Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty is performed to improve the nose’s appearance, function, or both after a previous rhinoplasty. Because it involves operating on a nose that has already been altered, it is one of the most complex procedures in facial plastic surgery and requires a highly experienced surgical team.

Revision rhinoplasty requires careful evaluation of the existing nasal anatomy, including scar tissue, structural support, and prior surgical changes. Each case is approached with a customized plan focused on restoring balance, improving breathing when needed, and refining the nose in a way that aligns with the patient’s facial features and long-term goals.

What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is surgery performed on a nose that has already undergone a prior rhinoplasty or other nasal procedure. The goal is to address persistent or new concerns that remain after the first operation, whether cosmetic, functional, or both.

Revision surgery can involve:

• Correcting irregularities in the bridge, tip, or nostrils
• Restoring structure in a nose that looks collapsed, pinched, or twisted
• Improving breathing if airflow is restricted
• Refining results that do not feel natural or in harmony with your face

In most cases, it is more than a “small touch-up.” It requires detailed planning, structural rebuilding, and an experienced surgeon’s eye for both the aesthetics of the nose and its function.

Who Is a Revision Nose Job for?

Revision rhinoplasty is for individuals who are unhappy with the results of a previous nose surgery and are healthy enough to consider another operation. Many patients feel self-conscious about raising the subject, but wanting improvement after a first rhinoplasty is more common than most people think.

Typical reasons to consider revision rhinoplasty include:

• Aesthetic concerns, such as a persistent hump or bump, asymmetry, drooping or overly rotated tip, overly narrowed bridge, or a nose that does not feel in proportion with your other features.
• Functional concerns include difficulty breathing through one or both nostrils, persistent congestion, airflow obstruction, or structural collapse that compromises the airway.
• Combination concerns, such as a nose that looks different from what was expected and also does not function as well as it should.

Why Is Revision Rhinoplasty More Complex Than Primary Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is more complex than primary rhinoplasty because the nose has already been altered, which changes both the anatomy and the condition of the tissues. Scar tissue, weakened support structures, and missing or over-resected cartilage all add to the difficulty of the procedure.

Surgeons must carefully navigate:

• Scar tissue that obscures normal planes and makes dissection slower and more delicate
• Structural deficits, such as over-reduced cartilage or bone, that require rebuilding
• Distorted anatomy, including twisted or collapsed areas that must be straightened and reinforced
• The need to improve or preserve nasal function at the same time as cosmetic appearance

Because of this added complexity, revision procedures typically require more time in the operating room, more advanced techniques (such as structural grafting), and a higher level of expertise.

How Do Expert Surgeons Approach Revision Surgery?

Expert revision rhinoplasty surgeons approach each case with careful analysis, realistic planning, and a focus on both structure and aesthetics. They understand that every revision procedure is unique and the margin for error is smaller than with a first-time rhinoplasty.

A thoughtful approach often includes:

• A detailed consultation and examination, including discussion of your previous surgery, medical history, goals, and prior operative details or records when available
• Careful assessment of skin thickness, cartilage strength, airway function, and facial proportions
• Honest conversation about what is realistically achievable and what limitations may exist due to prior surgery
• A customized surgical plan that may involve open rhinoplasty, cartilage grafts, and internal restructuring

If you are trying to decide who should perform your revision, it helps to understand what the best revision rhinoplasty surgeons have in common. Many have reconstructive training, aesthetic judgment, and experience working with scarred or structurally altered noses.

Revision Rhinoplasty Techniques: Correction, Reconstruction & Refinement

Revision rhinoplasty often combines 3 key goals:

• Correction: smoothing irregularities, straightening a crooked bridge, or adjusting nostril shape to improve symmetry and balance.
• Reconstruction: rebuilding support where cartilage or bone has been removed or weakened, which may involve grafts from the septum, ear, or rib.
• Refinement: making subtle adjustments to the tip, bridge, or overall proportions so the nose looks natural and in harmony with the rest of your face.

Your surgeon will decide which techniques to use based on your anatomy, previous surgery, and priorities. In many cases, a structured, supportive nose that looks natural and functions well is more important than creating a “perfect” nose on paper.

What Is Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery Like?

Revision rhinoplasty recovery is similar to primary rhinoplasty recovery in structure but can involve a longer period of swelling and refinement. You can expect:

• About 1 to 2 weeks before you feel comfortable in public without obvious dressings
• Swelling and bruising that are most noticeable in the first 7 to 10 days
• Gradual improvement over several weeks, with subtle changes continuing for 6 to 12 months

Because tissues have been operated on before, swelling may take longer to subside fully, especially in the tip. Following your surgeon’s instructions closely and reviewing our rhinoplasty recovery guide and rhinoplasty recovery day-by-day timeline can help you understand what is normal at each stage.

How Much Does Revision Rhinoplasty Cost?

Revision rhinoplasty generally costs more than a primary rhinoplasty because it is more time-intensive and technically demanding. The final fee depends on:

• The complexity of your case
• The amount of structural rebuilding required
• The need for cartilage grafts
• Operating room time and anesthesia
• The experience and expertise of your surgeon

You can learn more about what affects rhinoplasty costs in Toronto and what financing options are available in our related pages.

What Results Can You Expect From a Revision Surgery?

Revision rhinoplasty aims to significantly improve the appearance and/or function of your nose, but it cannot always erase every trace of previous surgery. The most realistic goal is meaningful improvement, not absolute perfection.

Most patients can expect:

• A nose that is better aligned with their facial features
• Smoother contours and improved symmetry
• Stronger structural support and better breathing in many cases
• A result that feels more natural

Because healing is gradual, you will need to wait several months before determining whether a revision has fully achieved its goals. Learn more about how long you should wait before considering revision and why early concerns are often temporary.

Planning Your Consultation

Revision rhinoplasty is a highly specialized procedure, and choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make. At your consultation, you’ll have the opportunity to discuss your concerns, review your previous surgery, and explore a realistic plan for moving forward.

Together with a skilled revision surgeon, you can decide whether a secondary procedure is the right step and, if so, how to pursue it in a way that prioritizes safety, function, and long-term satisfaction.

Explore Your Revision Options

If you’re considering revision rhinoplasty and want an expert assessment of your nose, request a consultation online or call Ford Plastic Surgery at (416) 925-7337. Dr. Derek Ford or Dr. Steven Hanna can review your prior surgery, discuss realistic options, and help you decide on the best path forward.