Here Are Some Questions To Know if Revising Your Surgery is Right for You
Having plastic surgery can be a nerve-wracking experience. It’s a major decision and carries physical and emotional risks. But what happens when you go through the process only to find that the results aren’t quite what you expected?
This is where revisions come into play. If you’re considering revising your plastic surgery results, this blog post will explore some considerations for deciding if it is right for you.
How to Tell if Your Plastic Surgery Has Failed
Patients might sometimes feel unsatisfied with their plastic surgery results for various reasons. As such, this feeling leads them to believe their procedure has ‘failed.’
Regardless, it is crucial to understand that healing after cosmetic surgery takes time. Results may only be apparent once the process is complete.
If you’re doubtful about the result, pay attention to these ways to know if your surgery has failed:
- Persistent pain. Mild discomfort is normal post-surgery. Meanwhile, continuous, unbearable pain after the expected healing period could say a problem.
- Excessive swelling. Usually, there is some swelling after surgery. However, if it doesn’t subside over time or worsen, it may signal an issue.
- Unusual scarring. Keloid or hypertrophic scars beyond the typical range could reflect poor healing.
- Infection. Signs of infection, such as pus or fever after surgery, require immediate attention.
- Slow healing. Prolonged healing beyond the expected timeframe might indicate underlying issues.
- Asymmetry. Noticeable differences in shape or size between corresponding body parts.
- Sandglass deformity. Occurs when a tummy tuck results in an abnormally tight waistline and bulging upper and lower abdomen.
- Malposition. Implants placed in the wrong position or shifted after the surgery.
- Negative emotional impact. Feeling depressed, anxious, or regretful about your results.
- Unmet expectations. Despite following the healing timeline, results do not align with your initial goals.
These signs can help determine if your plastic surgery has ‘failed.’ Remember to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. As such, Dr. Nick Masri can advise you on the appropriate course of action.
How To Continue After an Unsuccessful Surgery
Taking the proper steps toward revision and recovery is crucial. The following can guide you through this challenging process:
- Assess the situation. Look at the results and consider why you feel the surgery has failed. Make a list of issues you want to address with your surgeon.
- Consult with your surgeon. Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your concerns with your surgeon. Doing so will give insight into the root cause of the failure and may suggest revision options.
- Allow your body to heal. Give your body time to recover from the initial surgery. Most revisions should be considered at least six months post-operation.
- Seek a second opinion. Consult with another board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Nick Masri. He can assess your situation and explore alternative medical solutions.
- Research options. Investigate different methods or procedures in which the initial surgery failed. For instance, it may be specific revision techniques or reconstructive methods.
- Understand potential risks. Be prepared to accept the possibility of complications from revision surgery. Discuss these with your surgeon.
- Create a plan. Work with your chosen surgeon. Develop a plan for revision surgery addressing the problems encountered in the initial surgery.
- Set realistic expectations. Be aware that revision surgery may not produce perfect results. You may even need multiple procedures. Discuss a realistic timeline with your surgeon.
- Prepare for the procedure. Take the necessary steps to prepare for revision surgery. Initially, follow pre-surgery instructions and arrange support from friends and family.
What Does Revision Surgery Include?
The decision to undergo a revision procedure can be caused by:
- Unsatisfactory initial outcomes
- Surgical complications
- Natural aging processes that have altered the desired appearance
Plastic surgery revision includes various corrective procedures designed to fix various issues. Plus, it contains methods to improve or adjust the results of previous plastic surgery.
Revisions require a higher skill level since the previous procedure altered the patient’s anatomy. Some common types of surgery revision procedures include:
- Revision rhinoplasty
- Breast implant replacement
- Scar revision
For instance, the surgeon may need to correct functional or aesthetic issues in revision rhinoplasty. These problems may arise from the initial surgery. As such, it includes difficulties in breathing or an unsatisfactory nose shape.
Similarly, breast implant replacement may be required if the original implants have shifted or ruptured.
Aside from that, revision may sometimes involve a partial redo of the original surgery. Likewise, it entails exploring alternative non-invasive options to achieve the desired results. A thorough exploration of these modalities helps attain the patient’s expected results.
Moreover, revised plastic surgery is often tailored to specific individual needs.
What Makes Revision Processes Different From Normal Surgery?
Revision plastic surgery differs from normal surgery in several significant ways. Patients seeking revision surgery may have:
- Higher stress levels
- More complex medical situations
- Extra precautions to follow to ensure the best possible outcome.
Here are some differences between revision and normal surgery:
- Patient Expectations. Revision surgery patients often have higher expectations and anxieties. These feelings are due to their previous negative experiences. This makes it essential for providers to manage and discuss treatment limitations correctly.
- Emotional Challenges. Undergoing revision surgery can be more emotional than the initial procedure. As such, it is due to prior dissatisfaction or complications. Patients need to address and manage this additional stress.
- Complexity. Revision surgeries are usually more complex than primary surgeries as it seeks to correct or improve previous results. The procedure may involve addressing scar tissue, unique surgical techniques, or other factors.
- Precautions. Patients undergoing revision surgery might require extra precautions both pre- and post-op. It depends on the specific issues experienced after the initial procedure.
- Recovery Time. Patients undergoing revision surgery may experience an extended or more complicated recovery process. It may require extra follow-ups or further interventions to address complications.
Everyone’s decision-making process regarding revision surgery is different. However, these questions may provide valuable insight into whether this option is right for you. Make sure to seek further help and talk to a board-certified plastic surgeon like Dr. Nick Masri.