Revision Rhinoplasty
If you have undergone a previous rhinoplasty procedure and are not happy with the results, a revision rhinoplasty procedure may be a great way to correct your cosmetic or functional problems. Dr. Thomas Walker is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty procedures of all kinds and who has ample experience performing extremely complex cases. He will work with you to achieve your goals with natural-looking and long-lasting results. Walker MD Facial Plastic Surgery is located 19 minutes from Downtown Atlanta and 16 minutes from Buckhead.
What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty (aka tertiary rhinoplasty) is a specialized procedure that improves or corrects the outcome of prior rhinoplasty surgery. Some individuals may experience functional issues such as nasal blockage or trouble breathing due to a poorly done initial rhinoplasty. Others may wish to have cosmetic issues corrected.
Reconstructive surgery like revision rhinoplasty is significantly more complex for several reasons. The unique anatomy of every patient’s nose is distorted through scar tissue and surgical manipulation from the prior procedure. Blood supply to the nose is compromised each time a patient undergoes surgery with an increased risk of infection or graft resorption. Additional support grafts are required to stabilize the nose during revision surgery. Ideal grafts come from within the nose (nasal septum), which is typically not available for revision surgeries anymore. In this case, cartilage is harvested from a secondary donor site such as the ear (auricular conchal grafts) or rib (costal grafts).
Dr. Walker is an acclaimed expert in these highly complicated revision rhinoplasty surgeries and is one of the very few rhinoplasty specialists in Atlanta, Georgia, and the Southeastern United States who successfully and regularly performs rib cartilage grafting for major revision rhinoplasty surgeries. Beautiful results are typically still achievable during a revision procedure when performed by Dr. Walker. During your consultation with him, he will let you know what can and cannot be achieved to assist you to make an informed decision about the best course of action. Dr. Walker is very sensitive to the fact of how traumatic the experience may have been for you and the level of dissatisfaction with your previous surgery or rhinoplasty surgeon.
Who is a Good Candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty?
If you are unhappy with the results of your original rhinoplasty, you may be able to benefit from revision rhinoplasty (secondary rhinoplasty). We understand that you may be nervous going into your consultation due to disappointing results from your original procedure. Dr. Walker is an experienced surgeon who will work with you to pinpoint what may have gone wrong during your initial surgery, and what can be done to create the results you desire. During your consultation with Dr. Walker, you will have an open conversation about your expectations and whether or not those can be met during revision surgery. Individuals should generally wait one year after their first rhinoplasty procedure before undergoing a revision rhinoplasty although there are exceptions to this rule in select cases.
How is the Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?
Revision rhinoplasty surgery is done under general anesthesia as an outpatient procedure. Dr. Walker generally performs revision rhinoplasty utilizing the external/open approach with autologous (from your own body) cartilage grafting from the nasal septum (if available) or alternatively from the ear or rib. Revision surgeries are much more complex than primary ones but rest assured that Dr. Walker possesses the skills and in-depth training necessary to tackle any problem a given nose may present.
Dr. Walker will reshape the nose structure, and, if necessary, correct a deviated septum or septal perforation to treat breathing problems. He utilizes various cartilage grafting techniques to reshape your nose for permanent aesthetic and functional improvements. The surgery is performed on an outpatient basis meaning that you will go home the day of your surgery under the care of a responsible adult family member or friend.
Revision Rhinoplasty Testimonial
“I really feel like he cares about his patients.”
– 31, Female, 1 month post Revision Rhinoplasty
“WOW!! Is all I can say. This was my 3rd rhinoplasty and I felt like I’ve given up hope. I was in a car wreck at 15 Years old and completely shattered my nose on my ex boyfriends head. Had 2 rhinoplasty right after the wreck, both that left me with a botched,crooked, snub nose. I’m 31 now and decided to see if an Atlanta doctor could do better. Found Dr Walker and I’m so glad I did! He did a rib graph rhinoplasty. Recovery was intense, but so worth it. I never imagined I can look this good and have improved my confidence even more. The staff was amazing as well, Megan Persin was incredible helpful, supportive and positive the whole time. She really made it feel like a family atmosphere. Going thru with the surgery was the best decision I have made in my life. Dr Walker called me the day after surgery to make sure I was OK, went over cleansing and aftercare with me. I really feel like he cares about his patients. He is so knowledgeable and is the best guy for any rhinoplasty, especially a revision rhinoplasty. I am in love!!”
Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery
Recovery from revision rhinoplasty is very similar to that of primary rhinoplasty except for the donor site where cartilage may have been taken from (ear or rib). However, this does not add to your recovery time. The rate-limiting step in healing is always the nose itself. Bruising and swelling may occur but will subside over the course of a few weeks. Cold compresses, head elevation, and avoidance of salt/sodium can help lessen the swelling. A small cast will be placed on the outside of your nose and left in place for one week. The majority of clients describe minimal pain during recovery. A follow-up appointment will be scheduled for one-week post-op so Dr. Walker can ensure that you are healing properly.
The recovery from rhinoplasty occurs in various stages. There is an initial 1- to 2-week period during which the bruising (if present) subsides and the nasal external and internal swelling improves for improved airflow. The nasal cast and sutures will be removed 1 week after your procedure, at which point in time you can let the water run over your nose again when washing your hair. Most patients experience some discomfort for the first couple of days that most patients can control with Tylenol although a small amount of prescription pain medication is prescribed to you in case you do experience some discomfort.
You are encouraged to rest during the first week and to adhere to Dr. Walker’s thorough post-operative instructions including a low-sodium diet, avoidance of strenuous activities, no nose-blowing, no straining with bowel movements, and avoidance of coughing if possible. After 4-6 weeks, most of your nasal swelling should have subsided and you may resume strenuous activities at such point. You will have near-final results after 3 months with final results being apparent one year after your surgery. Dr. Walker will closely monitor your healing throughout the recovery process with regular follow-up visits.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you are unhappy with the result of an initial rhinoplasty procedure, contact our Atlanta office today to schedule your revision rhinoplasty consultation with Dr. Walker. During this appointment, you can discuss your concerns regarding your initial results, and your cosmetic goals for your revision rhinoplasty.
