Revision Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is performed to improve either the appearance of the nose or breathing problems. Unfortunately, sometimes the first rhinoplasty does not achieve the results a patient wanted, and a revision rhinoplasty needs to be done. This is where a skilled revision rhinoplasty surgeon like Dr. Hessler can make all the difference.

Revision Rhinoplasty in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

If you’re seeking revision rhinoplasty in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area, she is the ideal surgeon for you.

Why get revision rhinoplasty?

There are many reasons to undergo a second rhinoplasty. Perhaps your nose never healed quite right after the first surgery. Maybe you simply did not like the results, or maybe you still have breathing problems. Sometimes scar tissue develops and causes problems, and sometimes people experience a nose injury that compromises the original results. No matter what the issue may be, Dr. Hessler is an exceptionally skilled revision rhinoplasty surgeon who can beautifully correct the problems arising from your first surgery.

About revision rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is more complex than primary rhinoplasty because of the scar tissue that forms after the primary procedure, and in some cases because there’s less cartilage to work with. For this reason, careful planning is very important to achieve the desired outcome. We recommend that you wait at least one year after your first rhinoplasty to consider revision rhinoplasty. During your consultation, Dr. Hessler will evaluate the results of your first procedure, and she will discuss your areas of concern and personal goals for the procedure.

Why choosing a specialist is important

Revision rhinoplasty requires a very special set of skills that only facial plastic surgeons who specialize in this area have. When performing revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Hessler skillfully works around the changes that were made during your first procedure. This means that she is able to manipulate scar tissue; restore structural support to help you breathe; work with less cartilage or skin; re-use previously made incisions, and use cartilage grafts if necessary — all while preserving the results you did like from the first surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty surgical details

Like primary rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty is performed using the open or closed technique — although mostly the open approach is used for revision procedures. Open rhinoplasty uses incisions made across the strip of tissue separating the nostrils (the columella). This technique allows more access to the nasal tissue and better exposure to the nasal cartilages. The closed technique involves making incisions inside the nose, which eliminates visible scarring but limits visibility during the procedure. This approach is generally used if only minor changes to the bridge of the nose are needed. Revision rhinoplasty also often involves adding cartilage grafts, which can usually be taken from inside the nose. In some cases, the ear or rib can also be used for cartilage. These grafts help long-term support of the nose.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery

Revision rhinoplasty requires a similar recovery to primary rhinoplasty, which lasts between 1 and 2 weeks. Normal side effects include swelling, bruising, soreness, and feeling congested. You may need to wear a splint over your nose. If you do, it will be removed after one week.

This is also when your sutures will be removed (if you had an open revision rhinoplasty). We recommend that you keep your head elevated as much as possible, including while sleeping.

Strenuous activities, including bending and lifting, should be avoided during this initial healing period. Dr. Hessler will meet with you regularly to monitor your healing progress.

Results

While the initial results of your revision rhinoplasty will be noticeable when the splint is removed, it can take months for the residual subtle swelling to resolve. Subtle changes can occur as the nose heals, but you can expect to see the final outcome anywhere from 12 to 18 months after surgery. Some tiny changes, such as variations in sensation or scar visibility, may continue to occur for up to two years.

Schedule A Consultation

650.800.8389 Contact Us

Hessler Plastic Surgery for revision rhinoplasty in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area

Revision rhinoplasty is a very delicate procedure that requires exceptional training, skill, and experience. Dr. Jill Hessler is a leading plastic surgeon and the trusted choice for patients seeking revision rhinoplasty in Palo Alto, San Jose, and the Bay Area. Using her expertise and patient-focused approach, Dr. Hessler has helped many patients finally achieve the rhinoplasty results they want. She is a leading expert in the field of rhinoplasty and facial plastic surgery.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Hessler has dedicated years of study to the nose, with an emphasis on subtle changes to the appearance while also improving or maintaining optimal breathing. She has performed hundreds of complex rhinoplasty procedures, and was selected to be the course director for a hands-on cadaver dissection course, teaching the intricacies of nasal surgery to other plastic surgeons.

Rhinoplasty is one of her top procedures and areas of focus, and she currently holds a position as Chair of the Women on the Facial Plastic Surgery committee at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. To schedule a revision rhinoplasty consultation, please contact us.

FAQ

Does insurance cover revision rhinoplasty?

Medical insurance will sometimes cover a portion of the cost of revision rhinoplasty surgery. If a significant deviation is present, particularly from an injury, or if there are breathing problems, insurance will occasionally cover the cost to repair the deviated septum. This septoplasty procedure can be combined with the cosmetic rhinoplasty portion of the procedure for a combined recovery and need for only one anesthetic at our out-patient surgery center. We are out of network with all insurance plans, but can help you with the initial submission of your claim for your revision rhinoplasty.

Where is revision rhinoplasty performed?

Dr. Hessler performs the majority of her procedures at the AAAASF full-certified out-patient surgical center at Hessler Plastic Surgery. Dr. Hessler also has privileges and performs revision rhinoplasty at Stanford University Hospital and Stanford Ambulatory Surgical Center.

When can I resume exercise after my revision rhinoplasty?

Most patients are eager to resume exercise after their surgery. In general, light activities can begin one week after surgery. This includes walking and non-impact, non-contact sports and activities. At two weeks, most patients can begin to do more intense exercises — however, it’s important to avoid prolonged inversions such as yoga or Pilates, along with any contact sports for at least one month from the date of surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Hessler will inform you of the extent of your recovery and if you can resume physical activities earlier.