Revision Rhinoplasty

As one of the more challenging surgical procedures, a rhinoplasty, or “nose job,” could be poorly executed, with unsatisfactory results, whether uneven, too large, too small, or collapsed due to lack of support. A revision rhinoplasty can help you achieve the goals you had for your original rhinoplasty.

Are you unhappy with your rhinoplasty results?

Given its position in the middle of your face, your nose is a very visible and noticeable feature. If your first rhinoplasty left you unhappy with the results, it is understandable that you would be eager to correct it. Your unsuccessful rhinoplasty may have left you with either cosmetic or functional complaints. In both cases, a revision rhinoplasty could help resolve the issue. To be a good candidate, you should be at least a year or two post-op. The anatomy of the nose is complicated, and it is important to ensure that any issue isn’t temporary or due to post-op swelling.

Correcting a prior rhinoplasty in Austin, TX

It is a shared idea among surgeons that rhinoplasty, as a cosmetic surgery, is sometimes challenging to get right. While most rhinoplasties provide great success, some will fail to produce the right results. Revision rhinoplasty at Austin Plastic Surgery Institute is a procedure that addresses a specific problem resulting from an original nose surgery.

In some cases, if the initial approach was too aggressive, the result can be a significant loss of cartilage and bone, which explicitly affects the nasal contour and function. When considering a revision procedure, choosing an experienced and skilled board-certified plastic surgeon like one of our APSI surgeons is truly important to ensure the best possible results.

Experience the skill and expertise of an APSI surgeon

At the Austin Plastic Surgery Institute, we are proud of our exceptional surgeons. They are all board-certified, highly skilled and have many years of experience. This is important in any surgery, but especially so in a procedure as delicate as revision rhinoplasty. We tailor your procedure to suit your unique personal circumstances and goals, blending surgical procedures with cutting-edge technology to provide you with the best possible results. Your wishes and goals are important to us, and we will ensure we understand your exact goals. We are known for being warm, welcoming and caring. Your safety and satisfaction are our top priorities.

Surgical techniques

Full rhinoplasty revision

Secondary rhinoplasty can be challenging as the surgeon works to correct or fix a problem stemming from the first surgery. During this procedure, the majority of surgeons will use an open approach. This entails separating the skin from the support framework of cartilage and bone, offering the surgeon full access to the structures within the nose. The surgeon will re-sculpt the nose to a more desired shape depending on the problem being addressed. If additional tissue is needed, an autologous approach is typically taken, which uses cartilage and bone from the patient.

Touch-up rhinoplasty

Some patients may be happy with the look and feel of their nose following surgery but need a minor touch-up. This may include a visible bump or edge on the tip of the nose. The imperfection is usually found and discussed during a post-operative appointment, and it is common for the original surgeon to address the issue. This surgery is less complex than the original surgery and may only involve slight shaving of the bone. It usually produces results both the patient and surgeon are content with.

What is the recovery like?

Your secondary rhinoplasty will be performed under general anesthesia in our accredited surgical facility. The duration of this surgery depends on whether the nose is being fully reconstructed, or a minor alteration is being made. After surgery, you will wear a nose splint and should expect to experience some bruising and swelling. The process of revision surgery can be somewhat unnerving. The goal is for the nose to return to a natural, non-surgical appearance. If an experienced surgeon is performing the procedure, the results are often very good.

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Revision rhinoplasty FAQs

How can I achieve the best possible results?

An experienced nose surgeon who is trained and skilled in revision surgery will understand the dynamics behind what went wrong during the first operation and how to correct the problems with a secondary procedure. While the procedure itself can be quite complex, the results are often pleasing for the patient. It is extremely important to do your research when looking for a revision specialist.

What is cartilage grafting?

In some cases, cartilage grafting will be needed to produce the desired results. This can be done by taking cartilage and bone from another part of the body, such as the ribs, and using it to correct a certain nasal structure. Cartilage and bone grafting are usually only needed in more severe cases, including framework reconstruction.

How common is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is somewhat common. It varies by practice and by rhinoplasty surgeon, but some experts put minor revision rates between 5-15%. A large majority of these patients desire only tweaking and minor adjustments. True reconstruction and major revision cases are on the lower end of the spectrum.