Revision rhinoplasty is an investment, and like any other investment, you want to get your money’s worth. Even though you are making an investment in yourself, and investing in improving your life, you don’t want to waste money.

In order to avoid overpaying for NYC revision rhinoplasty, however, be sure to include nearby areas, such as northern NJ, in your search for the perfect plastic surgeon. If you keep your standards very high and find the very best surgeon, who is also a great fit for you, you’re on your way to rhinoplasty success. That means that you’ll have any issues with your prior rhinoplasty corrected. You’ll finally get the just-right nose you’ll love, that will complement your other facial features and give you a naturally attractive look.

Revision Rhinoplasty: Removing Obstacles from Your Life

If you’ve been avoiding selfies lately (which is pretty challenging these days) and feeling less than confident in social situations, all because of a botched nose job, take heart. If you’ve been having trouble breathing and have trouble participating in sports or activities you love, revision rhinoplasty is a wise investment–to create the future you want and deserve. Once you’ve found the right surgeon to help you improve and correct your prior nose job, you’re biggest challenge is over. With the right expert NYC rhinoplasty surgeon in your corner, expect success!

Successful NYC Revision Rhinoplasty: It Depends Upon Communication

After spending years in the field of complex revision and reconstructive rhinoplasty, I have found that I can offer an improvement to almost every patient. Correcting mistakes made by a prior surgeon involves evaluating what went wrong. In some cases, the big mistake made was that the first rhinoplasty surgeon didn’t listen to (or misunderstood) what the patient really wanted from their initial nasal surgery.

Clear communication is a big deal in a personalized surgery like rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. That’s why it is so important to find a skilled, experienced surgeon (a true rhinoplasty expert) and also find a surgeon who is right for you.

The right surgeon is the one who listens and takes an interest in your unique needs and desires for your nose reshaping procedure. No matter how skilled and experienced your surgeon is, he or she can’t give you a good nose job if they are not clear on what you want and expect.

Discuss the Expected Outcome: Are Your Goals Realistic?

In some cases, the expectations you have for the way you’ll look after surgery are not realistic. You need an honest surgeon who will tell you if the result you want cannot be done. Sometimes your anatomy just won’t accommodate the look you have in mind.

For instance, if you want a very small nose, but achieving this would weaken the nasal structure so that your nose is unstable or would interfere with your breathing, you want to know this. Then you and your surgeon can make an alternate plan for a revised outcome, one that is achievable and one that you will like.

If you and your surgeon cannot agree, you owe it to yourself to find another surgeon. If the second surgeon that you consult shares the opinion of the first, you should revise your plans and surgery goals. If your surgeon tells you that your primary nose job cannot be improved, you must definitely seek another opinion.

I have very rarely found a patient whose condition I cannot improve through revision rhinoplasty. You may just need a more experienced or more highly skilled surgeon if you are getting a negative or unsatisfactory response. Don’t give up on revision rhinoplasty in NYC or NJ after speaking to just one surgeon.

Concentrate on Top NJ or NYC Rhinoplasty Specialists Only

Keep in mind, as you begin your search for a trustworthy plastic surgeon for revision rhinoplasty in NYC: expert qualifications are the low bar to qualify as your ideal revision rhinoplasty surgeon. Understanding is the beginning of trust and, even among elite revision rhinoplasty specialists, one may be better for you than another, based on the rapport you establish with one another. Remember, you’re choosing a plastic surgeon who will be your expert partner in your revision rhinoplasty journey.

Let’s face it, you need top talent to ensure a successful corrective nasal surgery—so focus on finding a highly qualified and experienced plastic surgeon specializing in complex rhinoplasty here in the general (greater) NYC area. Then see how well you and the expert rhinoplasty surgeon you’ve found communicate with one another. If you feel that you trust the surgeon, and you’ve previously verified board certification, experience and aesthetic sensibility, then discuss price.

Stating costs up front is bad practice because your NYC revision rhinoplasty surgery could be more or less involved than the next patient’s procedure. Only after examining and discussing your needs and desires for corrective nasal surgery, should you be given a price tag? An elite rhinoplasty surgeon should be very upfront with you about the costs associated with your revision procedure, which vary based upon:

  • Geography (Major coastal cities are most expensive, with larger cities more expensive than rural or suburban areas generally)
  • Surgical complexity
  • The time required to complete the procedure (surgery center time is often billed by the hour. An experienced surgeon–a true rhinoplasty specialist–can typically complete your procedure in less time and with a better result.)
  • Surgical center with excellent safety record and certification (you should only consider a certified center)
  • Surgeon’s experience, board certification, advanced training and availability
  • Type of anesthesia (typically general anesthesia is used)
  • Anesthesiologist’s credentials (general anesthesia should be administered by an MD specialist)

Evaluating Medical/Surgical Qualifications for Revision Rhinoplasty

  • Check out your surgeon’s About Us page or biography online: You should see an outline of your NYC revision rhinoplasty surgeon’s medical school education, surgical residency, additional plastic surgery fellowship and the number of years in practice.
  • Look up your surgeon’s license to practice medicine: Make sure your surgeon is licensed in the state of NY or NJ and that the license is current.
  • Check the Board Certification of your rhinoplasty surgeon: Accept only American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS) certification. This organization is recognized by the venerable ABMS (American Board of Medical Specialties). Surgeons must have completed extensive education, have years of professional experience and adhere to high ethical standards – plus take a rigorous test – to qualify for membership. Continuing education is required so that the surgeon remains up to date with the latest methods and scientific advances in plastic surgery. You can check this at CertificationMatters.org.
  • Enquire about revision rhinoplasty specialist status: In order to be in the top tier of rhinoplasty surgeons, qualified to produce consistent revision results, your plastic surgeon must dedicate the majority of his or her time to performing complex rhinoplasty, facial plastic surgery and facial reconstruction. There are no stats that will tell you how many rhinoplasties your surgeon has completed, so your best method of verification is to ask. Another great indicator of rhinoplasty focus is a thick book of before-and-after photos (with great-looking results of course.)
  • Check your surgeon’s artistic sense: Look at your plastic surgeon’s portfolio posted online and/or in books at his or her office. Do the results appeal to you? Do the after photos show a face with balanced, attractive features?
  • Find out if your surgeon is influential in the medical community: Does your surgeon’s bio reflect high-level positions at a respected hospital or medical center? Is it related to facial plastic surgery? Your NJ or NYC revision rhinoplasty specialist must also have surgical privileges at a renowned nearby hospital, even though you will likely have your revision rhinoplasty procedure in an ambulatory surgery center.
  • Check on the anesthesiologist’s qualifications: Ask your NYC revision rhinoplasty surgeon about their anesthesiologist’s background. You’ll likely have general anesthesia, so you should be monitored by an MD rather than an anesthetist.
  • Learn about the surgical facility: The surgery center should be accredited. Ask your NYC or NJ revision rhinoplasty specialist about this. You can find out the name of the accreditor and look up their standards online. Most accreditation involves annual inspection to ensure a reputation for patient safety.
  • Add your questions to complete this list.

The Trust Factor: Is this Revision Rhinoplasty Surgeon Right for You?

After your revision rhinoplasty consultation, think about how you and your surgeon interacted.

  • Would you and this NJ or NYC plastic surgeon make a good team?
  • Did the NJ revision rhinoplasty specialist ask you questions about your medical history?
  • Did the plastic surgeon ask about your goals for your corrective rhinoplasty surgery?
  • Did the surgeon answer all your questions? Did the surgeon talk about risks involved in revision rhinoplasty? Do you understand the surgeon’s strategy to achieve the result that you both talked about?
  • Do you trust in the surgeon’s integrity, aesthetic sensibility, surgical skill and medical knowledge?
  • Do you feel you will get the revision rhinoplasty results you want with this NJ plastic surgeon?

If you can answer yes to most of these questions after meeting with your surgeon, you’ve found a surgeon you trust. You’re likely convinced that your NYC revision rhinoplasty specialist can correct the issues and errors that occurred in your primary rhinoplasty and give you an excellent revision rhinoplasty outcome. If you’re ready, this surgeon can provide the results you’re looking for. You can look forward to an attractive and natural result.

If after finding out what is involved and what is possible, you’re not sure if you’re ready to go forward with revision rhinoplasty, there’s no rush–allow yourself plenty of time to consider your options. If the first NYC plastic surgeon you meet doesn’t seem right for you, consult another top revision rhinoplasty specialist in NYC or NJ, for a different expert opinion and point of view.

No Extra Charge: Revision Rhinoplasty Freebies

Surgeon’s fees vary, but you typically get a better result if your NYC plastic surgeon has these qualities (that you won’t pay more for):

  • Aesthetic acumen (if you and your surgeon see eye to eye on what looks great and what’s not so great, and your surgeon’s photo books reflect this, you’re in the right office)
  • Understanding and clear communication (choose the surgeon who explains clearly, answers and asks questions to determine the best surgery strategy for you)
  • Dedication and patient focus (if your surgeon takes a sincere interest in your well-being and wants to be sure you get an excellent result, that attitude is extremely valuable and absolutely free)
  • Honesty (you must choose the surgeon you trust to give you the best outcome)

Top NY or NJ rhinoplasty surgeons are typically very honest about the result you can expect after revision rhinoplasty. If you’ve been impressed with your surgeon up to this point, you will likely get the result that you’ve planned. So your costs will be well worthwhile, for a predictably excellent revision rhinoplasty result.

What Should You Pay for Revision Rhinoplasty in NYC?

Ideally, you will get excellent value in return for your money and time–and get a terrific revision rhinoplasty result. Hopefully, you will choose a talented surgeon that understands your needs–and you’ll never have to undergo another rhinoplasty, ever. If you do choose your surgeon wisely, typically, you’ll enjoy excellent revision rhinoplasty results that will last for the rest of your life.

It’s important not to overspend on any major investment, but it is just as important to ensure that you receive the desired outcome: the best corrective nose job possible. After having gone through a disappointing (or even disfiguring) primary rhinoplasty experience, you absolutely deserve a natural-looking, attractive, feature-flattering “new” nose. If you concentrate on this objective, you will get a terrific return on your time and money invested when you pay for your revision rhinoplasty in NYC.

What’s the Hardest Part of Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Some patients are surprised to learn that you likely won’t feel any more discomfort or minor pain from your revision as you did for your initial rhinoplasty surgery. The hardest part about getting revision rhinoplasty in NJ has nothing to do with physical pain (of which it is surprisingly little), or the swelling and bruising (which dissipate greatly within weeks.)

The tough part about recovering from your revision rhinoplasty in NYC is waiting for the emotional rollercoaster you’ve been experiencing–ever since your first rhinoplasty turned out badly—to finally end! For individuals seeking corrective rhinoplasty surgery, frustration and disappointment are very familiar. Waiting for the revision and solution to an awful or botched primary rhinoplasty can be nerve-wracking at the very least. Even though you’ve chosen your surgeon carefully and you feel good that you’ve taken action to correct your bad nose job—still, seeing is believing.

Why Healing May Take Longer after Revision Rhinoplasty in NYC

Your revision rhinoplasty recovery may require a bit more patience because:

  • Your surgeon may have needed to use grafts to stabilize and strengthen (or reshape) your nose. This can extend your overall healing time, as can unavoidable issues like:
  • Somewhat re-traumatizing the nasal area with this second surgery
  • Dealing with scar tissue from your first surgery
  • Performing osteotomies (fracturing bones in a controlled manner for reshaping)
  • The open approach (where an incision is made across the columella between the nostrils) may take longer to heal, but is often needed in revision rhinoplasty, because it allows the surgeon to see the surgery area most clearly.
  • And other details related to your specific case. Your surgeon can estimate your rhinoplasty recovery time when planning your surgery, but everyone is different. The key to a successful recovery is not to rush it and check with your surgeon about any concerns along the way.

When you choose a top revision rhinoplasty surgeon in NYC or Bergen County, NJ, your surgeon will use advanced techniques to limit the disturbance to your nasal tissues and perform your surgery in the most efficient manner. This will make your recovery period as short and uneventful as possible so that your final result is very worthwhile. Your surgeon will create a stable, natural looking and attractive result that you will be able to enjoy for the rest of your life.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Reveal: Seeing Is Believing

Fortunately, relief from your anxiety and anticipation comes just days after your revision rhinoplasty surgery. Since you’ve been working with a top rhinoplasty specialist in the NYC area, you and your surgeon have discussed the improvement you can expect to see after your revision—so the result, once the splint is off, should be no big surprise.

Still, you need to see your new, improved nose, to be confident you made the right decision to have revision rhinoplasty in NYC or in nearby northern NJ. Moments after your splint is removed, you’ll breathe a huge sigh of relief (through your mouth perhaps, at this early stage). You’ll smile when you look in the mirror at your stellar revision rhinoplasty result.

The revision rhinoplasty reveal, with each of my patients, is one of the most gratifying parts of my job. After removing the nasal splint, I love to see that smile that says, “yes! I finally look the way I want.” Typically, you’ll then begin to think, “hey, wait a minute, my nose looks way too big for my face!” That will be the swelling.

After your splint is removed, you may have additional/renewed swelling for a few days to a few weeks, which should dissipate gradually. This may feel like a setback, however, it is a typical step in healing for most.

Losing the Bruising after Revision Rhinoplasty

In addition to swelling, you’ll also have some very colorful bruising, including black eyes, staring back at you in the mirror after your splint comes off. You’ll need to be patient until the bruising fades—and even more patient about the swelling. As you may recall from your first rhinoplasty, swelling hangs around for a while. You’ll still be a bit swollen up to a year or more after surgery.

Waiting for the Swelling to Go Down

Some visible swelling of your nose will persist for 9 months to a year after your revision. In fact, there may be some swelling of internal tissues that persists for up to 2 years. Your NJ or NYC rhinoplasty surgeon will keep an eye on your healing process to ensure it is progressing well throughout your revision rhinoplasty recovery. However, don’t hesitate to call your surgeon if you have concerns during the healing process.

Don’t be discouraged, however; you’ll begin to enjoy your new nose long before the swelling is completely gone. After 3 to 4 weeks you’ll have an attractive, very presentable look, Your “nose job” won’t be obvious to those outside your inner circle of family and friends. By 6 to 9 months, your nose will be 80 to 90 percent “finished” with most of your swelling gone by then. You’ll continue to notice your nose looking better and better throughout the year.

You Can Do It: Ensure the Quickest Possible Recovery

In the meantime, especially in the first few days and weeks after your splint is removed, you’ll do things to help limit and dissipate the swelling. You’ll sleep propped up, you’ll ice your face (remember the frozen peas), you won’t raise your blood pressure with major exercise, you won’t bend over to pick up a dropped phone and you’ll follow all the other precautions as your surgeon directs. (Let others help you to lift things and pick up a dropped phone for a while, to preserve your revision rhinoplasty outcome.) Don’t rush your recovery, because you could compromise your healing process and the final result.

Your Nose may Feel Weird during Recovery

Depending upon the amount of surgical work needed to correct your primary rhinoplasty, you could notice swelling or bruising that take significantly longer to clear than you remember from your first rhinoplasty. You may have some numbness in the nose and nasal skin during the healing process. You may have much more swelling at the nasal tip than elsewhere while healing after revision rhinoplasty. If the tip appears too large, too wide or lacking in detail the first few months of recovery, it is likely due to swelling–and you just have to wait it out.

Your skin may redden from time to time due to circulation returning to or improving in the area. (Redness with pain could indicate infection, so contact your surgeon.) Your nasal breathing may take time to return to normal–you may feel stuffy or experience nose whistling and similar issues while internal incisions and tissues healing. Always tell your plastic surgeon about the changes that occur throughout the healing process. Whistling, for example, is usually benign, but rarely can mean a perforation in the nasal septum. If necessary, your surgeon will ask you to come into the office between scheduled follow-up visits.

Keep up communication with your surgeon during the entire recovery period, so that your revision rhinoplasty specialist can reassure you that you are on the path to full recovery.

Consult with an Expert NYC Area Rhinoplasty Surgeon Today

Get the answers you need about revision rhinoplasty in an open and honest conversation with an expert plastic surgeon. Schedule your consultation at Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Bergen County, NJ. We’re located just outside NY and provide a thorough exam and real, workable options to correct any problems caused by (or never addressed by) your primary rhinoplasty surgery. With facial reconstructive surgery a specialty of our practice, we offer the meticulous surgical skill and dedication to perform even the most complex revision rhinoplasty in the NYC area. Contact us today.
New Call-to-action

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.