 85% satisfaction rate |
Exercise | Light exercise after 3 weeks, more strenuous after 6 weeks |
Back To Work | Usually 2-3 weeks |
Scars | Minimal, typically inside the nose |
Pain | Managed with medication, typically mild to moderate |
Related Procedures | Rhinoplasty, Revision Rhinoplasty |
It's called complicated when it needs to fix or improve the results from past nose surgeries, especially with scar tissue and changes in the nose's shape.
Yes, but make sure your surgeon has a lot of experience with these kinds of surgeries because they're more complex.
You might have more swelling and bruising because it's a more involved surgery and there's scar tissue.
The start of recovery is similar to a first-time nose job, but seeing the final results can take longer, often up to a year.
If you're not happy with how a past nose job turned out, talking to a specialist in redoing nose jobs can help you decide if this surgery is right for you.
The risks are similar to any nose job, like infection and bleeding, but a bit higher because the surgery is more complex.
Choosing a surgeon who's good at redoing nose jobs and following their advice before and after surgery is key.
Yes, fixing breathing issues can be one of the goals, whether they're from past surgeries or weren't fully fixed before.
Bring any medical records from past nose surgeries, a list of medicines you're taking, and be clear about what you want to change with the new surgery.
Talk to your surgeon about your concerns. Sometimes small touch-ups can be done after the swelling goes down and your nose has fully healed.