Q - What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair problems of form and function of the nose that have resulted from previous rhinoplasty procedures.

Q - How do I know if I'm a good candidate for revision rhinoplasty?
Men and women who are physically healthy, realistic in their expectations and looking to improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty procedure may be good candidates for revision rhinoplasty.

Q - Are there any age restrictions when it comes to rhinoplasty?
Rhinoplasty is best postponed on young patients until the nose has completed its growth. In general, this tends to occur around the age of fourteen or fifteen for girls and a bit later for boys.

Q - What can I expect during a consultation for revision rhinoplasty?
During consultation, there will be in-depth discussion with the patient about their desires and previous procedure(s). There will also be a pre-operative evaluation of the nose and the overall facial balance. Computer imaging may also be used.

Q - Where can revision rhinoplasty be performed?
Revision rhinoplasty often takes place in a free-standing ambulatory surgery center or a surgeon's office-based facility. Some cases may be performed in a hospital.

Q - What type of anesthesia is used for revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is usually performed with either general anesthesia or a combination of local anesthesia and sedation.

Q - How is revision rhinoplasty performed?
Once the anesthesia is administered, the incisions are made and this skin of the nose is separated from the underlying bone and cartilage. Depending upon the particular case, cartilage may be repositioned or missing structures may be replaced. When the desired shape is achieved, the skin is pulled back down and the incisions are closed.

Q - How long does the actual revision rhinoplasty procedure last?
Primary rhinoplasty tends to take between one and two hours to perform and revision rhinoplasty typically takes longer.

Q - Where are the incisions made for revision rhinoplasty?
For revision rhinoplasty, the incisions may be confined solely to the inside of the nose or an additional small incision may be made under the tip of the nose. When the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose the procedure is referred to as 'closed rhinoplasty', whereas procedures involving an incision under the tip of the nose are referred to as 'open rhinoplasty'.

Q - Does revision rhinoplasty result in scars?
With closed rhinoplasty procedures, in which the incisions are confined to the inside of the nose, there will be no visible scarring. With open rhinoplasty, in which an additional small incision is made under the tip of the nose, a small, fine-line scar will result though it is well-concealed and will fade with time.

Q - Is revision rhinoplasty a painful procedure?
Revision rhinoplasty tends to involve less pain, as well as less bruising, than primary rhinoplasty procedures. Patients can be prescribed pain medication to help alleviate any discomfort that they may feel.

Q - Will I be able to drive myself home after my revision rhinoplasty procedure?
You will need to have a family member or friend drive you home.

Q - Will I need someone to stay with me after my revision rhinoplasty procedure and help me out?
It's often a good idea to have a family member or friend accompany you to surgery and to your home or your place of recovery for the evening.

Q - What sort of recovery can I expect after revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is usually a less painful procedure than primary rhinoplasty and often involves less bruising as well. Most of the bruising that patients experience will have faded by about the tenth day. Swelling is also common and this can takes months to fully fade. The splint and stitches will be removed within about six to seven days. Patients are typically able to return to work within about a week, though strenuous activities will need to be postponed for about two to three weeks. Patients should also avoid bumping or jarring the nose or getting a sunburn for eight weeks.

Q - When will I be able to go back to work after my revision rhinoplasty procedure?
Patients are typically able to return to work within about a week after their revision rhinoplasty procedure.

Q - When can I exercise after my revision rhinoplasty procedure?
Exercise and more strenuous activities can usually be resumed within about two to three weeks, though any activities which may bump or jar the nose or risk sunburn to the nose should be avoided for eight weeks.

Q - When are the stitches removed after revision rhinoplasty?
The stitches are usually removed within about six to seven days after revision rhinoplasty.

Q - What are the risks or complications that can occur with revision rhinoplasty?
Some of the potential complications associated with revision rhinoplasty may include adverse anesthesia reactions, excessive scarring, prolonged swelling, pulling of the nose to one side, small burst blood vessels, and the need for additional surgery.

Q - Is revision rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
Procedures which are performed to repair functions of the nose, such as breathing, may be covered to some degree. However, procedures which are solely cosmetic are typically not covered by insurance.