Revision Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a cosmetic surgery performed to enhance the appearance of the nose. While the results of successful nose surgery can be satisfying, some patients may find themselves dissatisfied with the cosmetic or functional outcome of their initial surgery, leading to the need for revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Hilinski is one of only a few board-certified facial plastic surgeons in San Diego, CA, who has advanced, expert training specifically in revision rhinoplasty cases. He trained with internationally-renowned facial plastic surgeon Dean M. Toriumi, M.D., who is considered by many authorities to be one of the best revision rhinoplasty surgeons in the world. Dr. Hilinski utilizes the latest and most sophisticated surgical techniques to achieve beautiful results for the most challenging cases of revision rhinoplasty.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty, also referred to as secondary rhinoplasty, is a procedure that can reshape or resize your nose following prior attempted surgery. This is often done for persistent cosmetic irregularities as well as breathing difficulties that can result from suboptimal surgical techniques.
In many instances, the initial surgical result following rhinoplasty appears quite acceptable. Unfortunately, many surgeons achieve these early results at the expense of weakening the underlying structural support of the nose. Contrary to popular belief, your nose will continue to change shape long after the first few months of healing. If the structural support mechanisms were compromised during the original surgery, subsequent scar formation may begin to cause unwanted change as time goes on. Revision rhinoplasty patients often present several months to years after their first surgery, noting the development of unsightly irregularities or breathing problems.
Revision rhinoplasty surgery is significantly more challenging than primary rhinoplasty. There is much more variation in terms of the types of abnormalities encountered. In addition, prior scar formation makes the operation technically more difficult.
Revision rhinoplasty is significantly more challenging than primary rhinoplasty, or those procedures performed for the first time. There is much more variation in terms of types of abnormalities encountered. In addition, prior scar formation makes the operation technically more difficult.
Revision Rhinoplasty Candidates
Good candidates for revision rhinoplasty include men and women with realistic expectations who desire refinement and reshaping of their noses following prior rhinoplasty surgery. Patients should understand that revision procedures are significantly more complex and difficult than primary rhinoplasty procedures. Patients who are dissatisfied with the results of a previous rhinoplasty should wait a minimum of 10 to 12 months after the first surgery before proceeding with the revision procedure.
Patient 1
Revision rhinoplasty to fix several issues leftover from her prior rhinoplasty (performed by a different plastic surgeon).
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Patient 3
Complex revision rhinoplasty to help this patient out after she had unsuccessful surgery with a different plastic surgeon.
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Patient 6
Making the nose smaller by bringing in the tip closer to the face – following prior rhinoplasty by a different plastic surgeon.
View CasePlanning Your Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure*
Average Cost:
$15,000 – $25,000
Average Procedure Time:
4 hours
Average Recovery Time:
10 – 14 days
Post-Op Consultation:
3 months
*Procedure pricing and results with Dr. Hilinski may vary. Your personalized treatment plan and pricing will be determined at your consultation appointment.
FAQs About Revision Rhinoplasty
There are several common reasons for revision nose surgery, including unsatisfactory results from the initial rhinoplasty procedure, or over-resection of cartilage or bone during the initial procedure, leading to deformities, an unnatural appearance, or nasal breathing problems, inadequate correction of a hump, a bulbous tip, or a crooked nose, or nasal tip asymmetry or other contour irregularities. In addition, patients often seek revision rhinoplasty due to breathing issues caused by a deviated septum or collapsed nasal valves, scar tissue formation or cartilage warping that leads to an asymmetric or distorted nose, postoperative trauma, such as a nasal fracture or infection, that requires additional correction, or changes in the nose’s appearance due to aging or weight fluctuations after the initial procedure.
It’s important to wait at least 10 -12 months after your previous surgery procedure before considering revision rhinoplasty. This will ensure that the nose has fully healed and the final result isn’t obstructed by residual swelling.
Most revision rhinoplasty procedures are performed in the outpatient surgery center.
Deep sedation or general anesthesia can be used in most revision rhinoplasty procedures.