No. The post-OP discomfort is generally the same in revision surgery as in primary rhinoplasty and is dictated by the extent of surgery rather than whether or not a previous surgery was done. Most patients are surprised by how little pain they actually experience. You can expect some pressure, mild swelling, and stuffiness for the first week, but actual pain is low and manageable with over-the-counter medications or a short course of prescription pain relief. Many men return to desk jobs or light activities within 7–10 days. Dr. Walker also provides detailed aftercare instructions to make recovery smoother and easier from day one.

Revision rhinoplasty involves multiple appointments to ensure a safe, successful outcome. You’ll begin with an in-depth consultation to assess the results of your previous surgery and discuss your aesthetic and functional goals. Additional pre-operative and post-operative visits are scheduled to prepare you for surgery, monitor healing, and evaluate final results over time. While the exact number can vary depending on complexity, most patients should expect at least 5–7 appointments spread over several months.

Because revision rhinoplasty involves operating on previously altered tissue and often involves rib cartilage grafting, swelling tends to last longer than with a primary rhinoplasty. You may notice improvements within the first few weeks, but it can take up to 12–18 months for all swelling to resolve and the final shape to fully settle. The tip of the nose is usually the last area to refine, especially in more complex revisions. In some patients, HBO (hyperbaric oxygen) treatments are recommended for expedited healing.

Yes, many patients choose to combine revision rhinoplasty with other facial procedures to achieve a more harmonious appearance and avoid multiple recovery periods. Common combinations include chin augmentation, eyelid surgery, brow lift, and neck liposuction. These added procedures can help bring balance to the facial profile and create more dramatic yet natural-looking results. The limitation of adding other procedures is the expected duration of surgery and anesthesia.

The most common risks are new or residual imperfections, asymmetries of the nose or nostrils, nosebleeds, among others, that will be thoroughly discussed during your consultation.

A revision rhinoplasty is not free, especially if a different surgeon performed the initial surgery. However, many surgeons waive the surgeon’s fee for minor nasal revisions during the first year after performing the initial surgery. This typically excludes the facility and anesthesia fees that the patient is still responsible for.

Any revision surgery is more difficult to perform due to scar tissue, distorted anatomy, compromised blood supply, distorted tissue planes, and possibly overresected cartilage that cannot easily be replaced.

This depends on many factors, but generally takes 4-6 hours, occasionally longer.

Absolutely, if well done.

Revision rhinoplasty is generally a cosmetic procedure and not covered by insurance, although certain aspects of it, such as straightening a deviated septum, may be covered by insurance if associated with nasal obstruction and meeting other criteria.

Revision rhinoplasty recovery is overall similar to a primary rhinoplasty but may take slightly longer, depending on the extent of surgery and the type of graft utilized. However, some revision rhinoplasties, which only require small adjustments, will have a shorter recovery period than your initial surgery.

There are several factors that can contribute to requiring a revision of a nose job. In many cases, the previous plastic surgeon may have removed too much cartilage, causing the nostrils to collapse. In other cases, patients may choose a revision rhinoplasty because they are simply dissatisfied with the results of their prior surgery/ies, either aesthetically or functionally, possibly both.

Revision rhinoplasty has inherent difficulties and is significantly more challenging than primary surgery due to scar tissue, distorted anatomy, and often unavailable septal cartilage for grafting, amongst other factors. However, in experienced hands, it can be a very rewarding procedure, although up to 15% of patients undergoing a revision rhinoplasty may need a minor tweak after surgery.

Swelling typically lasts 4-6 weeks, depending on skin thickness, extent of surgery, and type of cartilage graft used.

Cosmetic dissatisfaction is the number one reason to undergo revision rhinoplasty, followed by nasal obstruction. The best chance to get a great result is avoiding a revision rhinoplasty and getting things right during a primary rhinoplasty.

There is no set rule regarding the number of revision rhinoplasties that can safely be performed; this will vary from patient to patient. Each rhinoplasty, though, will present additional challenges due to scar tissue formation and possibly compromised blood supply to the nose, so it is important to choose a qualified Facial Plastic Surgeon who understands the unique concerns of a revision rhinoplasty.

A revision rhinoplasty tends to be more expensive than an initial rhinoplasty because it is a much more complex surgery requiring more expertise and generally takes longer than a primary surgery, given the distorted anatomy and scar tissue. During your consultation, a member of Dr. Walker’s team will provide you with a detailed cost estimate and breakdown.

The nationwide revision rhinoplasty rate is around 10% in the U.S. It is important that you find an experienced surgeon whom you trust and whose work you like based on their portfolio rather than computer imaging during your consultation. Dr. Walker’s revision rate is exponentially lower than that of his overall revision rate, which is less than 1%.

Revision rhinoplasty is safe for most patients. During your consultation, Dr. Walker will examine your nose to determine whether a revision rhinoplasty is safe and suitable for you.

A third rhinoplasty is possible but has increased risks and complexity compared to a first or second procedure. This is because more scar tissue will be present, along with a compromised blood supply, leading to an increased risk of infection and tissue necrosis. However, this is determined on a case-by-case basis.

The best revision rhinoplasty surgeon is an experienced, board-certified Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty, including ear and rib cartilage grafting. Dr. Thomas Walker is double board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery and specializes in complicated and reconstructive procedures such as revision rhinoplasty in Atlanta, Georgia. Approximately 30-50% of all his rhinoplasties are revision rhinoplasties on patients who had their initial operation elsewhere.

Downtime from work is typically 1 week. Social downtime is around 2-3 weeks. Swelling lasts for around 1 month, during which time sweating and sodium intake should be avoided. Most patients are ready for wedding photos after 1-3 months, although final results take 2-5 years to be apparent.

Revision rhinoplasties should generally not be performed within the first 12 months of the prior rhinoplasty, but exceptions can be made depending on the resolution of swelling and the underlying problem.