Revision Rhinoplasty Beverly Hills

FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions about Rhinoplasty Revisions

Dr. Calvert and his team regularly get asked the following questions about secondary nose jobs or rhinoplasty revisions, note that if you have further questions or wish to schedule a consultation, you can contact us for more information.

• What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

  A revision rhinoplasty is a second nose job or surgery performed to fix, correct, or otherwise alter the results of a previous nose surgery.

  When things do not go as well as they should in the first operation, some patients elect to proceed with a secondary rhinoplasty (a second operation on the nose).

  The secondary rhinoplasty is truly a different operation.

  It entails undoing the problems of the first operation and doing all that is possible to make the nose look and function the best it can.

  This must be done in spite of the scar tissue and problems that were created at the first operation – Considered to be among one of the more difficult cosmetic surgery procedures, a revision rhinoplasty often involves dealing with significant scar tissue and limited cartilage or bone may be available for your surgeon to work with.

  Statistics from the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and National Institute of Medicine say that secondary rhinoplasty occurs in 15% of all rhinoplasty operations.

  That is a fairly large percentage!

  And it must be understood that when a patient is having a secondary rhinoplasty, that they certainly may have even further surgery to correct these issues.

  However, working with one of the best rhinoplasty surgeons such as Dr. Calvert in Beverly Hills can help enable you to achieve your desired results.

  After all, it’s your nose and your face that you are presenting to the world — and you should work with a board-certified revision rhinoplasty plastic surgeon that you can trust to get it right.

• Is a rhinoplasty reversible?

  While some types of plastic surgery can be reversed, in the case of a nose job or rhinoplasty the resulting changes cannot be undone, meaning your nose cannot be returned to its exact original state.

  However, nose jobs can be re-done, meaning that a second surgery or revision rhinoplasty can be performed that may get you closer to the results that you were originally seeking, or a positive change in your appearance overall.

• Am I a candidate for a rhinoplasty revision?

  If the original goals you and your plastic surgeon had for your nose job were not achieved or the results were otherwise not what you expected, then you may be at the point where a secondary rhinoplasty or nose job revision surgery should be considered.

  Corrective rhinoplasty surgery should not occur until it has been at least six months after your first procedure in order to allow for swelling to decrease and things to settle.

  Be aware that while a revision rhinoplasty may be able to get you closer to the results you desire, the more times you undergo surgery the more challenging it can be to reach your goals due to scarring, tissue damage, and other factors.

  Before undergoing a rhinoplasty revision, research your new surgeon and be sure to check out examples of revision rhinoplasty before and afters that encompass rhinoplasty revisions specifically.

  As an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon who has substantial experience correcting nose jobs and understands what can be accomplished with a revision rhinoplasty, Dr. Calvert and his team can help earn your trust and achieve your desired outcomes.

• What are the benefits of a rhinoplasty revision surgery?

  A revision rhinoplasty can correct the look of your nasal tip, bridge, and nostrils as well as mitigate or fix any structural breathing problems that may have arisen as the result of your primary rhinoplasty.

  It helps to alleviate the “done” look that comes from over-operation or can take an under-done procedure to the next level or help achieve the initially-planned final results.

  And of course, a revision rhinoplasty can enhance or improve self confidence that may have been hampered due a previously “botched” or otherwise imperfect nose job, and help you to reach a natural look or outcome that’s best suited for your face.

  A revision rhinoplasty is similar to a primary rhinoplasty in that you are sedated for the operation.

  Dr. Calvert normally explain to patients that secondary rhinoplasty is more of a process than an operation.

  A secondary nose job cannot be seen as a “one and done,” and it needs to be seen as a bit of a salvage situation with a good chance that it is the finishing point.

  The goal is to make the nose work the best it can on all levels.

  Sometimes it just takes more than one shot when it was not right out of the gates.

• What does a rhinoplasty revision look like?

  While the results of every revision rhinoplasty are different, check out some of our before and after examples to see what Dr. Calvert has achieved for his patients.

• What happens during a revision rhinoplasty procedure?

  You will either be under twilight anesthesia or put under with general anesthesia.

  The surgery itself typically takes between 1 to 3 hours and it is usually an outpatient procedure, meaning you will not need to stay at a clinic or hospital overnight.

  Depending on the type and amount of work that needs to be performed, your revision rhinoplasty will be performed inside the nose (a closed rhinoplasty) or more likely through a small external incision located near the base of the nose, between the nostrils (an open rhinoplasty).

  Next, the skin of the nose is separated from the supporting framework of bone and cartilage, and then the surgeon sculpts that framework to the desired shape.

  A cartilage or bone graft from the rib or ear may be required to create the shape, particularly if the previous nose job was considered to be overly “done” or an “over-operation”.

  During this part of the procedure, your surgeon will readjust the bone and cartilage underneath the skin and change the appearance and shape of your nose, correcting the issues that arose as a result of the first or primary rhinoplasty.

  The skin of the nose is separated from the supporting framework of bone and cartilage, and sculpting that framework to the desired shape.

  The next step is re-draping the skin over the revised bone and cartilage (which may or may not include grafts from your ear or rib depending on your particular procedure, needs, and goals). Once everything is positioned any incisions are stitched up.

  Dr. Calvert will determine whether you need a closed rhinoplasty or an open rhinoplasty for your revisions, as well as whether you need cartilage or bone grafts based on the overall condition of your nose and surrounding facial structure as well as your desired results.

• How long does it take to recover from a revision rhinoplasty?

  Recovery time varies depending on your overall health and the extent of the revision rhinoplasty performed.

  However, you should plan on at least 3 to 4 weeks before fully resuming normal activities depending on the amount of reshaping and adjustments done to your nose.

  Furthermore, you may have some small stitches and will likely have to wear a small plastic splint or bandage that will help minimize swelling and maintain your new nose shape while everything heals.

  In addition, cotton gauze or cotton packing may be placed inside your nose – you will likely be able to remove this packing within 24 to 48 hours depending on instructions from the doctor.

  It will also take a while for your nose to settle into your face.

  You may already be familiar with recovery time from your primary procedure, and a revision rhinoplasty means more of the same.

  Swelling and bruising may occur around the eyes and last for up to several weeks post-surgery, with the majority of the swelling dissipating within 3 months.

  You likely won’t see the final effects or appearance of your revision nose job until around 1 year after the secondary rhinoplasty when everything settles.

  Note that you will likely have to sleep in an elevated position (such as being propped up on a pillow) for some time after your rhinoplasty revision surgery.

• What are some of the risks of a revision rhinoplasty?

  All surgical procedures pose certain risks.

  Depending on the extent of the rhinoplasty revision, you may develop an injury or a hole in your septum that requires correction by a physician.

  Your nose may also have some scarring or discoloration.

  These side effects are quite rare, however, and often revision rhinoplasties are performed to alleviate these or similar side effects from a prior procedure.

• What are some potential complications from a revision rhinoplasty?

  Nose jobs or rhinoplasties – even secondary nose jobs – are fairly safe and Dr. Calvert and his team take utmost precautions, undergoing any type of surgery still poses a risk of complications.

  For instance, bleeding may occur after a rhinoplasty revision due to the incisions made; if excessive bleeding or a dramatic decrease in energy occurs, you should contact your surgeon immediately or go to the nearest emergency room.

  Another serious complication is deep vein thrombosis or DVT.

  This is what happens when a large blood clot forms deep inside the veins in the body and becomes dislodged. It can result in many problems including a stroke, a heart attack, or a pulmonary embolism or PE.

  You can mitigate the risk of DVT by remembering to move around post-surgery to help maintain proper circulation and letting your surgical team know if you have a history (or family history) of blood clots.

  There is also the possibility of complications related to the anesthesia used during your revision rhinoplasty surgery.

  Some patients suffer from problems caused by anesthesia, so if you have a history of or have previously dealt with any complications during your primary nose job or other prior surgeries, be sure to inform Dr. Calvert and his team during your consultation and pre-operative appointments.

• What are the potential side effects of a rhinoplasty revision?

  Every person’s healing process is different and healing after a secondary rhinoplasty may take longer than your first nose job, particularly if you had to get a cartilage graft.

  While Dr. Calvert and his team work to minimize scarring or other issues that may arise post-rhinoplasty, be aware that in some cases, your skin may not heal appropriately and there may be some scarring or discoloration.

  You may also experience obstruction of the nasal passages after your second nose job; this side effect is rare but may be the result of a blockage caused by the amount of swelling in the nose after a rhinoplasty revision, and may dissipate after some time.

  You may also have some lasting numbness in the nose and surrounding area.

• How much does a revision rhinoplasty cost?

  The cost of a revision rhinoplasty varies based on a number of factors.

  The average cost of a primary rhinoplasty or nose job varies from state to state and city to city, but according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons or ASPS, the average cost of a plastic surgeon’s fee for a rhinoplasty is just under $9,000.

  However, the price of a revision rhinoplasty can be higher depending on the extent of the work required, the length of time involved, and more.

  It is not uncommon for a rhinoplasty revision to cost 2 or 3 times as much as the original procedure.

  The surgeon’s fees alone are not the only elements of the price to consider, however.

  Once the operating room fees and anesthesia costs are added, the cost rises to between $5,000 and $10,000 in the U.S.

  You should also be aware that getting surgery in Los Angeles (or California in general) or another major metro area may be substantially more expensive and the cost of a primary nose job in Los Angeles or Beverly Hills ranges between $35,000 and $50,000.

  When you are comparing costs for a nose job, keep in mind that it’s your face – and the quality of the work and results make all the difference in your satisfaction and happiness with your experience.

• Will a revision rhinoplasty procedure cost the same as my first nose job?

  While you would need to consult with Dr. Calvert or a plastic surgeon to get a more precise quote for the price of a rhinoplasty revision, there’s a good chance it will cost at least as much if not more than your original nose job procedure.

  In fact, a revision rhinoplasty may cost 2 or 3 times as much as the first nose job.

• Will my health insurance cover the cost of my rhinoplasty revision?

  Depending on the reasons you require a rhinoplasty revision or a secondary rhinoplasty, your insurance may or may not cover the procedure.

  Insurance companies generally do not cover aesthetic or non-essential procedures, but if you have difficulty breathing or a deviated septum, it may be possible to get some coverage of your costs.

  If a deviated septum needs to be (further) corrected or any structural or breathing issues resulted from the initial surgery, you may be able to have some or all of the surgery covered by your insurance.

  On the other hand, if the revision is more aesthetic in nature, you may have to cover the costs out of pocket.

  Discuss your needs and goals for your rhinoplasty revision with your surgeon and they can advise you as to the costs and the next steps to achieve the results you desire.

• Why did my first rhinoplasty surgery fail?

  While there are many reasons why a surgery does not go as expected and some of them may be outside a surgeon’s control, some of the issues that can cause a rhinoplasty to fail (thus requiring a revision) include an overly aggressive surgery or on the contrary, a surgery that was not aggressive enough.

• What if I need to blow my nose the day after my rhinoplasty revision surgery?

  If you need to blow your nose shortly after a secondary or revision rhinoplasty, you can use nasal saline to flush and irrigate the nostrils.

  Note that most patients are advised to avoid blowing their nose for at least 7 to 10 days after a nose job, with 3 to 4 weeks or longer being more ideal.

  If you have any concerns related to blowing your nose or otherwise dealing with post-operative care, discuss them with your plastic surgeon during your pre-operative appointments so they can advise you.

• What if I need to blow my nose the day after my rhinoplasty revision surgery?

  If you need to blow your nose shortly after a secondary or revision rhinoplasty, you can use nasal saline to flush and irrigate the nostrils.

  Note that most patients are advised to avoid blowing their nose for at least 7 to 10 days after a nose job, with 3 to 4 weeks or longer being more ideal.

  If you have any concerns related to blowing your nose or otherwise dealing with post-operative care, discuss them with your plastic surgeon during your pre-operative appointments so they can advise you.

• Can I present my new nose to everyone the day after my rhinoplasty revision surgery?

  While you may be tempted to show off your newly fixed or revised nose right away, Dr. Calvert or any other board certified plastic surgeon will advise you to take it slow.

  Furthermore, immediately after your nose job, you will likely have swelling and bruising around your nose and eye area.

  You will also have a small plastic splint or bandage holding your nose in place for approximately a week, and you may have cotton packing or gauze in your nostrils.

  None of this makes for an ideal way to show off your new face!

  It’ll take several weeks for the swelling and bruising to go down and for you to begin to see your new nose emerge; moreover, it will take up to a year for the swelling to fully dissipate and your nose to completely settle into its new shape and any incisions to heal and become nearly imperceptible.

• Can I drive myself home after getting a rhinoplasty revision?

  No, you cannot drive yourself after getting a rhinoplasty revision or any other plastic surgery.

  That is because you will have been sedated during your rhinoplasty and will not be able to drive or operate heavy machinery immediately afterwards.

  While a nose job or rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure, you will not be able to get yourself home due to the after-effects of the anesthesia, so you should plan ahead for a friend or family member to assist you in getting home and getting set up for recovery.

• What can I do for pain or headaches after a revision rhinoplasty surgery?

  Some pain or soreness is to be expected after a revision rhinoplasty or any surgical procedure for that matter.

  Your surgeon will be able to provide advice and appropriate medications for post-operative pain and soreness.

  If you experience serious or high levels of pain, call your doctor or go to the nearest emergency room.

• I recently had a nose job in Los Angeles, but it was botched. Can I get it fixed?

  I’ve had several nose jobs, but it just doesn’t fit me. My other plastic surgeon wants me to see a psychologist. Why?

  If you have gotten repeated surgical procedures and have still not achieved the result you are looking for and are not in any physical pain or discomfort, you should consider if there are other non-surgical ways to alleviate your distress, including seeing a psychologist.

  It’s been six months since my first nose job. It’s terrible! Can I schedule a consultation and surgery now?

  It generally takes up to a year for the swelling from a primary rhinoplasty or nose job to fully dissipate, so any corrective rhinoplasty should be considered and timed accordingly.

  Note that if you are in significant pain or have difficulty breathing, you may need to consult with a doctor and have surgery sooner rather than later.

• How can I find the best revision rhinoplasty surgeon?

  If you are considering a rhinoplasty revision or any kind of facial plastic surgery in the Beverly Hills or anywhere in the greater Los Angeles area, your first step should be scheduling a consultation with Dr. Calvert.

  Dr. Calvert is a secondary rhinoplasty expert and board-certified plastic surgeon in Beverly Hills who has significant experience fixing or correcting nose jobs that the patient found less than satisfactory.

  He has written extensively on the topic, traveled widely to perform rhinoplasty revisions, and he teaches aesthetic surgery to the USC residents and to his plastic surgery Fellows.

  Most plastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons feel it is best that only a few surgeons perform secondary rhinoplasty operations and Dr. Calvert is one of these elite few capable of handling these complex and difficult cases.

  Explore the example before and after photos and schedule a consultation for a rhinoplasty and learn more about your options for correcting or revising a nose job that you are not happy with.

  We’ll work to help you get the results you are looking for!