Repetitive reconstructive rhinoplasty.

Abstract

Plastic surgeons have the appropriate knowledge and clinical experience to perform a rhinoplasty. In the past 8 years, the authors have received for consultation some patients who had already undergone more than one rhinoplasty. As this shows, the specialist must be familiarized with the surgical technique specific for each case and its respective terminology. The authors propose the use of "repetitive reconstructive rhinoplasty" in referring to all the patients who for different reasons come to the specialist for a new rhinoplasty after a minimum of three surgeries performed previously. It must be emphasized that the plastic surgeon assumes the responsibility for choosing to perform repetitive reconstructive rhinoplasty, incurring the legal risk that the aesthetic or functional results may not satisfy the patient's expectations. One of the principal reasons for introducing repetitive reconstructive rhinoplasty emphasizes the "reconstructive" rather than the "aesthetic" role, whereas the legislation in many countries interprets the word "aesthetic" to imply an obligation for results that approximate perfection.