Revisional Rhinoplasty

Conveniently located to serve the areas of San Diego, CA

Revisional Rhinoplasty San Diego

Revision rhinoplasty, colloquially known as a secondary “nose job,” is a procedure that redefines the shape of your nose to enhance your facial contour for a more balanced look. If you are not satisfied with the result of your primary rhinoplasty, a revisional rhinoplasty can restore symmetry to your facial proportions so you can feel better about your appearance. 

Dr. Steven R. Cohen is a board-certified plastic surgeon known worldwide for his transformative rhinoplasty procedures. For the team at FACES+, rhinoplasty is like perfecting a miniature sculpture. We have transformed thousands of lives with our decades of experience with complex nasal surgery.

Contact our office in San Diego or call (858) 453-7224 to schedule a consultation.

Before & After Photos

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About Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure, and surgeons performed more than 200,000 of them in 2018. (1) The surgery is complex and, in a recent study, approximately 15% of patients who had a rhinoplasty had a revision (2) to enhance their facial contour.

Unlike a traditional rhinoplasty, a revision rhinoplasty procedure aims to correct any unsatisfactory results. Whether the initial rhinoplasty did not achieve the desired outcome, or there were complications that need to be addressed, revision rhinoplasty offers patients the opportunity to achieve their aesthetic goals and improve their nasal appearance. This comprehensive procedure allows for the refinement and enhancement of the overall facial harmony, addressing any remaining imperfections or irregularities.

Cartilage Grafting and Revisional Rhinoplasty

With a revisional rhinoplasty, Dr. Cohen can help you achieve your aesthetic goals while improving the structural support of your nose. To improve structural support, he can carefully modify the cartilage in your nose or use cartilage from the ears or ribs to reconstruct your nose (cartilage grafting). During revision rhinoplasty, he will perform either an open or closed procedure depending on the complexity of your revision:

  • Open Rhinoplasty: Open rhinoplasty is the preferred option for revision surgery. It involves making small incisions on the columella, a small strip of tissue between the nostrils, as well as inside the nose. These incisions allow Dr. Cohen access to the underlying structures of the nose, including the nasal bones, cartilage, and soft tissues. By visualizing these structures directly, he can accurately reshape and refine the nose, addressing cosmetic concerns and functional issues as needed.
  • Closed Rhinoplasty: Closed rhinoplasty utilizes incisions confined solely to the inside of the nose, without utilizing any external incisions. This technique is ideal for patients requiring less extensive adjustments or desiring a shorter recovery period. Through these internal incisions, Dr. Cohen carefully modifies the nasal bone, cartilage, and soft tissues, achieving the desired aesthetic and functional improvements.

Both open and closed rhinoplasties have minimal scarring that will not be noticeable due to Dr. Cohen’s world-renowned experience, helping patients achieve their desired look with life-changing results.

Benefits

If you are considering improving the shape of your nose, a revision rhinoplasty can help. The benefits include the following:

  • Enhanced aesthetics: Revision rhinoplasty allows for precise refinement, reshaping, and adjustment of the nose to achieve a desired and balanced appearance that complements your unique facial features.
  • Enhanced Quality of Life: Rhinoplasty can also improve airflow for patients who have an obstructed airway due to the shape of their nose. This often results from enlarged turbinates or a deviated septum that can affect your quality of life and make it difficult to breathe. Dr. Cohen can combine septoplasty and rhinoplasty techniques to improve your daily function.
  • Increased self-confidence: Achieving the desired outcome through revision rhinoplasty can significantly improve self-esteem and body image, boosting overall confidence.
  • Personalized treatment: With revision rhinoplasty, each procedure is tailored to address unique concerns and goals, ensuring individualized care and optimal results.
  • Expert knowledge and techniques: Revision rhinoplasty requires the expertise and experience of a highly skilled plastic surgeon. Dr. Cohen’s precise surgical techniques and detailed understanding of nasal anatomy ensure optimal results for each patient.
  • Long-lasting results: With careful planning and meticulous execution, revision rhinoplasty strives to provide lasting improvements, enhancing both form and function.

Candidates & Consultation

The best candidates are nonsmokers who lead a healthy lifestyle and have realistic expectations about the results they would like to achieve. During your consultation, Dr. Cohen will ask about your previous rhinoplasty procedure. He will also ask about your goals for your first rhinoplasty and why you were not satisfied with the results of the previous procedure. Please come prepared to discuss your lifestyle and current medications to help us determine the best treatment plan.

Preparation

To prepare for a revisional rhinoplasty, you may need to have preoperative lab tests and adjust your medications. If you are taking blood thinners, you will need to stop taking them 1-2 weeks before your procedure. You will also need to stop smoking 6 weeks beforehand. You will need to take 1-2 weeks off work and arrange for someone you trust to drive you home from the procedure. Asking for someone to care for you 24-48 hours after the procedure will help you recover more comfortably. Please arrive at the office in comfortable clothes for your procedure and do not wear makeup or skincare products.

Procedure

  • Anesthesia: Revision rhinoplasty can be performed under general anesthesia or intravenous sedation, depending on the complexity of the procedure and your comfort level. Dr. Cohen will discuss the best anesthesia option for you during your consultation.
  • Incisions: The location and extent of incisions depend on the specific corrections required. Dr. Cohen employs various incision techniques to access the underlying nasal structures effectively with minimal scarring.
  • Nasal reshaping: Dr. Cohen carefully reshapes the nasal cartilage and bone, correcting any anatomical irregularities that may have arisen from the previous surgery. This may involve removing excess tissue, grafting cartilage, or modifying the supporting structures as needed.
  • Septoplasty and turbinate reduction: In some cases, concurrent procedures such as septoplasty or turbinate reduction may be performed to address functional issues and optimize breathing airflow.
  • Redraping and suturing: After the necessary modifications are made, Dr. Cohen meticulously redrapes the skin over the newly sculpted nasal framework. He uses specialized suturing techniques to ensure proper healing and maintain the desired shape.
  • Dressings and splints: To support the newly reshaped nose and protect the delicate tissues during the initial healing phase, external splints and internal dressings or packing may be placed.

Recovery

After revision rhinoplasty, it is essential to follow Dr. Cohen’s postoperative instructions diligently to promote a smooth recovery and optimize your results. Here are some general guidelines for the recovery period:

  • Rest and allow yourself ample time to recover.
  • Avoid strenuous activities and exercise during the initial healing stage.
  • Follow any dietary restrictions or recommendations provided by Dr. Cohen.
  • Sleep with your head elevated for the first few weeks to reduce swelling.
  • Take prescribed medications as directed and attend all scheduled follow-up appointments.

During the recovery period, you can expect some temporary bruising, swelling, and discomfort. These side effects will gradually subside over time. Dr. Cohen will provide specific instructions on wound care, medication administration, and when it’s safe to resume your normal activities and exercise routine.

Results

The results of revision rhinoplasty gradually become apparent as swelling resolves and tissues heal. While each patient’s journey may vary, most individuals can expect to enjoy improved nasal aesthetics and better nasal function once the healing process is complete.

Dr. Cohen’s artistic approach and attention to detail ensure natural-looking outcomes that harmonize with your unique facial features. By choosing FACES+ for your revision rhinoplasty, you are enlisting the expertise of a highly skilled plastic surgeon who prioritizes your satisfaction and ultimately delivers outstanding results.

The Cost of Revisional Rhinoplasty in San Diego

The cost of your revisional rhinoplasty will depend on your goals and the look you would like to achieve. We can discuss your desired aesthetic during your consultation and provide an all-inclusive quote to help you achieve the look you desire.

Contact our office or call (858) 453-7224 to learn more about how we can enhance your natural features.

For more information about our services, please read our blog.

FAQ

How do I know if revisional rhinoplasty is right for me?

If your previous rhinoplasty did not help you achieve your desired look, you injured your nose, or you had a rhinoplasty a long time ago and want to change your features, you are likely a good candidate for revisional rhinoplasty. However, you will need to wait 12 months after your first rhinoplasty to have a revision for the best results.

What is the recovery period like after revision rhinoplasty?

The recovery period after revision rhinoplasty may vary depending on individual healing capabilities and the extent of corrections made. Most patients can expect some bruising and swelling, which usually subsides within several weeks. You will receive detailed postoperative instructions to ensure an optimal recovery process.

How long does the swelling last after revision rhinoplasty?

Swelling is a normal part of the healing process after revision rhinoplasty. While the majority of swelling resolves within a few weeks, residual swelling may persist for several months. The final results of your revision rhinoplasty will gradually become apparent as the swelling subsides completely.

Is revision rhinoplasty more complex than primary rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty can be more challenging due to altered nasal anatomy, scar tissue formation, and previous surgical modifications. It requires a meticulous understanding of nasal structures and expertise in revision techniques.

References

  1. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2022. Accessed November 30, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/#:~:text=Rhinoplasty%20is%20one%20of%20the 
  2. Jiang A, Chamata ES, Bressler FJ. Revision Rhinoplasty: With Introduction of a Novel Preoperative Assessment Classification System. Seminars in Plastic Surgery. 2021;35(02):078-087. doi:https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0041-1727271