The commitment to undergo a plastic surgery procedure such as a Nose Reshaping (Rhinoplasty) is one that is not made lightly. For most plastic surgery patients, it's the promise of an improved appearance and better self-image that makes the cost, discomfort and recovery involved with a cosmetic surgical procedure worth it. Whether it's an unrealistic patient expectation or a fault with the surgical procedure itself, a small number of patients find that the surgery did not provide the results they had hoped for.
A patient who has already had Rhinoplasty surgery but is dissatisfied with the results, has developed problems such as difficulty breathing after Rhinoplasty or has suffered an injury to the nose may be considering a secondary cosmetic nose surgery or "Revision Rhinoplasty."
What you should know about Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision Rhinoplasty (secomndary nose surgery) can be far more complex than a first-time Rhinoplasty. Changes in the septum, bone and cartilage structure, scar tissue, changes in skin and possible deviations with the patient's airway can make a Revision Rhinoplasty very difficult to perform. In most cases, Revision Rhinoplasty can be more expensive than a primary Rhinoplasty procedure due to the extra requirements and considerations involved such as scarring from earlier nose surgeries and the length of the procedure (revision Rhinoplasty can take up to 4x as long to perform).
One of the keys to avoiding or minimizing the risk of a Revision Rhinoplasty is to be clear and specific with your surgeon before your primary nose surgery about your goals and expectations. If you are considering a revision procedure, tell the surgeon why you were dissatisfied with your primary Rhinoplasty and be as specific as you can.
Another key to avoiding or minimizing the risk of a Revision Rhinoplasty is to be patient. Patients should always exercise patience and caution during the healing process. Healing from a primary Rhinoplasty takes time. It can take a year or more for all the swelling to subside and for scar tissue to soften. Realistically, neither the patient nor the surgeon can determine the final results before healing is complete. Waiting the proper length of time also means your surgeon will be better equipped to address the issue and fix it. One of the most important things to remember is this: Going back for a revision Rhinoplasty (secondary nose reshaping surgery) too soon can cause more harm than good.
Revision Rhinoplasty involves many of the same techniques and shares the same details as a primary Rhinoplasty. It is a major procedure that requires anesthesia and has a relatively long recovery time. For more information on Rhinoplasty, please read our section on Nose Reshaping surgery.
Injectable fillers or the "Non-Surgical Nose Job" may be safer and less expensive alternative to a Revision Rhinoplasty (secondary nose surgery).
If you're considering a Revision Rhinoplasty or Non-Surgical Nose Job, you should consult with a doctor who is experienced with Revision Rhinoplasty. If you're looking for a Revision Rhinoplasty Specialist or "Revision Rhinoplasty Expert" you can start by searching our directory for a qualified plastic surgeon in your area and contacting them for a consultation. Remember, in many cases personal consultations are often offered for free by plastic surgeons.