A picture can say a thousand words, which means that visuals are crucial. Whether your nose is too small, too big, or too crooked, you may want to change this vital part of your facial landscape to achieve the ideal aesthetics.
A way to do this is through a nose job (rhinoplasty). A study found that 83.6% of patients were happy with their results, which shows that it’s an excellent route to go.
But what about those in the minority who aren’t satisfied with their procedure? In those cases, there’s the option of rhinoplasty revision surgery.
In this article, we’ll go over what you need to know about this type of revision surgery.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty revision surgery is also known as secondary rhinoplasty, or a second nose job. It’s a procedure specifically performed to correct or refine the results of a previous nose surgery.
This surgery can be done to improve aesthetic concerns, functional issues, or both. This means that some people ask for revision surgery since they’re dissatisfied with their initial results, while others need it to address breathing difficulties or structural complications.
Why Do People Need Revision Rhinoplasty?
We’ve briefly gone over what revision rhinoplasty is, as well as why people may desire it. Now, let’s get into the details of why someone would ask for this procedure.
Aesthetic Concerns
There are a number of things that can cause dissatisfaction with initial rhinoplasty results. They include:
- Asymmetry
- Overcorrection or undercorrection (resulting in an unnatural look)
- Polly beak deformity (excess tissue on the nasal bridge)
- Saddle nose deformity (collapsed bridge from excessive cartilage removal)
- Tip irregularities
- Residual humps or bumps
Functional Issues
If the nasal passages are too narrow or the septum isn’t properly aligned after surgery, then patients may have restricted airflow. This can cause difficulties in breathing.
Also, if too much cartilage is removed, it can weaken the nasal structure. As a result, you’ll get obstruction in the nose.
Lastly, some patients experience scar tissue buildup. Not only can these structural changes prevent you from breathing properly, but it can affect your appearance too.
How Many Nose Jobs Can You Have?
Technically, you can have as many rhinoplasty procedures as you wish, as long as the surgeon clears you. However, you should be aware that the more surgeries you have, the more complex it’ll be each time since you’ll have more scar tissue, weakened cartilage, and structural challenges.
If the nose is too structurally compromised, then you’ll need additional surgeries to obtain cartilage for reconstruction. For example, surgeons may use rib and ear cartilage or synthetic implants.
So as a rule of thumb, the fewer revision surgeries you have, the better. Most surgeons recommend limiting revisions to two or three times.
To ensure that you really want revision surgery, you should wait at least 12 months after your first one before even considering it. That way, you’ll get through the entire recovery process, which allows:
- The swelling to completely subside
- Scar tissue to settle
- The final results to fully emerge
Can You Reverse Rhinoplasty Results?
You can never get your original nose back 100%, nor can you technically reverse your initial rhinoplasty results. However, you can go through rhinoplasty revision surgery to rebuild your nose into something you’re satisfied with.
For something less drastic, consider non-surgical options, such as injectable filler.
Risks and Considerations of Revision Rhinoplasty
If you’re not satisfied with the results from your first nose job, then you might desire revision surgery to improve things. However, there are certain risks to consider.
Firstly, increased scar tissue may limit what results you can get. Plus, your nose may not be able to tolerate further structural changes.
In addition, the healing can be unpredictable; typically, you’ll have longer swelling periods. You may also experience secondary complications, such as:
- Infections
- Breathing problems
- Dissatisfaction with results
The Rhinoplasty Revision Surgery Procedure
First, you’ll go through consultation and evaluation. Your surgeon will assess the previous results, as well as your skin quality, scar tissue, and the structural integrity of your nose.
During this appointment, you should discuss your goals, concerns, and expectations realistically. Your surgeon may use 3D imaging to show the possible outcomes at the end.
Surgical Techniques
Like with primary rhinoplasty, the surgeon can use either an open or closed approach. Open rhinoplasty may leave a slight scar across the columella (the flesh that separates both nostrils in the middle), but it gives the surgeon better visibility and control.
Depending on what the issue is, they may also need to do the following:
- Reshape cartilage
- Use cartilage grafts to restore structure
- Remove excess scar tissue
- Strengthen nasal support with structural reinforcement techniques
Recovery Timeline
The recovery timeline is similar to that of a primary rhinoplasty since it involves almost all the same steps for surgery.
You’ll have initial swelling and bruising in weeks 1-2, and the splint will be removed. In weeks 3-6, the swelling decreases, but the tip and bridge of your nose may still appear puffy. During months 3-6, you’ll keep seeing improvements, but some residual swelling can persist, with final results visible after the one-year mark.
However, with revision rhinoplasty, you must be even more patient. Because there’s increased scar tissue and surgical complexity, in general, it takes longer to heal with this type of nose job.
Make Sure You’re Pleased With Your Surgery Results
Rhinoplasty revision surgery is possible if you’re not happy with your first nose job. And you can even even more revision surgeries after the first if you’re still not 100% satisfied.
However, with each procedure comes more risks and additional healing time. To avoid this, it’s essential that you get your first rhinoplasty right. So if you haven’t gone through surgery just yet, make sure you properly vet your choices and choose someone who’s board-certified and experienced in this procedure.
Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in learning more about rhinoplasty. Dr. Valdez uses the latest in technology and techniques to help you achieve excellent outcomes.
References:
- Richard Chaffoo M| LJ, Friday F 1. Understanding revision rhinoplasty and why patients seek out this procedure. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/understanding-revision-rhinoplasty-and-why-patients-seek-out-this-procedure
- Khansa I, Khansa L, Pearson GD. Patient Satisfaction After Rhinoplasty: A Social Media Analysis. Aesthet Surg J. 2016;36(1):NP1-5. doi:10.1093/asj/sjv095
- Tarick Smaili M| BH, Tuesday F 7. Corrective rhinoplasty to improve poor results. American Society of Plastic Surgeons. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.plasticsurgery.org/news/blog/corrective-rhinoplasty-to-improve-poor-results
- Is is Possible to Reverse a Rhinoplasty? RealSelf.com. Accessed January 31, 2025. https://www.realself.com/question/reverse-rhinoplasty
- Aldosari B. Pollybeak deformity: how to avoid, how to cure. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2023;27(5 Suppl):80-85. doi:10.26355/eurrev_202310_34075