Can a revision rhinoplasty get me the results I want?

Question

I am 1 year post op from my primary rhinoplasty. It's overall a better nose, but it isn't as short as I'd like. My concerns for a revision, would be, could I make things worse? My bridge is still very sensitive a year out. One side of my bridge, the bones are very jagged. Cosmetically it's fine, but I can feel it when I rub my finger down my nose. Is it possible to make that worse with a revision? I also don't want to change how it looks from the front. I just want it shorter. Is it worth it?

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

I appreciate your question and photos. Based on the images, it appears you had a pretty good result from your first procedure. While you might be able to get some improvement from a revision surgery, you have to ask yourself if the benefits would outweigh the risks. Keep in mind that revision procedures can be even more complex than the first surgery, due to scar tissue, loss of structural support, and other factors. If you decide to pursue a revision, make sure you are working with a very experienced, board-certified facial plastic surgeon with expertise in revision techniques to ensure the best possible result.

Marc Polacco, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Whenever I discuss a procedure with patients, especially revision cases, the biggest question is, are the risks of surgery worth the improvements we're seeking to make? Sometimes this is easy to answer, sometimes not so much. In your case, I'd ask yourself how much happier you'll be with a slightly shorter nose versus now, and if that's worth risking revision surgery. Keep in mind, whenever something in the nose in changed, often something else will change as well. For example, some of the techniques used to shorten the nose will also increase rotation of the tip or lower it. But the biggest factor in noses is time. There's a shrink wrap effect of the skin over the course of months, as well as scar contracture. At the end of the day, only you can decide if surgery is worth it, but given the smaller changes being made, a careful discussion should be had with your surgeon regarding risks and expectations. Hope that helps!

Can a revision rhinoplasty get me the results I want?

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Can a revision rhinoplasty get me the results I want?

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.