Psychological considerations in revision rhinoplasty

Abstract

Revision rhinoplasty is a unique challenge. In addition to the technical considerations that are inherently more difficult than primary cases, the surgeon must also be mindful of the psychological considerations that revision rhinoplasty presents. These patients are by definition unhappy with their prior rhinoplasty experience, and this perception of a suboptimal result is both legitimate and real, even if the surgeon is not in agreement. Tantamount to any intraoperative technique, the preoperative ability of the surgeon to sift through the myriad psychological and psychosocial issues is critical to achieving satisfactory outcomes for both patient and surgeon. Reasons for dissatisfaction with a primary surgery, reasons for seeking revision surgery, and the psychological profiles of revision rhinoplasty patients can be quite different from other facial cosmetic procedures. This chapter attempts to provide the reader with a better understanding of the complex interplay of these issues and, with this understanding, help the reader determine who is a favorable surgical candidate from one who is best left unrevised.