Understanding Revision Rhinoplasty

New issues may arise after a rhinoplasty, such as nostrils that have become too wide or a nose that is no longer proportional to the facial features. Functional problems, like nasal blockage, can also occur. While most rhinoplasty procedures provide excellent results, up to 15% of patients may require some form of correction surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty is a corrective procedure designed to improve the outcomes of previous nasal surgeries. This delicate surgery presents complex challenges, including inadequate septal cartilage or the presence of scar tissue, which may limit the extent of correction even for the most experienced surgeon. For this reason, it’s vital to trust a skilled and experienced professional. Gold Coast Plastic Surgery has been performing revision rhinoplasties for over 10 years. Dr. Moynihan’s meticulous attention to detail and artistic eye ensure the safest and most effective results for your corrective procedure.

The Rhinoplasty Procedure at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery

Dr. Moynihan examining patient nose

Why a Revision Rhinoplasty?

  • An inexperienced surgeon was unable to address the existing problem.
  • The patient’s expectations for improvement were unrealistic.
  • The surgeon’s original goal was overly ambitious.
  • Cosmetic and/or functional problems occurred after surgery due to trauma or poor healing.

The Ideal Revision Rhinoplasty Candidate

A revision rhinoplasty procedure can be very effective at correcting the results of a previous nasal surgery. Not everyone will make an ideal candidate, however. The patient should be in generally good health, a nonsmoker, and have realistic expectations for the procedure. It is important to wait at least 12 to 18 months after an initial rhionoplasty before committing to a revision procedure. This will allow for the full surgical results to become apparent, as some swelling may take up to a year to completely resolve and the scar tissue to soften.

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The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

When undergoing revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Moynihan at Gold Coast Plastic Surgery, your procedure will take between 2-3 hours to complete under general anesthesia. It is normally performed as an outpatient procedure, allowing patients to rest in the comfort of their home that same evening.

The majority of Dr. Moynihan’s revision rhinoplasty procedures are performed using the “open technique.” This will consist of a small trans-columellar incision at the base of the nose, between the nostrils. As the tissue can then be pulled back, the open rhinoplasty allows for a full visualization of the nasal anatomy. Once the predetermined incisions have been made, Dr. Moynihan will make the necessary corrections, such as removing the excess tissue, sculpting the nasal cartilage, or placing a nasal implant. Then the skin is repositioned, and small sutures are placed for proper healing.

Cost of a Revision Rhinoplasty

The cost of a revision rhinoplasty is determined by several factors and it is important to understand what is included in a quote. Typically, expenses include an anesthesia fee, an operating room fee, or both. Some rhinoplasty surgeons charge for certain materials if they are used during the procedure and there may be fees to attend follow-up appointments. Prescriptions may be included in the quoted fees or they may be submitted to your local pharmacy for you to pick up at your own expense. These fees tend to be consistent from practice to practice for the most part, but the total cost of your rhinoplasty will also depend on the actual surgeon’s fee. The surgeon’s fee for rhinoplasty ranges significantly and depends on the specific credentials of the rhinoplasty surgeon.

Dr. George Moynihan’s patients typically spend a true total of $12,000-$15,000 for all expenses involved with their revision rhinoplasty. A more specific quote may be provided prior to the consultation when photos are submitted and a final, all-inclusive quote is provided during the consultation.

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Recovery From a Revision Rhinoplasty

The revision rhinoplasty is considered to be an outpatient procedure, meaning the patient may arrive on the morning of surgery and travel home on the same day. A responsible adult must drive the patient or ride along in a taxi/rideshare. The patient leaves the surgery with a hard outer cast over the bridge of the nose and there may be sutures visible in the nostril area. Most of the discomfort is experienced during the first three days, with some pressure and congestion lasting for a full week. The cast and sutures are removed after one week and most activities may resume after ten days. More specific post-care instructions are provided on a case-by-case basis depending on the particular needs of the patient.

Risks From a Revision Rhinoplasty

The corrective procedure is considered to be one of the most difficult of all plastic surgeries performed. As it is an invasive procedure, there is always the rare chance for serious complications. These can include excessive bleeding, disrupted sense of smell, airway alteration, scarring, and nasal asymmetry. Patients should only put their trust in a reputable, board-certified cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Moynihan. This will guarantee the most successful Revision Rhinoplasty with the least possible complications.

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