The Art & Science of Successful Revision Rhinoplasty (Updated 2023)

My practice sees a significant number of revision rhinoplasty cases involving patients who’ve had their initial surgery performed elsewhere. Sometimes referred to as secondary rhinoplasty, the procedure is intricate and specialized and requires a skilled specialist to navigate its complex variables.

Setting Expectations for Your Revision Rhinoplasty

For those who’ve been through the surgical experience once, the thought of a second rhinoplasty procedure can be daunting—especially when the initial outcomes didn’t meet your aesthetic goals.

In our consult, I always clarify that while perfection isn’t possible, substantial improvements usually are. We’ll cover new surgical techniques, set realistic expectations, and discuss the recovery timeline—a key point, since revision procedures are inherently more challenging than primary surgeries.

The most common cosmetic concerns patients seek to address through revision rhinoplasty include:

• Overly lowered nasal bridge or “ski-slope” nasal profile
• Residual or recurrent nasal hump
• Overly pinched nasal tip from aggressive cartilage removal
• Misshapen or notched nostrils
• Poor scarring
• Residual crooked or deviated nasal bridge

[eii-gallery-images views=”180, 217, 204, 192″ display_captions=”y” caption=”Before & After Revision Rhinoplasty”]

Advanced Techniques for Complex Revision Rhinoplasty

For revision rhinoplasty, structure is critical. This means using cartilage to rebuild the structure of a nose that may be pinched or over-resected.  In my practice, I typically use cartilage from your ear or rib.  Advancements in technology and technique have made it possible to use frozen rib cartilage to rebuild the nose.  I use natural tissues to improve the nasal structure and provide a cosmetically pleasing result.

BELOW: This patient underwent a quaternary (4th) rhinoplasty after operations by 3 other surgeons:

Recovery & Your Role in Post-Surgical Care

Every patient’s recovery after revision rhinoplasty is unique and influenced by the specifics of the surgery. It’s possible for swelling and bruising to be more noticeable than after your first procedure, but this isn’t always the case. Peak swelling typically occurs within the first 6 weeks after surgery and gradually subsides. 

We’ll provide you with detailed aftercare instructions. Strict adherence to all post-op instructions is critical to achieving a desirable outcome. 

Schedule a Consultation

If you’d like to discuss your concerns and goals with a skilled and experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon in St. Petersburg, FL, call our office today at (727) 351-8267 or request a consultation.