Revision Rhinoplasty: What to Expect

Rhinoplasty happens to be one of the most complex and unpredictable plastic surgery procedures. Even the best plastic surgeons may need to perform a secondary procedure to correct unsatisfactory results from the primary rhinoplasty. In fact, between 5 and 10 percent of all rhinoplasty patients undergo a revision rhinoplasty procedure.

Why is Rhinoplasty Surgery so Complex?

The primary rhinoplasty procedure is complex because any small move the surgeon makes within the nose can have a direct effect on the outward appearance. Similarly, any move the surgeon makes to correct an aesthetic flaw can directly impact the function of the nose. Those who have ethnic noses, which can pose further challenges for surgeons, should take special note of this and only consider the most skilled and experienced rhinoplasty surgeons for their procedure. Dr. Shah has extensive experience performing the rhinoplasty procedure on a variety of ethnicities and ages. Be sure to view his rhinoplasty before and after photos for an idea of the results you can expect.

Although the percentage of revision procedures is somewhat high, the prospective patient should not undergo a primary rhinoplasty with the idea that they can easily get a revision procedure if the initial outcome is not as good as expected. Like primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty is also a delicate procedure. The revision procedure also costs more than primary rhinoplasty, and recovery time can be just as long (sometimes up to a year for complete recovery).

Ideal Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty

Candidacy for a revision procedure is very subjective and can be determined during a consultation with top rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Bivik Shah. Dr. Shah will evaluate potential revision rhinoplasty patients according to the following:

  • Remaining structure of the nasal bones and cartilage
  • Skin thickness
  • Age
  • Facial structure and shape
  • The patient’s expectations

Realistic Expectations for Primary Rhinoplasty

It is very important for the patient to have realistic expectations when they first consider rhinoplasty surgery. A nose that may look good on one person’s face may simply not be a possibility or look the same on another’s. Those who wish to give their nose a certain celebrity’s look should keep in mind that many factors can influence the outcome, such as firmness of the cartilage, overall patient health, and healing responses. At a face-to-face consultation with top rhinoplasty surgeon Dr. Shah, the patient’s nasal structure and desired results will be assessed to determine what the final outcome might be.

To schedule a consultation for a rhinoplasty or revision rhinoplasty procedure, please contact the Columbus Institute of Plastic Surgery at (614) 482-2123. We look forward to hearing from you and providing the best results possible!