Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation: What Your Surgeon Needs to Know

It’s always disappointing when primary rhinoplasty doesn’t achieve the aesthetic or functional results desired, but it’s far from uncommon. Revision rhinoplasty rates are estimated to be anywhere between 5% and 15%. Fortunately, revision rhinoplasty often fixes the issues when performed by a surgeon experienced in working with tissue that has already been altered by surgery.

Our expert, Oren Friedman, MD, understands the difficulties and anxieties many patients face when considering revision surgery. Dr. Friedman lectures around the world on the topic of revision rhinoplasty and how to avoid complications in rhinoplasty.

To help you prepare, we asked him to share some of the best ways to get ready for the consultation and the signs that indicate your consultation went well.

Bring your operative notes

The most vital and often most difficult information to obtain is the documentation from your previous surgery. The operative notes may include:

• Details about what techniques were used and whether any grafts were placed
• Preoperative photos
• Waiting time (most surgeons recommend patients wait 12-18 months after surgery before revision so tissues soften and swelling subsides)

While an experienced surgeon can learn a lot through examination, operative notes reveal what techniques were used internally.

Come prepared to speak about specific functional and aesthetic concerns

Sometimes making a list at home helps, since your surgeon needs to know precisely what changes you would like to make. Be as specific as possible about what bothers you. Is the tip too pinched or bulbous? Is the bridge scooped or uneven? Are there other areas you’d like adjusted?

In addition to cosmetic concerns, breathing problems are common. If you experience any difficulties breathing, write them down or be sure to mention them during the consultation.

What does the ideal revision rhinoplasty consultation look like?

The purpose of the consult is clarity. After your appointment, you should leave with:

• A clear understanding of what went wrong during the first surgery
• A treatment plan that addresses both functional and cosmetic issues
• Realistic expectations around risks and results
• Defined next steps toward achieving your goals

If you decide to move forward with revision rhinoplasty, keep in mind that it’s typically more complex than primary rhinoplasty. It often involves longer surgery times, more grafting, and a slower recovery. Final results can take up to a year to fully develop, as swelling tends to persist. 

However, success rates for revision rhinoplasty are quite high, and correcting cosmetic and functional issues can be life-changing in the long term.

Interested in learning more about what happens during revision rhinoplasty? Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our offices in Philadelphia or Bryn Mawr, Pennsylvania.