Rhinoplasty is one of the most technically demanding procedures in plastic and reconstructive surgery, and one with the highest rates of revision. If you are unhappy with the results of a previous nose surgery, you are not alone, and there are options. Dr. Eric Yavrouian, a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon serving Pasadena, Glendale, and Burbank, CA, specializes in revision rhinoplasty and helps patients achieve the results that were not achieved the first time.
Why Revision Rhinoplasty Is Needed
Aesthetic Dissatisfaction
The most common reason for revision is that the aesthetic result does not meet the patient’s expectations. This may include residual dorsal irregularities, an over-reduced or over-projected tip, asymmetry, a pinched nasal tip, or visible scarring.
Functional Problems
Some patients develop functional breathing difficulties following rhinoplasty caused by structural changes that affected the internal nasal valve, weakened lower lateral cartilages, or a deviated septum that was not adequately addressed.
Healing-Related Changes
The healing process following rhinoplasty is long and unpredictable. Scar tissue can contract in unexpected ways, cartilage grafts can shift, and swelling can reveal underlying irregularities. Some patients develop pollybeak deformity, alar retraction, or other changes related to how their specific tissue healed.
The Critical Waiting Period
Most experienced revision surgeons will not operate until at least twelve months, and preferably eighteen to twenty-four months, have passed since the original rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty swelling, particularly in the nasal tip, takes a full twelve months or longer to completely resolve. What appears to be a structural problem at six months may resolve entirely by month fourteen.
Why Revision Rhinoplasty Is More Complex Than Primary Rhinoplasty
- Scar tissue from the previous surgery creates a more difficult operative environment
- Cartilage may have been removed, weakened, or restructured, leaving less material to work with
- Natural tissue planes are often disrupted, making dissection more difficult and unpredictable
- Results may be less predictable because of the variable healing response to revision
Cartilage Grafting in Revision Rhinoplasty
Because the original rhinoplasty may have removed or altered nasal cartilage, revision cases often require cartilage grafts to provide structural support or correct deficits. Graft sources include the septum (if available), the ear (auricular cartilage), or for cases requiring larger quantities, the rib (costal cartilage). Dr. Yavrouian evaluates available graft sources during the consultation.
What to Expect from the Revision Process
Recovery timelines are similar to primary rhinoplasty: one week of splint wear, two to three weeks before social activities, and twelve months for final results. Final results may take longer to fully manifest given the complexity of the revision healing process.
To discuss your revision rhinoplasty concerns with Dr. Yavrouian, schedule a consultation at ejyfacialplastics.com.
Dr. Yavrouian provides revision rhinoplasty to patients in Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, and the greater Los Angeles area. Request a consultation to discuss your options.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.c
