If you’re thinking about having a second, revision rhinoplasty, you are in a fairly diverse group of people with one thing in common: you don’t ever want to go through this again. Some patients are merely looking for a tweak or small fix to their prior nose job, while others saw no improvement from their primary rhinoplasty and found it ineffective.

How to Get the Best Results from Revision Rhinoplasty

Other revision rhinoplasty patients have developed new breathing problems or even feel disfigured after their first rhinoplasty. We don’t know exactly how big the group is, because many rhinoplasty patients decide to go to a new surgeon after losing trust in their primary surgeon.

Some patients do talk to their initial surgeon about the problem, but the surgeon does not see the flaw or problem. Alternatively, the primary rhinoplasty surgeon may see an issue with your rhinoplasty result, but feel defensive or see the issue as much less serious than you do. They may be unwilling or unable to fix the problem, so you are off to find another surgeon.

Avoid Becoming a Statistic

In reality, some plastic surgeons, those who don’t do rhinoplasty often, may have a revision rate of up to 20 percent, while experienced, communicative and skilled rhinoplasty specialists have a revision rate of perhaps one percent. So totals for revision rhinoplasty are hard to track and average revision rates aren’t very meaningful, since there is so much variation.

What is known about revision rhinoplasty rates in NJ, is that you can avoid being part of the revision statistic (and avoid needing another revision) if you choose a truly experienced surgeon that you can communicate with. That is the common denominator among successful rhinoplasty surgeries: the right surgeon.

Realistic expectations on the patient’s part are also crucial to success, but good communication between surgeon and patient tend to make expectations, goals and outcomes match up very well. The fact is, a top revision rhinoplasty surgeon can produce the most consistent and best results.

This means that the specific outcome that a top surgeon discusses with you during the planning stage (consultation) is the result you should actually get. It sounds simple, but as you are aware by now, with what you have gone through, rhinoplasty takes a lot of skill to get right.

Whether your first surgeon was unskilled, made an error, didn’t understand what you wanted or ignored what you wanted, you are now in a position to do something you’re not thrilled about: having a revision rhinoplasty.

The only good thing about your current situation is that you will hopefully, at long last, end up with an attractive and functional nose, maybe even the nose you always wanted. So how can you avoid having a negative rhinoplasty experience the second time around?

Finding a Top Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon that You Trust: Can It Be Done?

As we’ve discussed, you definitely need someone with years of experience to successfully perform surgery in the same area a second time, especially on the face. A second surgery means dealing with tough scar tissue and possibly a weakened bone structure and insufficient cartilage.

Your NJ revision rhinoplasty surgeon must understand how the nose should look and how it should function, so that he or she can accomplish the necessary corrections for you. Artistry, science and superb technical skill are all essential, because this should be your last revision.

Now for the other key piece of the puzzle: you must find a skilled surgeon that you can communicate with easily, who is able to listen to your goals and needs, respect them and let you know if they are achievable.

Your surgeon should also take the time to explain how your surgery will be done to get the desired results. You should feel a rapport developing between you and your surgeon. Having confidence in your chosen surgeon sets you up for success, provided you know that the surgeon is extremely well qualified to do this complex procedure.

You need to identify the top surgeons and, from that elite group, find the right one for you. It sounds like a tall order but there are things you can do to make your job simpler.

Consider Only Top Surgeons for Revision Rhinoplasty

Look for the very best and eliminate anyone who does not have reconstructive experience, lacks proper board certification (which is with the American Board of Plastic Surgeons), has no surgical privileges or whose privileges are at a hospital you’ve never heard of. (University hospitals are the very best, because these surgeons mentor others and keep up with all the latest innovations and research in the field.)

That does not mean you want a NJ surgeon who spends all their time teaching. You need a surgeon who operates almost daily, to ensure technical skills are stellar. You should ask how many revision rhinoplasties they have done in the past year.

If your surgeon is reluctant to show you pictures of recent past work, eliminate him or her as well. Try to take note if the photos are heavily retouched, too. Also make sure your chosen surgeon has many years of experience, at least 5 after residency, so that they know how to handle a variety of rhinoplasties and so that they know how to successfully deal with any complications that come up.

What’s It Going to Cost for My Revision Rhinoplasty?

Experienced surgeons doing a complex and longer surgery are likely to charge more than your original rhinoplasty surgery cost, but not always. It depends upon the details of your former procedure and what changes, corrections or repairs you may need.

Remember to factor in the cost you won’t need to pay with an expert revision rhinoplasty surgeon: You will save yourself the fee (and time, trouble and risk) of a third surgery.

Where Are the Best Rhinoplasty Surgeons Found?

Metro areas are a good bet, although Manhattan may be unnecessarily pricey and crowded or rushed. But nearby metro areas, such as Bergen County NJ, can provide the sweet spot between lots of patients to keep the skills honed but not too many so that there is no assembly line or time limit to move on quickly to the next patient.

You can avoid mistakes by choosing a surgeon who is focused on you. To do this they must have the time and the dedication—and a healthy interest in people.

What If You Don’t Live In New Jersey?

Traveling for your revision rhinoplasty is a definite option, since it is so important to find experience, skill and dedication all in the same surgeon. If you live in a less populated area, nearby surgeons may not have the experience you’re looking for. Even if they have been working for many years, they likely have not performed as many procedures during that time as a city surgeon.

What’s more, the best plastic surgeons are very accustomed to helping patients from other regions make local arrangements. They should be able to provide a recovery suite or help you book into a hotel with a private nurse. You should still have a relative traveling with you, to stay with you through your initial recovery and drive you home.

You should be able to have your friend drive you home in a day or two, after your surgeon examines you and gives the ok. You will return in a few days for splint removal. If flying is required for your trip, ask your surgeon how long it will be until you can safely fly after your surgery.

Talk with Cohen/Winters about Your Revision Rhinoplasty

When you are looking for a revision rhinoplasty specialist, we invite you to set up a no-charge consultation at our aesthetic and reconstructive surgery practice in Bergen County. We’re happy to help you understand your options and determine if your goals can become reality through revision rhinoplasty.

revision rhinoplasty NJ

Dr. Winters

About Dr. Winters

Dr. Winters specializes in primary, revision, reconstructive, functional and teenage rhinoplasty surgeries. Dr. Winters is a fellow of the American College of Surgeons and maintains active memberships in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, the American Society for Reconstructive Microsurgery and others.