When Can I Revise My Rhinoplasty Safely?

While most rhinoplasty patients are only planning for one nasal surgery, some may find themselves considering a secondary rhinoplasty in the months or years to come.

There are many reasons that a patient might turn to revision rhinoplasty to re-address their nasal concerns, from dissatisfying results to surgical error to unrelated injuries following surgery. The reasons for revision rhinoplasty are as unique as those cited for seeking a primary nasal surgery. If you find yourself considering a revision, do you know if you’re ready for it? Let’s talk about when and how you can plan that second rhinoplasty procedure.

How to Plan a Revision Rhinoplasty

The process for planning a revision surgery will be very similar to the process of planning your first rhinoplasty. You will meet with your surgeon, or a new facial plastic surgeon if necessary, for a consultation and examination. You will discuss the results you’d like to see and go over your previous nasal surgery to discover what went wrong or what you’d like to do differently. Be open with your surgeon about your medical history, lifestyle habits, and health status so you can work together to plan a safe and successful surgery.

Timing Your Revision Rhinoplasty

You may be eager to plan that revision rhinoplasty as soon as possible, but bear in mind that it may not be possible as quickly as you’d like. While there’s no “official” rule for how much time has to go by after you’ve healed before undergoing a second surgery, you will definitely need to wait for all of that swelling, redness, and bruising to subside. These surgical side effects can make your nose difficult to assess properly and to alter safely. Your facial plastic surgeon can check your healing progress during your revision rhinoplasty consultation to give you a better idea of how much time you must wait.

Most facial plastic surgeons agree that it is best for the patient and the secondary results if surgeries are planned at least one year apart. Of course, every patient is different and every situation may change the rules, so it’s best to get your answers straight from a rhinoplasty expert.

When May Depend On Why

If you change your mind about your rhinoplasty results quickly after surgery, chances are pretty good that you’ll need to wait a significant amount of time before you can be considered eligible for another surgery. In some cases, your reason for rhinoplasty might make this waiting period moot:

• An injury or trauma to the nose.
• A surgical error.
• Unexpected functional problems such as blocked airways.

In these cases, it’s best to consult with a facial plastic surgeon right away to consider your options and make a plan of action. You may not be able to have your surgery right away, but specific circumstances might actually make it better to act before your nose has completely healed.

Plan a Successful Rhinoplasty Revision With Dr. Frankel

Get a second chance at achieving the rhinoplasty results you really want when you work with a board certified, experienced facial plastic surgeon. Regardless of your reasons for a second rhinoplasty, speak with an expert who can deliver the results you want. Consult with a facial plastic surgeon to achieve your best results. Dr. Andrew Frankel is board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, as well as Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery (Ear Nose and Throat). He is experienced in the field of nasal surgery and has been recognized for his original research regarding vasculature to the nose and rhinoplasty’s effect on it. Schedule your appointment today with a world-renowned facial plastic surgeon to guarantee your best rhinoplasty results. Contact Dr. Frankel’s office, located at 201 Lasky Drive in Beverly Hills, California, by calling (310) 552-2173.