How Soon Can I Have Revision Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had Rhinoplasty in September last year, but am not happy with the results. Should I wait until 1 year before having any kind of revision surgery or can I have it sooner?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

Some of the concerns after rhinoplasty (swelling, residual hump, excess width) will improve over time so it is a good idea to wait. Other problems (dents, asymmetry, pinching) will likely get worse over time so it is better to wait and see the full extent to which these problems develop.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty is usually staged one year after the first surgery.  This takes into account normal healing, scarring, and edema.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

A year is the gold standard. The reason is by this time the post operative changes have nearly all settled. The swelling is long gone but the wound is just now maturing and all the activity and inflammation created by the surgery has almost returned to the underlying base line turn over activity. Revision rhinoplasty is hard enough without adding another variable to the equation. Its best to give everyone the best chance possible for a successful outcome.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

The general consensus among rhinoplasty specialists is that a patient wait for 12 months before proceeding with any revision. The reason for this is that it can take 12 months (or longer) for the majority of the post-operative swelling to subside and for scar tissue to mature. However, this one year time-period is somewhat arbitrary and in certain situations, surgery may be performed a little bit earlier.  This must be evaluated on a case-by-case basis and depends on the severity of the deformity and the amount of residual swelling present in the nose.
Speak with your surgeon about your concerns regarding the timing and your insurance/cost. If you do not feel comfortable with the surgeon who performed your first surgery, you should seek the advice of a rhinoplasty specialist who has expertise in secondary (revision) rhinoplasty.

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I usually recommend patients wait 8 months before undergoing a revision procedure, unless the work being done is quite minimal. By waiting this long, the nose tissues will have enough time to heal and revascularize, helping to minimize any complications and achieve the best results.

Howard T. Bellin, MD (retired) · Answer

I strongly advise waiting at least six months after the originial surgery before considering a revision. A surgeon evaluating you at that time can then determine if sufficient healing has taken place or whether additional time is needed, possibly as much as another six months..

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

You are about ten months after your original surgery. Most likely it would be appropriate to consider any changes you would like to make. Problems such as thick skin may continue to improve after one year,  but an accurate evaluation can be made at this time.
By the time you consider alternatives and schedule a procedure you will be at the anniversary of your initial surgery.

How Soon Can I Have Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

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