Procedures | Revision Surgery

What is Revision Surgery?

Revision surgery is defined as the second (third, or fourth) round of the same procedure to make a correction or adjustment. This could be either an aesthetic or functional correction.

It’s important to note that Dr. Rahban does not perform revision surgery immediately following an original procedure. This is to allow your body ample time to heal completely prior to undergoing another surgery. Many patients are scared and anxious to want to fix things as soon as possible. While that is a normal and understandable feeling, if the anatomy is still in the midst of healing, it will be swollen and inflamed. This will make correction unlikely and worsen the existing issue.

Reasons for Revision Surgery:

There are numerous reasons why corrective surgery may be necessary including:

• Changes in aesthetic goals;
• Loss of functionality;
• Unexpected scarring;
• Miscommunication of expectations between patient and surgeon;
• Poor wound healing;
• Complications such as hematoma or infection.

Importance of Seeking out a Revision Expert:

If revision surgery is necessary, it’s imperative that you do your research and seek out a Board Certified revision expert such as Dr. Rahban. It’s crucial to understand that revision surgery is far more complex than the initial procedure and should not be taken lightly by patients or doctors alike.

What sets Dr. Rahban apart is his patient centric approach, and willingness to take as much time as needed to troubleshoot the root of the issue that led to the need for a revision in the first place. There are two key elements to ensure an outstanding outcome from revision surgery. First, diagnosing the issue followed by creating a correct surgical plan. That means a surgeon MUST ask a lot of questions about the initial surgery, review operative reports from the previous surgeon, and try to identify what when wrong. Often times, surgeons are arrogant and plan to do the same surgery except assuming they are a better surgeon. Fact gathering is a time consuming process and may take multiple visits. In a busy surgeons practice, the process is often rushed and inadequate time is spent really listening and understanding the patients history, leading to multiple failed surgeries.

After gathering all the necessary information, your surgeon must then come up with a surgical plan. It’s seldom that doing the same surgery as before will lead to a better outcome. Your surgeon must be highly skilled, and able to think outside the usual box. Otherwise, you are destined to repeat the same mistakes.

Lastly, once the facts are known, a new and fresh plan has been determined, its time for your surgeon to execute that plan. This is where your surgeons skillset comes into play. Primary, or first time surgery is difficult as it is let alone a revision where the anatomy is altered and there is excess scar tissue. Patience, and accuracy is crucial.

When Dr. Rahban evaluates your situation, he inquires and takes into account your entire health history including past surgeries, scar tissue, and complications from a previous procedure. He then applies his proficient knowledge of the anatomy of the area(s) being treated and customizes a treatment to your specific situation. This unique approach might be more time consuming for Dr. Rahban, but he is willing to go the extra mile to protect his patients and prevent the need for additional revision surgeries in the future.

Common Revision Procedures:

There are a number of plastic surgery procedures that warrant patients to explore their options for revision surgery. Some of the more common revisions that Dr. Rahban is highly sought out for are:

Breast Augmentation/ Breast Lift/ Breast Reduction Revision:

• Improper sizing – either too big or too small;
• Issues related to capsular contracture - Pain, hardening, or malpositioning creating asymmetry;
• Displacement of implants such as Symmastia, bottoming out/fold malposition, or migration in the armpits;
• Ruptured implants;
• Unsightly scars from lifts,
• Areolar malpositioning.

Rhinoplasty Revision:

• Nasal obstructions/breathing difficulties;
• Crooked nose, nasal asymmetry;
• Collapsed nasal valves;
• Poor aesthetics, nasal irregularities.

Tummy Tuck Revision:

• Poor/unsightly scar;
• Dog ear formation;
• Unattractive belly button;
• High riding scar;
• Pubic Fullness.

Chin Implant Revision:

• Visible or unsightly scar;
• Malpositioned implant leading to chin asymmetry;
• Pain from nerve impingement.

Blepharoplasty Revision:

• Under corrected (too much extra skin or fat left behind);
• Over corrected (too much skin and/or fat removed);
• Ptosis;
• Misshapen or unnatural appearance.

Facelift Revision:

• Unsightly incisions;
• Highly visible facial scarring;
• Infection;
• Necrosis of skin/skin slough.

How to Prepare for a Revision Surgery Consultation:

When you meet with Dr. Rahban for a consult, he will thoroughly assess your situation and come up with a personalized game plan consisting of OPTIONS with your best interest on the forefront.

For diagnostic purposes, it’s ideal to have with you as much information regarding your previous surgery for Dr. Rahban to review such as:

• Operative report(s);
• Any labs, xrays, or scans;
• Photos;
• List of questions and concerns.

Dr. Rahban understands the challenges patients are faced with when undergoing corrective surgery, and will work together with you to achieve optimal results in the safest way possible.