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Rhinoplasty — sometimes referred to as a “nose job,” — has the power to improve the proportions of the entire face with subtle, natural-looking results; however, miscommunications between an inexperienced or unqualified plastic surgeon, or complications that arise during the healing process, may create the need for a corrective procedure. Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary nose surgery performed to further enhance breathing problems and/or issues with the nasal contours left after the rhinoplasty procedure.
Like any secondary procedure, revision rhinoplasty is a complex surgery requiring a surgeon to work with tissue and cartilage that have already been operated on. If you’re dissatisfied or unhappy with the outcome of your prior rhinoplasty, it’s essential to speak with a highly trained board-certified plastic surgeon who has extensive experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery. New York City plastic surgeon Neal Goldberg, MD, FACS would be happy to speak with you about your concerns regarding your previous nose surgery and develop an optimal revision rhinoplasty treatment plan to improve your results.
What is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a facial plastic surgery procedure that corrects or improves the outcome of an initial rhinoplasty. The reasons why patients may desire revisionary surgery are personal and often include unresolved breathing difficulties, issues with the nasal framework, or dissatisfaction with the cosmetic outcome of their first surgery. In some cases, the original procedure may have resulted in over- or under-correction, asymmetry, nasal collapse, or scarring that impacts the appearance or function of your nose.
The goal of revision rhinoplasty is to create a natural, balanced, and well-functioning result that improves upon your prior surgery. That said, it’s important for men and women to wait an adequate timeframe (usually 6 to 12 months) after their original rhinoplasty to allow the final results to reveal themselves. With proper planning and care, revision rhinoplasty can offer long-term results that restore both confidence and easy breathing.
Who is a Good Candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a specialized procedure reserved for patients who have aesthetic or functional (or both) concerns after their prior nose surgery. Most people who are good candidates have one or more of the following:
- General dissatisfaction with the initial results of a previous nose surgery
- Complication(s) that arise during the healing process
- Difficulty breathing or structural issues preventing airflow
There are certain patients that should avoid revision rhinoplasty, such as individuals who suffer from body dysmorphia. In determining whether you would benefit from a secondary operation, Dr. Goldberg will ask you what you envision for the results and what you hope your nose will look like once fully healed.
How is the Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure Performed?
Revision rhinoplasty is often more complex than a primary procedure due to changes in the nasal anatomy executed from a previous surgery, scar tissue buildup, and the potential need for cartilage grafting — typically taken from the septum, ear, or even the rib. These techniques may be required to rebuild or support the nose structure, which is why the procedure should be performed by a plastic surgeon with the skill, experience, and understanding of nasal anatomy to create the results you envision. Dr. Goldberg will speak with you closely about your concerns and hopes for the final outcome to gain a thorough understanding of your goals. He will walk you through every step of your customized procedure so you’re well-informed about your treatment plan. Revision rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia.
Recovery and Healing From Revision Rhinoplasty
Recovery can be slightly longer than the healing period after primary rhinoplasty depending on the complexity of your procedure. You will receive extensive post-operative guidelines from Dr. Goldberg outlining recovery time, activity restrictions, incision care instructions, and more. After surgery, you will be able to return home the same day as your procedure accompanied by a friend or family member. Dr. Goldberg will provide medications for discomfort — there is typically swelling and bruising after rhinoplasty, but these reactions should subside as recovery progresses. A nasal splint, which is a plastic splint taped to the nose to hold it in position while it heals, is often used to support your new nasal framework. You will be able to perform light activities, such as household chores and using the computer, within two to three days after surgery. Full activities can be resumed within two to three weeks after the procedure. The long-term appearance of your nose will improve over the next few months, but these changes are generally quite subtle and the outcome of surgery is usually noticeable early on.
How Much Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost?
In NYC, revision rhinoplasty costs are calculated according to:
- The technique(s) utilized
- The complexity of your revision
- The details of your treatment plan
- Surgeon’s fees, anesthesia fees, surgical facility fees, and other standard expenses
Revision rhinoplasty is usually considered a cosmetic procedure so insurance coverage isn’t typically available for most healthcare policies. Fortunately, Dr. Goldberg accepts plastic surgery financing via CareCredit®, ALPHAEON™ Credit, and PatientFi® for qualified patients who want to make their procedure more affordable. Call our office in Westchester County for more information about costs and financing options.
Revision rhinoplasty requires the skilled hand of an experienced board-certified aesthetic plastic surgeon. To improve upon the results of your previous nose surgery procedure, we encourage you to reach out to our NYC plastic surgeon, Dr. Neal Goldberg. Contact Dr. Goldberg today to start the journey towards regaining your confidence and reclaiming the results you originally sought to achieve.