When a previous nose job hasn’t given the results you were hoping for, a revision rhinoplasty can restore the shape and the function of your nose. Revision rhinoplasties are not uncommon, as rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging aesthetic surgeries and a procedure that is constantly evolving.
The nose has a three-dimensional structure and operating such a delicate part of the body can sometimes lead to complications and the need of a revision – including grafting. But you’re not alone! Our team of highly-skilled surgeons are here to help you if you need advice on your next nose job or need to revise one that was previously performed.
A nose job is performed to harmonise your features and enhance your natural beauty. We always encourage and guide our patients towards realistic expectations and advise them on what would work best for them. Our plastic surgeons are here to help you make the changes that will enhance your appearance and correct any problem derived from a previous surgery – whether from an aesthetic or medical point of view.
In this article, we are going to explain what a revision rhinoplasty is, when grafting is deemed necessary, and how the procedure works.
When is it time to have a revision rhinoplasty?
Generally speaking, patients seek advice on a revision rhinoplasty when they are unhappy with a nose job they already had done. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including aggressive surgery, scar contracture with the healing process, or nose cartilage looking deformed. All this can lead to pinched nostrils or nasal obstruction. In these cases, it’s important to act promptly and investigate what the causes are in order to carry out the most suitable corrections for each individual case.
Revision rhinoplasty: When are grafts necessary?
When a previous nose job hasn’t given the results you were hoping for, a revision rhinoplasty can restore the shape and the function of your nose. Revision rhinoplasties are not uncommon, as rhinoplasty is considered one of the most challenging aesthetic surgeries and a procedure that is constantly evolving.
The nose has a three-dimensional structure and operating such a delicate part of the body can sometimes lead to complications and the need of a revision – including grafting. But you’re not alone! Our team of highly-skilled surgeons are here to help you if you need advice on your next nose job or need to revise one that was previously performed.
A nose job is performed to harmonise your features and enhance your natural beauty. We always encourage and guide our patients towards realistic expectations and advise them on what would work best for them. Our plastic surgeons are here to help you make the changes that will enhance your appearance and correct any problem derived from a previous surgery – whether from an aesthetic or medical point of view.
In this article, we are going to explain what a revision rhinoplasty is, when grafting is deemed necessary, and how the procedure works.
Revision rhinoplasty: Do I need a graft?
In order to understand how to best proceed with a revision rhinoplasty, the first step is to perform an internal and external examination of the patient’s nose. As one of the goals is to restore the structural support of your nose and replace any soft tissue volume that has been lost, the surgeon must often rely on grafts.
Grafts for revision rhinoplasty can be used in one of these cases:
Strengthening the nose
During a revision or secondary rhinoplasty, a patient may need grafting to strengthen the structure of the nose and rebuild it to improve the contour. In this case, cartilage grafting can help correct Pollybeak deformity (a dorsal hump located in the supratip region of the nose), pinched nostrils, or a crooked shape.
Correcting nasal obstruction
When you have breathing issues following a rhinoplasty, causes may vary. Typically, the cartilage that is supposed to support the side walls of your nose needs to be repositioned as it’s not in the correct location. In this case, grafts can help straighten out or widen the airway and improve breathing.
Adjusting the nose tip
If your nose tip needs to be reshaped or strengthened, grafts can help achieve the shape you desire. The surgeon will be able to refine the nose in a more defined and balanced way.
Restoring nasal dorsal height
If you had a dorsal hump removed, grafts may be necessary to strengthen the structure of your nose as well as achieve an ideal aesthetic result.
Revision rhinoplasty: Where are grafts taken from?
In revision rhinoplasty, grafts can help strengthen the nose, improve the functionality, and improve its contour. Ideally, grafts are autogenous (taken from the patient’s own body), and they are sourced from other cartilage of the nose, from the ears, or from the ribs. The procedure is minimally invasive, and it is carried out by making very small incisions, leaving a virtually invisible scar.
When it’s not possible to use autogenous grafts, the surgeon may choose to use synthetic grafts, such as alloplastic implants.
When is it time to have a revision rhinoplasty?
Generally speaking, patients seek advice on a revision rhinoplasty when they are unhappy with a nose job they already had done. This can happen for a variety of reasons, including aggressive surgery, scar contracture with the healing process, or nose cartilage looking deformed. All this can lead to pinched nostrils or nasal obstruction. When this happens, it’s important to act promptly and investigate what the causes are in order to carry out the most suitable corrections for each individual case.
Scar contracture is another factor that can contribute to the need for revision rhinoplasty. During the healing process after the first surgery, scar tissue can form and contract, pulling the surrounding nasal tissues inward. This can lead to a pinched appearance of the nostrils, making it difficult for the patient to breathe properly through the nose.
Furthermore, nose cartilage can sometimes become deformed or displaced following the initial rhinoplasty procedure. The manipulation of cartilage during surgery may result in asymmetries or irregularities that are visually noticeable. These issues can affect the overall aesthetics of the nose and cause functional problems, such as breathing difficulties or nasal obstruction.
Revision rhinoplasty: Do I need a graft?
In order to understand how to best proceed with a revision rhinoplasty, the first step is to perform an internal and external examination of the patient’s nose. As one of the goals is to restore the structural support of your nose and replace any soft tissue volume that has been lost, the surgeon must often rely on grafts.
Grafts for revision rhinoplasty can be used in one of these cases:
Strengthening the nose
During a revision or secondary rhinoplasty, a patient may need grafting to strengthen the structure of the nose and rebuild it to improve the contour. In this case, cartilage grafting can help correct Pollybeak deformity (a dorsal hump located in the supratip region of the nose), pinched nostrils, or a crooked shape.
Correcting nasal obstruction
When you have breathing issues following a rhinoplasty, causes may vary. Typically, the cartilage that is supposed to support the side walls of your nose needs to be repositioned as it’s not in the correct location. In this case, grafts can help straighten out or widen the airway and improve breathing.
Adjusting the nose tip
If your nose tip needs to be reshaped or strengthened, grafts can help achieve the shape you desire. The surgeon will be able to refine the nose in a more defined and balanced way.
Restoring nasal dorsal height
If you had a dorsal hump removed, grafts may be necessary to strengthen the structure of your nose as well as achieve an ideal aesthetic result.
Camouflage Techniques
Cartilage grafts can be employed as camouflage in cases where irregularities or deformities are difficult to correct directly. By strategically placing grafts in the surrounding areas, surgeons can create a smoother and more harmonious nasal appearance.
Improving Breathing Function
Revision rhinoplasty may also address breathing difficulties that persist after the primary rhinoplasty. Cartilage grafts can be used to support the nasal airways and improve airflow, particularly in cases of nasal valve collapse or internal valve stenosis.
Revision rhinoplasty: Where are grafts taken from?
In revision rhinoplasty, grafts can help strengthen the nose, improve the functionality, and improve its contour. Ideally, grafts are autogenous (taken from the patient’s own body), and they are sourced from other cartilage of the nose, from the ears, or from the ribs.
Here is a more detailed overview of each graft site:
Septal cartilage: This is the most common source of cartilage for grafts in revision rhinoplasty. The septum is a strong and stable structure that can provide a good foundation for the nose. However, the amount of septal cartilage available is limited, so it may not be possible to use it to correct all of the problems that are present.
Ear cartilage: The ear cartilage is a good alternative to septal cartilage if there is not enough cartilage available from the septum. The ear cartilage is soft and pliable, which makes it easy to shape. However, it is not as strong as septal cartilage and may not be as durable over time.
Rib cartilage: The rib cartilage is the strongest type of cartilage and is the most durable. It is also the most invasive to harvest, as it requires a small incision in the chest. However, the rib cartilage can be used to correct a wide range of problems in revision rhinoplasty.
The procedure is minimally invasive, and it is carried out by making very small incisions, leaving a virtually invisible scar. However, it is important to note that all of these graft sites can carry some risks, such as bleeding, infection, and scarring. The surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of each graft site with you before surgery.
When it’s not possible to use autogenous grafts, the surgeon may choose to use synthetic grafts, such as alloplastic implants.
Revision rhinoplasty: How does it work?
For most revisions, the surgeon will choose an open approach (you can read more about the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty here), as it gives a better, extended view and access to the structures of your nose. Below, an overview of how a revision rhinoplasty works step by step.
Pre-op evaluation
The first step is to carry out a thorough examination of the nose. This will help the surgeon understand the patient’s concerns and advise on the best course of action. During the evaluation, the surgeon will especially assess the quality and the thickness of the skin, and any deformity or obstruction that may have been caused by the first operation. Then, the surgeon and the patient will discuss concerns, expectations, and possible surgery to correct the nose – aesthetically, medically, or both.
Grafting
As already mentioned, grafts are necessary to improve the structure or to refine the volume of different parts of your nose. The surgeon will assess how much grafting material is necessary and where it should be sourced from.
Nose job revision
Once the evaluation has been carried out and the necessary grafting material has been sourced, it is now time for the surgeon to make the necessary changes and adjustments. When surgery is complete, your nose will be covered with bandages and you will be given post-op instructions for the following weeks and months.
Complexity and Skill
Revision rhinoplasty is a complex procedure that requires the skill and expertise of an experienced facial plastic surgeon. The surgeon must navigate the scar tissue from the previous surgery and work with the existing nasal structure to achieve the desired outcome. This can be a challenging task, as the scar tissue can make it difficult to reshape the nose and achieve the desired results.
Risks of a revision rhinoplasty procedure
Revision rhinoplasty carries some risks and complications. The most common risks are:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Swelling and bruising
- Scarring
- Undesirable result
Serious complications are rare in a revision rhinoplasty and can be treated effectively. To minimise risks and complications, it’s important to choose an experienced surgeon and to follow all pre- and post-operative instructions carefully. If you notice any post-surgery warning signs or if something doesn’t feel quite right, it’s important to contact your plastic surgeon right away.
Results and Limitations
The goal of revision rhinoplasty is to improve both the functional and aesthetic outcome of the original nasal surgery. This can include correcting problems such as a deviated septum, a hump on the bridge of the nose, a droopy or bulbous tip, or nasal asymmetry. However, it’s important to note that not all improvements may be possible due to the formation of scar tissue and other factors. Realistic expectations should be discussed with the surgeon during the consultation process.
Revision rhinoplasty at KCM Clinic
Do you need to speak to someone about a possible revision of a nose job that was previously performed? Or are you unhappy with the results of your nose job? We’re here for you. Contact with us and one of our patient coordinators will be in touch with you.
For information on prices, feel free to have a look at our price list.
Send Request
Register
Visits, hospital procedures
Bariatric Surgery Center
Plastic Surgery Center
Spine Surgery Center
Dental Clinic
OMEGA Imaging Diagnostic Center
Work hours
KCM Clinic Wrocław
Chat KCM Clinic
Locations
KCM Clinic Jelenia Góra
KCM Clinic Wrocław
Parking
