Revision Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult procedures in plastic surgery. There is significant scarring under the nasal skin and the integrity of the cartilage may be compromised. In addition, there is typically little septal cartilage to work with for grafting.

Frequently, the use of ear cartilage or rib cartilage is required for revision rhinoplasty. Ear cartilage for nose surgery is a good source for grafting, however, it can be flimsy, curved and not as rigid as septal or rib cartilage. Obtaining rib cartilage requires a separate incision in the groove just below the breast or chest and has separate risks and mild pain postoperatively.

I have recently been using PDS plates to plate fragments of remaining septal cartilage and to strengthen and straighten ear cartilage for revision rhinoplasty. PDS is a type of material that has been used in sutures or stitches for many years now. It lasts 6 months and then resorbs or dissolves on its own. I have sat on the advisory board for Mentor/Johnson & Johnson regarding these plates and have great success using them with my revision patients. They are particularly beneficial for revision septoplasty and caudal septal deformities in patients who have nasal breathing issues.

Contact Dr. Funk at Funk Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule an appointment to discuss revision rhinoplasty, rhinoplasty, or any of your other facial concerns.