Must I Wait 6 Months Before Revision Rhinoplasty?

Dear Chicago friend,

I trained in Chicago and my teacher taught me the following: "No two patients are the same. Decisions regarding revision rhinoplasty must be very carefully made. You make the decision based on the examination, as well as how long since surgery. Feel the tissues. Are they still firm? Has sensation returned, or are parts still numb? Is there any soreness when you touch the various parts of the nose? Has the swelling continue to reduce or has the appearance stayed the same? How is the breathing?"

Those are the questions that go through my mind after reading your post and viewing your photos.

The nose appears to be leaning to one side and that should be corrected. The operation will not be an easy one. But, it must be " fully-ripened" before a second operation is done.

My suggestion is to consult with several very experienced rhinoplasty surgeons at the 9-month mark and ask for their evaluation. Don't be surprised if they suggest waiting longer. Just last month we saw a patient who had a very complex primary rhinoplasty by us. We saw her at the one-year mark and she looked decidedly better than at the six- and even the nine-month marks.

Your patience will be rewarded.

I am sure your surgeon has read a great piece of advice from one of the great plastic surgeons, Dr. Kazanjian: "Never do today what can be honorably put off until tomorrow." However, generally, younger surgeons forget that, more experienced and more specialized surgeons remember that.

I am from Chicago, a  conservative Midwesterner. The above aphorism is correct, believe me. Hold tight.

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Beverly Hills, CA

First - thanks for posting the pictures which are invaluable in any attempt to answer your question.  Although you could do a revision in 6 months or less, and the outcome would likely be better than what you now have, in order to get the best long-term outcome you should wait close to 1 year.

You should wait a year before rhinoplasty revision.  Not sure if you are planning to return to your original surgeon, there are great plastic surgeons in the Chicago area that can help you.