What is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty, also known as “secondary rhinoplasty” or a “correctional nose job”, is a surgical procedure to repair both the form and function of a nose that has previously had a rhinoplasty procedure.
When is Revisional Rhinoplasty Necessary?
Many people have difficulty breathing through their nose, or are dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance of their nose as a result of prior nasal surgery.
Common Problems that Require Revisional Rhinoplasty:
- Nasal airway obstruction
- Collapse of cartilage or nasal bones
- Artificial cosmetic appearance to nose (“Overdone nose job”)
- Internal and external nasal valve collapse
- Worsened asymmetry
- Over reduction or inadequate reduction of dorsal height (bridge height/hump)
- Incomplete shaping (not enough of a cosmetic change)
- Excessive or inadequate tip projection
- Excessively narrowed nasal tip (“pinched tip”)
- Excessive internal and/or external scarring (thickened scar tissue)
What Results Can I Expect?
A revision rhinoplasty is often much more complicated than a primary rhinoplasty, due to the fact that the original nasal anatomy has been altered and scarred. Ideally, all of the cosmetic and functional nasal issues should be addressed in the initial rhinoplasty. However, with appropriate application of advanced techniques by a rhinoplasty specialist, revisional procedures can be successful.
How Long is the Recovery?
Revision rhinoplasty recovery is similar to primary rhinoplasty recovery. After approximately one week, the splint and bandaging around your nose will be removed.
After surgery, it is normal for your face to feel puffy and the area around your eyes and nose to be bruised and swollen for several days. To help minimize the swelling and reduce the pain, cold compresses can be applied. Your doctor may also recommend pain medicine. Typically, most of the swelling and bruising improves in 10-14 days.
In addition, you may need to keep your head elevated and relatively still for the first few days after surgery. It may be several weeks before you can return to strenuous activities.
Are There Any Risks?
As is the case with primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty has some potential risks.
Risks include:
- Temporary loss of sense of smell
- Prolonged swelling
- Bursting of small blood vessels
- Excessive scarring and even skin loss
- Anesthesia complications
- Further cosmetic or functional issues.
Your surgeon will explain all the rhinoplasty risks to you before you have the surgery.