The Skinny
Average Recovery
3 weeks
Permanence
Permanent
Application
Surgical Procedure
Surgical
Yes
Cost
$7500 - $15000
The Specifics
What is a revision rhinoplasty?
A revision rhinoplasty is an open rhinoplasty only used on individuals who have previously undergone a primary rhinoplasty procedure with a plastic surgeon. Revision rhinoplasties are commonly used for adults who previously underwent a youth/teen rhinoplasty.The Anatomy of the Nose
A revision rhinoplasty is considered a secondary rhinoplasty, which means the procedure is higher risk due to scar tissue and previous alterations. Always done in an open approach, revision rhinoplasties are invasive with longer recovery times, however, they also allow for maximum visualization of internal nasal structures to alter the appearance of the nose and potentially alleviate breathing problems.
What cosmetic concerns does an open rhinoplasty procedure treat?
Nose Shape: A revision rhinoplasty can continue to refine or correct a previous primary rhinoplasty (a.k.a. nose job). Nose Size: Further adjustments to soft tissues can alter nose size and improve facial features and symmetry. Cosmetic Breathing Issues: A previous primary rhinoplasty may have contributed to or not adequately resolved breathing difficulties and a revision rhinoplasty surgery can alter the nasal airway. 4. Nose Angle: Genetics or nasal trauma (think: a nasal fracture) can cause a crooked nose, nasal deviation, or concerns with the angle of the nose, and those concerns can be addressed with surgical intervention. 5. Nose Bump: For people dealing with structural dorsal humps, both non-surgical and surgical rhinoplasty may be able to address them.Who is the ideal candidate for a revision rhinoplasty procedure?
Revision rhinoplasty is only considered on candidates who have previously undergone a primary rhinoplasty procedure. A revision rhinoplasty is not performed on children under the age of 18.What is the average recovery associated with a revision rhinoplasty procedure?
The healing process typically involves significant swelling, bruising, tenderness, and possible facial numbness will resolve within two to three weeks. The splint or cast will be removed after one week. The full healing process takes 12 to 18 months.To better understand the healing and downtime associated with the procedure, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty recovery.
What are the potential side effects of a revision rhinoplasty procedure?
Common side effects of a revision rhinoplasty include, bruising, swelling, tenderness, and numbness. Possible, less common side effects include, blood vessel damage, nerve damage, airway obstructions, scarring, and septal perforation.What can someone expect from the results of a revision rhinoplasty procedure?
A revision rhinoplasty will create permanent results that will evolve over the course of one year.What is the average cost of a revision rhinoplasty procedure?**
This surgical procedure can cost anywhere from $7,500 to $15,000. The actual cost of the procedure is dependent upon location, plastic surgeon, and length and involvement of the revision surgery. To learn more, check out our complete guide to rhinoplasty cost.Pros
- Correction Of Unsatisfied Results
- More Precise Correction
- More Precise Shaping
- More Precise Cartilage Graft Placement
- Permanent
Cons
- Higher Risk Of Complications
- Visible Scar
- Longer Procedure
- Longer Recovery Time
Invasiveness Score
Invasiveness is graded based on factors such as anesthesia practices, incisions, and recovery notes common to this procedure.
What to Expect
Revision rhinoplasties are for candidates who have had previous rhinoplasty procedures with poor functional or cosmetic outcomes. A revision rhinoplasty should always be done with an open approach. Here is a quick guide for what to expect before, during, and after a revision rhinoplasty.
Before Treatment
- Stop taking blood thinning medications for 2 weeks
- Stop smoking 2 weeks before and after surgery
- Limit sun exposure for 2 weeks
- Do not eat or drink anything 6 hours prior
- Purchase all recovery items beforehand
During Treatment
- General or local anesthesia with sedation
- Incision made beneath the tip of the nose
- Nose is retracted backwards, dissecting the nose cartilage
- Flap is raised off of the nose for maximum exposure
- Nose is reshaped and refined
- Sutures to close incisions
- External splint or cast will be placed over the nose
Immediately After Treatment
- Swelling around nose, cheeks, and eyes
- Facial bruising
1-2 Weeks After Treatment
- Swelling and bruising still present
- Do not blow the nose for 2 weeks
- Keep the inside of the nose moist with a nasal spray
- Soft to regular diet as tolerated
3 Weeks After Treatment and Beyond
- Nasal swelling still present
- Avoid strenuous exercise for 3 weeks
- Avoid sun exposure for 6 weeks
Result Notes
- Permanent
- Up to 1 year for final results
The Takeaway
A revision rhinoplasty is an open approach rhinoplasty that is only used in candidates who have previously undergone a rhinoplasty procedure with poor functional or cosmetic outcomes.
