Revision Rhinoplasty: A Second Chance for Your Ideal Nose

While it is one of the most popular cosmetic surgeries in the country, rhinoplasty also has a significant rate of revision surgery. Patients may be unhappy with their new nose, or their results may change over time, or they may have functional issues after a nose job. Revision rhinoplasty gives you a second chance at improving your facial harmony, breathing, and self-confidence—but it can be a complex procedure depending on your needs and goals.

Let’s explore what a revision rhinoplasty procedure entails and why you might be a great candidate—remember, it’s never too late to achieve the ideal nose you want and deserve with the help of a skilled specialist.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty, or secondary rhinoplasty, is a corrective surgical procedure after an initial rhinoplasty falls short of your desired results. It’s considered a complicated surgery because it often involves navigating residual scar tissue and harvesting cartilage from areas such as the ear or the rib. The surgical approach varies based on the extent of your correction but usually requires specialized techniques such as grafting, suturing, and rebuilding of the nasal structure. 

Whether your concerns are aesthetic or functional, I encourage you to communicate openly during our one-on-one consultation so I can fully understand your history and concerns and set realistic expectations for your revision rhinoplasty procedure and results.

Who’s a good candidate for a second rhinoplasty?

Virtually anyone with a rhinoplasty gone wrong is a candidate for revision rhinoplasty. However, most revision rhinoplasty patients wish to address concerns such as:

• A pinched, drooping, or upturned nasal tip
• A hump on the nasal bridge
• A crooked nose
• A collapsed nasal bridge
• A nose that is too wide or thin
• Breathing problems

While you may be eager to achieve your perfect profile, we recommend waiting until swelling from your previous surgery resolves. If you still have concerns at least a year after your procedure, it’s time to seek out a board-certified plastic surgeon to explore your revision rhinoplasty options.

Revision Rhinoplasty Cost

The cost of revision rhinoplasty varies widely based on the surgeon’s experience, where you have your procedure, the type of anesthesia used, and the complexity of the surgery. Generally, revision rhinoplasty costs more than primary rhinoplasty due to the additional time and degree of technical difficulty involved. I’ll share a detailed price quote with you following your personalized consultation. Because most patients pay out-of-pocket, we offer various financing options to ease the process of paying for your additional rhinoplasty.

Choosing an Experienced Rhinoplasty Specialist

Given the complexity of revision rhinoplasty, finding a surgeon with the skills and credentials to get the job done right is essential. This specialized procedure requires the expertise of a provider with significant knowledge of nasal anatomy and facial reconstruction and the ability to utilize advanced surgical techniques.

Here are the most critical characteristics to look for when selecting a qualified revision rhinoplasty specialist:

• Board certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the organization responsible for ensuring plastic surgeons uphold high safety and performance standards
• Revision rhinoplasty experience—remember, not all plastic surgeons have training in facial revision and reconstruction techniques
• Aesthetic artistry and surgical skill because revision rhinoplasty requires a mix of both in order to execute the surgery properly
• Positive reviews and proven results that demonstrate the surgeon’s skill and patient satisfaction; be sure to peruse their gallery of before and after plastic surgery photos

Because choosing the right surgeon is essential to your safety and success, I consider this related blog post a must-read for patients considering rhinoplasty.

What’s Next?

The nose is an essential component of your facial balance and harmony. If you’re unhappy with a previous rhinoplasty, I’d like to help you explore your options and achieve the nose (and self-confidence) you deserve. I encourage you to request a consultation online or contact our practice at (561) 880-8866.