Revision Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty isn’t something that should be rushed into. The nose is a complicated, sensitive structure, prone to scarring and obstruction. Alterations require dexterity, caution, and extraordinary skill. Some surgeons simply aren’t up to the task. Those that have a reputation for performing the procedure are considered artists and sculptors. Maintaining the aesthetic appeal of the nose can be quite difficult. It is possible for the cartilage in the center to become crooked. The tip may take on an awkward appearance. The nasal valve can collapse, and the airway could become blocked, forcing the patient to seek treatment. Revision rhinoplasty was devised to correct these issues, but they are one of the most complex operations a surgeon can perform.

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Types of Revision Rhinoplasty
Why Revision Rhinoplasty?
What are Concerns for Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure?
Steps to getting your procedure
Cost of Revision Rhinoplasty
Why Yes Doctor for Revision Rhinoplasty
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes Doctor’s Plastic Surgery Procedure Revision Rhinoplasty

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgical procedure designed to correct any issues caused by a previous rhinoplasty. Commonly known as a “nose job,” rhinoplasty is meant to alter the aesthetic of the nose, thereby balancing out the rest of the facial features. It involves sculpting and contouring, and it often includes a reduction in size or the removal of cartilage and perhaps bone. Surgeons have been performing this operation for decades. There are as many different techniques as there are providers capable of utilizing them. But the procedure is extraordinarily complex, and sometimes mistakes are made. When this happens, patients may have no other choice but to seek out a revision. There are many reasons why they may choose to do so. They may not like the aesthetic of their new nose. They could have something blocking their airway. They may need their tip or their bridge rebuilt, or they could require a graft to repair a collapsed nasal valve. All of these changes should be made by a reputable, highly skilled provider–someone who goes above and beyond the requirements of the average surgeon. It’s not uncommon for patients to travel or reserve a coveted place with a famous doctor in order to ensure that they receive the best care money can buy. 

Once a suitable provider has been found to perform the procedure, the patient will undergo imaging and examinations to determine the source of their problem. This information will be used to build a customized treatment plan that fits the patient’s medical concerns and specific aesthetic goals. The techniques used in revision rhinoplasty are just as diverse as those used in primary rhinoplasty. There are as many different types of operations as there are patients. But there are commonalities between them, usually based on the complications that often arise as a result of the original procedure. Patients often require cartilage to support the tip or bridge of the nose. That may be taken from elsewhere on the body. Sometimes irregularities form on the soft tissue in the tip of the nose. This will require a tissue graft. Skin grafts may be necessary to open an obstructed nasal airway. If the nose needs to be reshaped, the surgeon may remove cartilage or bone. They may also correct the shape of the septum. Nearly all of this is done under the sedation of general anesthesia. It’s important to note that the success of a revision rhinoplasty is never guaranteed. After receiving the procedure, many patients end up having to get more work done.

Types of Revision Rhinoplasty

  • Which Revision Rhinoplasty is Right for You?

    Every provider has their own specific revision techniques, often based on a lifetime of research and practice. There are far too many to name, and they can be quite difficult to understand. But they mostly center around the basic problems that patients face when they seek secondary treatment. Patients are advised to research their specific issue. Try to determine what is happening with the help of a skilled surgical team. Ask them to explain everything, and take some time to understand the different treatment options, the risks they pose, as well as the relevant biology behind them. The nose is incredibly complicated, but gaining a basic understanding of it will help patients make informed decisions when it comes to their care. They can be their own advocates. That could make all the difference when it comes to achieving the desired results and ensuring the patient’s safety. It’s important to remember that safety is the main concern, not the patient’s aesthetic appeal. After researching, patients often come to the provider’s office with a set of demands and unrealistic expectations. When that happens, revision rhinoplasty can easily turn into a futile pursuit of beauty, and that could easily lead to botched results. 

  • Grafts and Reshaping

    Sometimes the cartilage in the nose becomes damaged. Skin or tissue may also be needed for repair. When this occurs, surgeons take grafts from various parts of the body and place them in the interior or exterior of the nose. Cartilage is often taken from the ear. It may also be taken from the ribs, but that is less common. Skin may be taken from any number of places. It’s usually replaced as a result of scarring. There are many issues that can force the surgeon to use this technique. They’re often unique to the individual patient, requiring a customized treatment plan.

  • Hump Remodeling

    The nasal hump is central to the success of a rhinoplasty. It is composed of varying amounts of cartilage and bone, and it creates the stereotypical hook effect or a camel hump that so many patients want to rid themselves of. It is very common for surgeons to make mistakes when they are reshaping it. They can overcorrect and undercorrect, usually by failing to remove all of the necessary material or removing too much. Surgeons use a variety of techniques to correct this problem. They will depend on the severity of the issue and the condition caused by the previous operation. 

  • Nasal Tip Sculpting

    The nasal tip is another focal point during both primary and revision rhinoplasties. Cartilage from the tip is often used to augment other areas of the nose. When too much is taken, the tip can collapse. Adding too much cartilage can cause the tip to protrude, forcing surgeons to go in and correct the problem. There are other concerns that can spring up as well. The nostrils can become asymmetrical, and the tip can become crooked from a deviated septum. Depending on the problem, surgeons may graft or remove cartilage. They could reposition the septum, or they could correct other parts of the nose. 

Why Revision Rhinoplasty?

When a patient is botched, they’re marked by it. They walk through life knowing that everyone is watching. Everyone sees. People whisper. They ask about the scars and the deformities. They laugh, and they stare. It’s painful, especially when it’s the result of a rhinoplasty, because the nose is central to the face. Everyone notices it. There’s an overwhelming sense of regret. Patients dwell on the moment when they decided to undergo the operation. They think about what it would be like to go back in time and stop themselves. They know that they could’ve prevented what happened, and they didn’t. Instead they scrounged and saved, struggling to get up enough money to achieve the perfect look, and it turned into a disaster. Many are told that there’s nothing they can do to fix themselves. They will consult with one surgeon after the next, hoping to hear that they have a chance at taking back their life. Some live with medical issues. There’s shortness of breath and sometimes an inability to draw in air through the nasal passage. To those suffering from a botched rhinoplasty, a revision rhinoplasty is a dream come true. Here are a few more reasons why patients choose revision rhinoplasty:

  • Relieve Pain From Botched Procedure
  • Balance Facial Features
  • Remove Hump
  • Reconstruct Nasal Tip
  • Reduce Asymmetry

What are Concerns for Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure?

Revision rhinoplasty can be challenging. First and foremost, it’s one of the most difficult operations a surgeon could possibly undertake. It’s a speciality. Doctors will spend half a lifetime working to perfect it, and even then, they come up against some major problems. The nose is complex and sensitive. That means that there is a higher complication rate than patients can expect from different areas of the body. Doctors performing a revision have to take into account the fact that they are working on a region that has already been altered. There is scar tissue, severed cartilage, and missing bone. The nose may be sore or damaged somehow, and that can delay healing significantly. Patients don’t often consider these things when they’re seeking out a revision. They’re usually more concerned with achieving the best look. But that isn’t always possible. Some issues cannot be resolved. In order for patients to maintain the integrity of the nose and avoid an awkward appearance, it’s important to know when to step away. Undergoing multiple operations may exacerbate their concerns and ultimately lead to complications and side effects. Below is a list of things that patients may want to consider before receiving a revision. Use them as a jumping off point for research, and seek out as much information as possible.

  • Multiple Attempts

    Roughly 20% of patients walk away dissatisfied with the results of their primary rhinoplasty. That’s 2 out of every 10, which is a relatively high number. It’s very common for patients to seek a second operation. But they tend to forget how complex rhinoplasty can be. They want everything to be perfect, regardless of the consequences. They also have a problem waiting the 1-2 years required for the full results to manifest. When they do finally undergo a revision, they’re more likely to try again after that, ready to put themselves at risk a third time or even a fourth time. Each successive surgery becomes riskier and more difficult. This is a dangerous trend, and it should be avoided.

  • Complications

    The complications associated with revision rhinoplasty are the same for primary rhinoplasty, but the rate is slightly higher because the tissue has already been manipulated. There may be nosebleeds. There will be a significant amount of swelling and bruising, and there will be pain and discomfort. Sometimes the airways become blocked, making sleep difficult. Patients should speak with their providers when this happens. Infections can occur. Patients should seek out immediate assistance if they experience odorous discharge, fever, or chills. There are also a number of aesthetic concerns that could spring up. Patients should speak to their providers about this and try to learn the warning signs.

  • Recovery

    Revision rhinoplasty is unique in that it can take as long as 2 years to recover. During this time, the full results of the procedure will be obscured by the swelling. It takes 7 to 10 days for patients to feel well enough to return to work. They will have bandaged wounds, and their noses will be sensitive while the bones set. It’s important to avoid any trauma to the nose. This could affect the results of the procedure. There is a fair amount of pain involved in recovery. Patients should speak to their doctors about ways to manage it.

Steps to getting your procedure

Research-icon

Step 1

Research

Step 2

Matching with a doctor

Step 3

Getting financing

Step 4

Booking a consultation

Cost of Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is considered an expensive procedure, but it is still attainable by many members of the middle class. The price ranges somewhere between $4,000 to $36,000 with an average of roughly $12,000. This will depend on a number of factors, specifically the complexity of the operation. Patients who have extensive side effects or aesthetic concerns are likely to pay more than patients who simply need a touch up. Some types of rhinoplasty require more precision and a longer sedation period, and that can raise the price significantly. When calculating the cost, it’s important to also take the price of the primary rhinoplasty into account. It is somewhat cheaper, roughly $5,000 to $10,000 dollars, but when combined with the cost of a revision it’s quite steep. There are other determining factors that could affect the price. Operations performed in regions with a higher cost of living can be more expensive. Most doctors have their own pricing scheme. In the case of revision rhinoplasty, this will largely be based on their qualifications and their reputation within the community. Some rhinoplasty specialists are known for their high prices, but it is worth looking into their services. The nose is delicate, and a lot can go wrong. Patients can’t just go with the first person they find.

Why Yes Doctor for Revision Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty specialists are a unique breed. They stand out in a field of geniuses and overachievers. They’re a step above the rest, which is why they’re capable of charging so much more than other surgeons. Still, their services are necessary. Patients can’t just go with anyone when it comes to something as vital as the upper respiratory system, and they cannot live with the consequences of being botched. Yes Doctor was built to make cosmetic surgery accessible to everyone. With our easy financing options and 0% APR, we’ll make sure you get the care you need, and we’ll help you find the right doctor for the job. 

Frequently Asked Questions

The idea of undergoing a nasal operation can be quite daunting. The nose is vital to the upper respiratory system. It is our primary means of pulling in air, and it exists in close proximity to the brain. Fortunately, revision rhinoplasty is relatively safe. There are certain medical issues such as infection and bleeding that may occur. Precautions should be taken to avoid them. But more often than not, the real issues are cosmetic. We’ve all seen the crooked septums and misshapen nasal tips. Certain public figures and celebrities have become famous for destroying their facial aesthetic in search of the perfect nose. Those issues are much more common.
Revision rhinoplasty often involves manipulating, removing, and adding to tissue that has already been damaged or scarred. The nose is already quite sensitive. It takes longer to heal, and it doesn’t always heal properly. The added stress exacerbates whatever conditions were left over from the previous operation. For this reason, revision rhinoplasty can be painful. After the surgery, patients will experience swelling, bruising, and potentially bleeding. There may be a sharp pain or soreness. Doctors will often prescribe a pain reliever such as an opioid to help patients cope. This should be enough to make the sensation manageable. Some doctors prefer to use ibuprofen or another OTC medication. Patients have varying degrees of success with this.
Any time the body is manipulated internally or altered by a foreign object, it reacts by cooking up a special healing serum and flooding the surrounding cells with it. This is what causes swelling. Revision and primary rhinoplasties are known for resulting in large amounts of swelling. The severity of it will depend on the extent of the procedure. Usually the worst of it will go down within a few weeks of the operation. But the nose takes a long time to heal. Sometimes the swelling lasts for well over a year, even two years. The end results of the procedure will not be apparent until that happens.
Once the bandaging comes off, it’s natural for patients to inspect their nose and scrutinize the results of their operation. It can be disconcerting when they do so. The nose will likely still be swollen, emphasizing humps and hooks. Sometimes there will also be asymmetry. It’s normal to want to call the doctor right away and schedule another consultation. But it’s better to wait. It can take 9 months to 2 years depending on a patient’s ability to heal for the final results of the procedure to become apparent, and most doctors will not operate until after the 9 month mark.