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Looking to address nasal issues caused by a previous rhinoplasty surgery? Revision rhinoplasty may be the solution for you. Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that corrects cosmetic as well as functional issues resulting from previous nasal surgeries.

Dr. Moustafa Mourad is one of the best revision rhinoplasty surgeons in NYC, known for his attention to detail and ability to create natural-looking results. He can help alleviate chronic nasal congestion, breathing difficulties, and other issues caused by a previous rhinoplasty surgery.

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mourad today to discuss your revision rhinoplasty options in New York.

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What is a revision rhinoplasty?

A revision rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty, is a plastic surgery procedure that is performed to correct or improve the results of a previous primary rhinoplasty. It is typically performed when a patient is not satisfied with the appearance or function of their nose after the initial surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty is a more complex procedure than a primary rhinoplasty and requires a high level of skill and expertise from the surgeon. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia and typically takes between 2 to 4 hours to complete, depending on the complexity of the case.

What are some common causes for revision rhinoplasty?

The need for a revision rhinoplasty can be caused by a variety of factors such as:

Unsatisfactory cosmetic appearance

The most common reason for revision rhinoplasty is dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose after the initial surgery. This may include issues such as an asymmetrical or unnatural appearance, a pinched or over-rotated tip, or a hump on the bridge of the nose.

Breathing difficulties

Some patients may experience difficulty breathing through the nose after the initial surgery. This can be due to a number of factors, such as a narrowed or blocked nasal passage, or an incorrect alignment of the septum.

Scar tissue formation

Scar tissue can form after surgery and may cause the nose to appear distorted or asymmetrical.

Changes in the structure of the nose

The shape of the nose can change over time due to aging, injury, or other factors. In some cases, revision rhinoplasty may be needed to address these changes.

Improper healing

In some cases, the nose may not heal properly after the initial surgery, leading to asymmetry or other issues.

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What is different about revision rhinoplasty from my first surgery?

Revision rhinoplasty differs from primary rhinoplasty in several aspects, the primary distinctions being:

Complexity

Revision rhinoplasty is a more complex procedure than a primary rhinoplasty. The surgeon will have to work with the existing structures, which may have been altered during the initial surgery, and this can make the procedure more challenging.

Risk of complications

Revision rhinoplasty carries a higher risk of complications than a primary rhinoplasty, particularly if the patient has had multiple previous surgeries.

Longer recovery time

Recovery time for revision rhinoplasty is usually longer than primary rhinoplasty. The patient may experience more swelling and bruising and may need additional revision surgeries to achieve the desired result.

More challenging to predict the outcome

It’s more challenging to predict the outcome of revision rhinoplasty than a primary rhinoplasty, as the surgeon will have to work with existing structures that may have been altered during the initial surgery.

More specialized surgeon

It’s essential to choose a highly experienced and qualified surgeon such as Dr. Mourad to perform a revision rhinoplasty as the procedure is more complex and carries more risks than a primary rhinoplasty.

Realistic expectations

It’s important to have realistic expectations when considering revision rhinoplasty. The results may not be as predictable as a primary rhinoplasty and it may take multiple surgeries to achieve the desired result.

What should I consider before having a major rhinoplasty revision surgery?

Every time you have surgery on the nose, you are inadvertently compromising its structure and blood flow. For these reasons, these surgeries have a higher risk of complications including unfavorable scarring, numbness, infection, skin loss, and poor aesthetic outcomes.

The chance of these complications increases with each subsequent surgery. It is important that your surgeon be well trained in the area of revision rhinoplasty to minimize the chances of complications.

Often, your revision surgeon may be different from the original surgery. It is important to understand exactly what was performed in the original surgery so that no surprises are anticipated in the second surgery. This may not always be possible, especially if the surgery was done a long time before, and the records are not available.

In such cases, the surgeon must be very meticulous in their approach to the nose and be trained in a wide variety of surgical techniques and skills that may need to be used to minimize the risk of complications.

The surgeon should be well trained in free grafting, rib grafting, local reconstruction, regional reconstruction, and microvascular reconstruction. Fortunately, Dr. Mourad has advanced training in all aspects of primary and revision rhinoplasty, giving you the best possible results.

Revision rhinoplasty before and after

**Insert pictures**

This is a 41-year-old woman who presented 1 year after rhinoplasty with complaints of 100% nasal blockage and unnaturally appearing nose.

Left Photographs

This photo shows her at presentation to Dr. Mourad’s office 1 year after her initial surgery. The black arrows show that she had an excessive amount of her nose removed externally, causing significant scarring and contracture. This scarring narrowed her nostrils and contributed to her inability to breathe. The blue arrows show that her nose has incomplete breaks in her nasal bones causing nasal valve collapse, further making her breathing worse.

In the lower picture, the purple curved arrow also shows that she has a “droopy” tip that hangs low. The deformity is also from excessive resection of the internal structures of the nose. The blue star in the photo on the profile view also shows that the previous surgeon had left a bony hump, that also was made to appear worse by the droopy tip.

Right Photographs

This is the same patient 1 year after surgery once the final healing has settled in. The purpose of the surgery was to restore her ability to breathe. The patient underwent a complete nasal reconstruction using her own rib. The orange arrow shows that her nasal tip was restored to a more natural, “higher”, position, no longer with a deforming “droopy” look. Her nasal tip has smoother contour. Her ability to breathe has been completely restored with improvement in her nasal valve structures.

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How should I prepare for a revision rhinoplasty procedure?

Preparing for revision rhinoplasty is a thorough and personalized process with Dr. Mourad. During your initial consultation, he takes the time to listen to your concerns, understand your goals, and develop a tailored treatment plan to address your specific issues.

Several consultations might be required

You may have multiple consultations with Dr. Mourad to ensure you are comfortable with him as your surgeon. He understands that revision rhinoplasty is a significant decision and wants his patients to feel confident and well-informed throughout the process. Dr. Mourad will answer any questions you may have and provide you with the necessary information to make an informed decision.

Schedule a revision surgery

Once you and Dr. Mourad agree on a specific treatment plan, his highly trained office staff will help schedule your surgery date, complete all necessary paperwork, and work with your insurance company to maximize your benefits. They will guide you through the entire process, ensuring that everything is in place and that you feel fully prepared for your surgery.

Prescriptions are sent to your pharmacy

Prior to your surgery, Dr. Mourad will send your prescriptions to your pharmacy, so everything is ready for you when you need it. This means you won’t have to worry about picking up medication on the day of your surgery, giving you one less thing to think about. Dr. Mourad and his team understand that the revision rhinoplasty process can be stressful, and they work hard to make it as seamless and painless as possible.

What is the recovery process like after revision rhinoplasty?

The recovery process after revision rhinoplasty can be uncomfortable and requires patience and commitment to follow post-operative instructions.

Most patients experience swelling, bruising, and discomfort in the first few days following surgery. Dr. Moustafa Mourad will provide pain medication, as needed, to help manage any discomfort.

Nasal splints

Patients will typically have nasal packing or splints in place for several days after surgery. These help to support the nasal structure and minimize swelling. Dr. Mourad will remove the packing and splints at a follow-up appointment.

Nasal swelling

Most patients experience some degree of nasal obstruction in the first few weeks following surgery. This is due to swelling and can be managed with saline nasal sprays and other post-operative care instructions provided by Dr. Mourad.

Dr. Mourad and his team will provide thorough post-operative care instructions and support to ensure a safe and comfortable recovery period for all patients.

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Revision rhinoplasty cost

How much does revision rhinoplasty cost in New York?

The cost of revision rhinoplasty in New York can vary depending on several factors, including the surgeon’s experience, the complexity of the surgery, and the location of the practice.

On average, revision rhinoplasty can cost between $10,000 and $20,000 or more. However, it’s important to note that the cost may be higher for more complex procedures or if additional surgeries are needed.

It’s important to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon for revision rhinoplasty, rather than making cost the sole factor in the decision-making process.

Does insurance cover revision surgery?

Depending on the nature of the complaint, insurance usually can cover part or all of your surgery. If you suffer from functional issues such as inability to breathe, or a nasal deformity, insurance companies typically cover the costs of surgery. Dr. Mourad and his staff work closely with insurance companies to make sure that you receive all the benefits of your plan while minimizing your costs.

Meet Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS

Moustafa Mourad, MD, FACS is board-certified in head and neck surgery and highly-trained in cosmetic plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. Dr. Mourad is also a Fellow of the American College of Surgeons. He treats many conditions, both cosmetic and complex, that affect the head, neck... Learn More »

The Results


Learn more about revision rhinoplasty NYC

What does the revision rhinoplasty procedure look like?

The procedure is similar to a primary rhinoplasty, but the surgeon will have to work with the existing structures, which may have been altered during the initial surgery. The surgeon will make incisions either inside the nostrils or across the columella (the skin between the nostrils) to access the underlying bone and cartilage.

Once the incisions are made, the surgeon will reshape the bone and cartilage as necessary to achieve the desired shape of the nose. This may involve removing excess bone or cartilage, reshaping the cartilage, or adding cartilage or other materials to build up certain areas.

After reshaping the nose, the skin and soft tissues are redraped over the new shape, and the incisions are closed. A splint is applied to the nose to help maintain its shape during the healing process.

What is the difference between primary and revision rhinoplasty?

Primary rhinoplasty refers to the initial rhinoplasty procedure, while revision rhinoplasty is a follow-up procedure performed to correct issues that persist after the initial surgery.

What are the different surgical approaches to revision rhinoplasty?

There are several different surgical approaches to revision rhinoplasty, depending on the specific issues that need to be addressed. Here are some of the most common approaches:

  1. Open rhinoplasty: Open rhinoplasty involves making an incision on the columella (the tissue that separates the nostrils) and lifting the skin and soft tissues to access the underlying nasal structure. This approach allows for greater visualization and access to the nasal structures, which can be particularly useful in cases where there is significant scarring or deformity from a previous surgery.
  2. Closed rhinoplasty: Closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions within the nostrils to access the underlying nasal structure. This approach is typically less invasive than open rhinoplasty, and can be a good option for minor revisions or for patients who are concerned about scarring.

What issues can be addressed with revision rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty can address a wide range of issues, including breathing problems, nasal obstruction, asymmetry, scar tissue, cartilage deformities, and more. The specific issues that need to be addressed will depend on the patient’s individual concerns.

Who is a candidate for revision rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates for revision rhinoplasty are those who have previously undergone rhinoplasty surgery and are unhappy with the results. They may have breathing issues, aesthetic concerns, or a combination of both. However, it’s important to have realistic expectations and to be in good overall health.

How is the revision rhinoplasty procedure performed?

The revision rhinoplasty procedure is performed under general anesthesia, and the surgical techniques used will depend on the specific issues being addressed.

The surgeon may use cartilage grafts to rebuild or reshape the nasal structure, or they may perform scar revision to minimize the appearance of scars from previous surgeries.

How long does revision rhinoplasty take to perform?

The length of the revision rhinoplasty procedure will depend on the specific issues being addressed and the surgical techniques used. It may take several hours to complete the surgery.

What is the success rate of revision rhinoplasty?

The success rate of revision rhinoplasty depends on several factors, including the patient’s individual anatomy and the surgeon’s skill and experience. However, experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeons generally have high success rates.

What are the associated risks with revision rhinoplasty?

It’s important to note that revision rhinoplasty carries a higher risk of complications than a primary rhinoplasty due to the fact that the nose has already been operated on before, and it’s essential to choose a highly experienced and qualified surgeon to perform the procedure.

Also, as with any plastic surgery, it’s important to have realistic expectations and understand that achieving the desired result may take multiple surgeries.

How long does it take to see the results of revision rhinoplasty?

Patients may notice some improvement in the appearance and function of the nose immediately after surgery. However, it can take several months for the final results to become apparent, as the nose continues to heal and settle into its new shape.

Can revision rhinoplasty correct a crooked nose?

Yes, revision rhinoplasty can be used to correct a crooked nose. The surgical techniques used will depend on the cause of the deviation, but cartilage grafting and scar revision may be used to rebuild the nasal structure and create a more symmetrical appearance.

What is the difference between open and closed rhinoplasty approaches?

Open rhinoplasty involves making a small incision on the outside of the nose to allow the surgeon to lift the skin and access the nasal structure.

Closed rhinoplasty involves making incisions inside the nose. The approach used will depend on the specific issues being addressed and the surgeon’s preference.

Can revision rhinoplasty improve nasal function as well as appearance?

Yes, revision rhinoplasty can improve nasal function as well as appearance. The surgeon can address issues such as nasal obstruction, breathing problems, and nasal valve collapse to improve the patient’s overall nasal function.

Should I take some time off after revision rhinoplasty?

Patients should expect to take time off work or school to rest and recover after revision rhinoplasty. They should avoid strenuous activities and exercise for several weeks and follow all post-operative care instructions carefully.

While recovery can be uncomfortable, most patients notice an improvement in their breathing within a few weeks. The final results of the surgery may take several months to fully manifest as the swelling continues to subside.

Are there alternatives to having a revision surgery?

Depending on your complaint, you may only require minor touch ups that can be performed in the office, or under local anesthetic.

These complaints are often times minor and aesthetic in nature. Common changes that can be made are the removal of nasal humps, slight changes to the rotation of the nose, or minor tip modifications. However, complaints that involve nasal breathing issues and major deformities may require more involved interventions.

Other alternatives include the use of injectables and fillers to change small imperfections. However, these interventions are usually temporary, lasting only about 9-12 months, and are associated with risks and complications.

Finally, the use of injectables and fillers may compromise the internal structure of the nose (leading to unfavorable scarring) that may increase the risk of complications when you decide to have a more permanent surgery.

For these reasons, Dr. Mourad does not endorse or perform injectables and fillers on the nose. He values giving his patients a permanent and long-lasting result.