Rhinoplasty Specialist in Toronto Comments on Study of Revision Cases

A recent study shows that airway concerns are a major reason many patients seek revision for rhinoplasty, Toronto surgeon Dr. Richard Rival explains. He says surgeons need to pay special attention to this during initial rhinoplasty surgeries.

Toronto, Ontario (November 2013) — Many patients who return to the operating room following cosmetic nose surgery complain the initial nose jobs left them with obstructed airways that required revision rhinoplasty, a new study shows. Toronto facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Rival (www.rivalcosmeticsurgery.com) says his colleagues can avoid this situation by paying special attention to the airway during the initial procedures.

“Nobody wants a beautiful nose that is difficult to breathe through,” Dr. Rival says. “Surgeons need to keep the airway in mind during the procedure and make sure they don’t sacrifice function for form.”

In the study, which appeared in the October issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, authors examined the records of 100 revision rhinoplasty patients. The research showed 65% of the patients seeking revision surgery had complaints about compromised airways, while only about a third of the patients were unhappy with the cosmetic results.

“The high incidence of airway concerns among secondary rhinoplasty patients is alarming and emphasizes the urgent need to pay attention to the airway during primary rhinoplasty,” the study’s authors concluded.

Dr. Rival, who practices facial plastic surgery in Toronto, says surgeons can easily cause the nasal structures they manipulate during cosmetic surgery to obstruct a patient’s airway if they don’t give the structures special care. It’s one of the reasons people considering rhinoplasty should ask about a surgeon’s experience before choosing a doctor, he says.

“Rhinoplasty is among the most delicate of all the procedures plastic surgeons perform,” he says, “and it also has one of the highest revision rates. Patients who take the time to seek out experienced surgeons are doing themselves a big favor.”

Another of the study’s findings, notes the Toronto surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty, is the difference between what a patient sees and what a physician observes. In the study, the surgeon noted significantly more nasal deformities — such as asymmetrical nostrils — than the patients themselves noticed.

“Patients whose initial rhinoplasty didn’t sufficiently correct cosmetic issues may see their noses with a less critical eye,” Dr. Rival says. “This also may indicate that surgeons aren’t hearing patient concerns the way they should. A good surgeon truly listens to the patient and tries to reach that person’s goals.”

Request a consultation with Dr. Rival, a rhinoplasty specialist in Toronto, or call (866) 229-3223 to set up your appointment.