Approximately 36,500 patients undergo secondary, or revision rhinoplasty each year, and the number of these procedures is rapidly increasing worldwide. According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, in 2018 alone nearly 94% of plastic surgeons around the world performed revision rhinoplasty on at least one occasion.

If you’re unhappy with the way your nose looks or functions, especially after a previous rhinoplasty procedure, then you may be a good candidate for revision rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty revision is often performed when the initial procedure is unsuccessful or does not achieve the desired outcomes. The purpose of revision rhinoplasty is addressing any flaws that resulted from the original surgery, improve breathing function, and/or restore balance and proportion to the face.

Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty

The top three reasons for performing a revision rhinoplasty include:

  1. Asymmetry of the nose: Sometimes an initial rhinoplasty results in an asymmetrical nose. One side may be slightly larger than the other, or one nostril might be more flared than the other. This can be addressed with a revision rhinoplasty by reshaping and resizing the nose.
  2. Feeling unhappy with nasal tip appearance: It’s normal to feel unhappy with the nasal appearance immediately following the initial surgery. You’ll want to give your nose plenty of time to heal before considering a revision rhinoplasty. At the very least, you should wait twelve (12) months or more from the date of your original surgery before scheduling a consultation for revision rhinoplasty.
  3. Breathing difficulties: Breathing difficulties are a common issue for patients who have undergone rhinoplasty. The surgery can cause nasal obstruction, deviated septum and even nasal valve collapse. If you experience breathing difficulty after a rhinoplasty, it’s important to see your surgeon right away.

Am I a good candidate for revision rhinoplasty?

It is generally imperative to wait at least one year after their initial surgery before undergoing revision rhinoplasty. This waiting period allows enough time for swelling to subside and scar tissue to soften. It also gives patients time to recover from the emotional and physical stress of having surgery, so they can return to work on their own schedule and make decisions about their health care without pressure from others who may pressure them into the procedure too soon.

If you’re considering a revision rhinoplasty but have lingering doubts about whether or not you need it, talk with your surgeon about your concerns—and consider getting a second opinion from another doctor if necessary. If you’re in good health and have realistic expectations about your post-procedure appearance, then there’s no reason why you shouldn’t at least speak with your surgeon about your concerns. A well-trained surgeon will be able to help guide you through the process safely and comfortably so that your nose looks and works great again while minimizing the risks of repeat surgery.

Challenges of Revision Rhinoplasty 

Secondary rhinoplasty is more challenging than primary rhinoplasty because the nose may already be weakened, and the surrounding structures are usually softer and less elastic as a result of previous surgery.  Tissues like cartilage may have also been removed or damage due to the healing process.  In these cases, new tissues may be needed to add to or augment the nose for improved structure, contours, and function.  We highly recommend seeking a board-certified surgeon who has experience with revision rhinoplasty.

Revision Rhinoplasty at Texas Plastic Surgery

If you are healthy and realistic about what is possible in terms of facial features after an operation, then there is no reason why you cannot have successful revision rhinoplasty surgery performed by Dr. Stallworth at Texas Plastic Surgery! Call us at 210-997-3223 to schedule a consultation.