Unfortunately, some rhinoplasties don’t turn out the way they should. While this can happen for a number of reasons, it’s important to have a revision rhinoplasty to correct any aesthetic or functional concerns with a highly-experienced plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. With a proper revision rhinoplasty in NYC, you can achieve the results you wanted and regain your confidence.

What is revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a nose surgery that corrects cosmetic concerns and/or breathing problems that resulted from the original rhinoplasty. Issues resulting from a rhinoplasty can vary quite a bit, whether the original surgeon did not do enough or went too far to correct nasal imperfections. Concerns may be visual issues that distract the eye from the rest of the face and pull attention onto the nose, or functional issues that impair easy breathing.

Because rhinoplasty is a finesse procedure that requires a delicate hand and highly-trained eye, if you’re not working with a specialist, mistakes can be made. A revision rhinoplasty is more complex and requires a higer level of skill, making it important to select the most qualified facial plastic surgeon.

What are the benefits of revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty allows patients who have been disappointed by their original rhinoplasty to finally realize their goals for the appearance of their nose. Benefits of a revision rhinoplasty in NYC include the following:

  • Harmonious, balanced facial features
  • Corrected functional concerns caused or unresolved by the original surgery
  • Ideal nose proportions
  • A natural appearance
  • Corrected issues with the nasal tip
  • Improved self-confidence
  • Corrected aesthetic errors from the original surgery
  • A completed surgical journey that achieves the desired outcome

Reasons to get Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty may be needed if the original surgeon was too extreme, or sometimes too subtle, in the changes made. Concerns with the nose after the first rhinoplasty include, but are not limited to, the following:

Asymmetry

There are a wide variety of aesthetic concerns in this category. This condition is often caused by scar tissue from the initial rhinoplasty. The nose may appear unnatural looking, crooked, pinched, too uptilted, too small, and so on.  

Deviated Septum

The septum, or the dividing wall between the nostrils, must be positioned properly to allow adequate airflow.  A deviated septum can be caused by a rhinoplasty, leaving the septum irregularly positioned and obstructing airflow.

Perforated Septum

This condition is caused if the surgeon accidentally created an opening created within the septum during the original rhinoplasty. A perforated septum makes a whistling or wheezing sound when you breathe.

What happens during a revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty techniques vary based on what the procedure requires to resolve your unique concerns. Depending on what issues need to be corrected, revision rhinoplasty surgery may only require moderate work, or it may be extensive. Dr. Halaas will discuss what is needed with you ahead of time during your consultation, and she will design a surgical plan to suit your needs that she will walk you through in detail so that you are prepared and know what to expect. 

Revision rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. It takes anywhere from one hour to several hours, depending on the complexity of the procedure required to achieve ideal results.

If it’s possible, Dr. Halaas will make incisions in the interior of the nose so you are not left with visible scarring. However, if more extensive work is required, the incisions will be made on the outside of the nose, hidden in the natural folds of your skin.

If further sculpting is required to achieve your ideal nose appearance, she will perform this technique. If the original surgery was overdone, she will rebuild the nose using cartilage. This cartilage may be taken from the nose, ear, or even a portion of the rib. 

Rachel's Story

Rachel reviews her rhinoplasty procedure with expert NYC Facial plastic surgeon Dr. Halaas.

Knowing Dr. Halaas for over 20 years, Rachel considers her to be the best of best and to be the only one she trusts with her third nose job. 

Dr. Halaas is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon, serving patients in the New York City area. Dr. Halaas is an expert in rhinoplasty, a procedure in which she excels at ensuring patient satisfaction and natural-looking noses.

Recovery after revision rhinoplasty

After revision rhinoplasty, your recovery experience will be similar, although longer, to the recovery period you had after your first rhinoplasty. There may be more extensive bandaging or splints to hold your nose in the proper shape for a longer period of time than your initial rhinoplasty required. 

Bruising and swelling resolve within a few weeks, but there will be long term, subtle changes in residual nasal swelling. These will continue as your nose settles completely over the next year or two.

While recovery times vary from person to person, most patients can return to sedentary, light work in 1-2 weeks. Do not begin exercising or do anything to exert yourself for at least three weeks. 

Yael Halaas MD

Am I a candidate for revision rhinoplasty?

Patients who have a functional problem or are unhappy with their original rhinoplasty after rhinoplasty are candidates for revision rhinoplasty in NYC. Ideal candidates meet the following requirements:

  • Are generally in good health with no major medical concerns
  • Do not smoke
  • Are not taking or can stop taking blood-thinning medications before the surgery
  • Have realistic goals and expectations about what a revision rhinoplasty can achieve

Revision Rhinoplasty FAQs

How long should you wait to have your revision rhinoplasty?

Wait until all swelling has subsided after the original surgery, which can take as long as six months to a year.

Will insurance pay for a revision rhinoplasty?

If there is a functional concern, insurance may pay for a portion of the revision rhinoplasty procedure. If the procedure is required for aesthetic concerns, insurance will not pay for the surgery.

When can I return to work after revision rhinoplasty?

Patients can return to light, sedentary work within 1-2 weeks after their procedure.

Does revision rhinoplasty take longer to heal?

The recovery time for a revision is usually about the same as an initial rhinoplasty, but may take longer.

Is revision rhinoplasty worth it?

While having a revision rhinoplasty is a personal choice, you deserve to enjoy the attractive nose you wanted when you started your aesthetic journey.

Written by Dr. Halaas

Schedule A Consultation

In-Office Virtual

© Yael Halaas MD. All Rights Reserved.

Terms & Conditions Privacy Policy

Contact Us