Here at Cohen/Winters, I devote the majority of my time to complex rhinoplasty, including revision rhinoplasty and reconstructive rhinoplasty cases. Revision rhinoplasty refers to a second or third nasal surgery to repair aesthetic and/or functional problems that were not completely corrected in the primary surgery—or were actually caused by the primary procedure. When patients come to see me from across the US, from right here in my local Bergen County NJ area, or from nearby Westchester NY, they ask many insightful questions about revision rhinoplasty. I’m sure some of these have crossed your mind as well, so I’ll share some of the more common concerns and questions below.
Common Revision Rhinoplasty Questions
Q: Why is it so hard to get the look I want from rhinoplasty surgery?
A: The nose is an important facial feature, defining the look of the face and affecting the appearance of all other features, including your smile and eyes. Because of the significance of the nose with its importance in proper breathing, the delicacy of the nasal structure, and the unique goals of each patient, many individuals fail to get the result they want from their first rhinoplasty. The most experienced rhinoplasty surgeons, however, produce consistently excellent results for their patients and have very high satisfaction rates.
Q: Why are rhinoplasty revisions necessary?
A: It takes special surgical, artistic, and communication skills to plan and perform rhinoplasty that delivers excellent results that the patient is happy with. If you were not able to find a truly skilled, experienced rhinoplasty specialist to perform your primary rhinoplasty in Westchester, NY, you may end up seeing a rhinoplasty specialist like me for a revision to fix your nose.
There are a few elite rhinoplasty surgeons who excel in these complicated rhinoplasty revisions—and it is worthwhile for you to seek out the one who is right for you. That’s the best insurance you have against a disappointing result.
Communication is also key for an excellent rhinoplasty outcome. That’s why I take my time to understand just what my patient wants from their revision surgery and let you know what is possible, in light of your prior surgery. Making sure we, patient and surgeon, are on the same page, is crucial for a satisfying result.
Q: I’ve had three revisions since my original rhinoplasty—is it possible to have another?
A: Having had revisions does not prevent you from having another one, but it makes your surgery more complex. In order to ensure that this is your last nasal surgery, be sure to choose a surgeon you can communicate with clearly. You need a top rhinoplasty surgeon to perform your surgery this time around, with years of experience behind him or her.
In fact, seeing a facial reconstructive surgeon is your best move at this point. A reconstructive surgeon has a deep level of knowledge and experience in nasal surgery and therefore can give you the most options and best revision rhinoplasty outcome. In a few cases, it may be too risky to perform another nasal surgery. However, with the vast majority of patients I see, I’m able to offer significant improvement.
Q: I have a lot of scar tissue from a prior rhinoplasty surgery. Can I still get my botched nose job corrected?
A: Scar tissue does not make a revision impossible, when you see a true revision rhinoplasty specialist in Westchester, NY or nearby Bergen County, NJ. Don’t give up on fixing your nose until you speak with a top surgeon about your options.
Q: I’m a guy and my nose came out too small for my face after rhinoplasty. Can you make it larger?
A: I see lots of cases like yours, and yes, noses can be made larger in revision rhinoplasty. The bridge can be built up if it was over-resected, and the tip can be reshaped to suit your face. In some cases, nostrils are too small after a poorly performed primary rhinoplasty. I have seen all these issues before and correction is usually possible, achieving a more pleasing result that fits harmoniously with the rest of your features.
Q: Do I have to stay in the hospital for a revision rhinoplasty?
A: Even revision rhinoplasty is typically an outpatient procedure performed under general anesthesia. My surgeries are performed in the adjacent Vanguard Surgical Center, which is accredited for safety, and staffed with excellent medical support professionals that work with me on my toughest cases. One of the best anesthesiologists in the state, an MD, will monitor you during surgery. You will remain in our high tech recovery room until you are awake, stable and ready to be driven home.
Q: Will I require general anesthesia for revision rhinoplasty in Westchester, NY?
A: Some patients have concerns about nausea after general anesthesia, but this is not an issue in most cases. General anesthesia is very safe when performed by a highly qualified specialist. It can minimize bleeding and post-op bruising and inflammation by keeping blood pressure from escalating. It also allows the anesthesiologist (a board-certified MD anesthesiologist) to reliably induce a steady, deep unconsciousness, without the risk that you could, for instance, make a sudden movement that might interrupt surgery. There may be other options for anesthesia however, depending on your specific situation.
Q: I’m coming from Westchester, NY for revision rhinoplasty. Is it complicated to drive in for surgery?
A: Travel from Westchester is just over half an hour, so you won’t even need a hotel overnight, as many of my patients (who fly in from afar) often do. A friend or family member must drive you both ways and stay with you at your home for 24 hours. Then you’ll come back the day after surgery for a follow up and return again at the end of the week for splint removal. I’ll see you at the one-month mark and a few more times over the course of the next year for follow up, to make sure you are healing as expected. You can call me anytime if you have a concern between follow up appointments. My office, located in Maywood, NJ, is quite convenient for my Westchester NY patients.
Q: Is recovery from a revision rhinoplasty longer or more painful than my primary surgery?
A: Generally no. You will feel little pain and some discomfort for the first week, with bruising and swelling gradually decreasing. The recovery will feel very similar to your initial rhinoplasty surgery. Your splint is removed in the first week. Some swelling may persist for up to a year.
Q: How long should I take off from work following revision rhinoplasty?
A: You should rest for a week to ensure your initial healing process is well underway before returning to work. If your job involves physical activity, you should plan on being 2 to 3 weeks out of work. For a month to 6 weeks, you should avoid heavy exercise to allow your swelling to abate.
Q: I’m not sure what needs to change to make my nose look good. Can you help?
A: Yes, many Westchester NY patients are unsure why, specifically, the look of their nose bothers them. I can help you determine which revisions will create a pleasing, balanced effect, and bring out the attractiveness of your other facial features.
Q: Will I have visible incisions after my rhinoplasty revision surgery?
A: No. Many, but not all, revision rhinoplasty surgeries require an open procedure for the most complete correction. An open procedure requires a short incision across the column of skin that divides your nostrils. The incision is only a few millimeters in length and nearly impossible to see, especially after healing is complete.
Q: Does medical insurance pay for revision rhinoplasty?
A: If the changes you request are cosmetic (appearance-based) only, your insurance will probably not cover it. Insurance may cover the repair of functional/breathing problems, if that is part of the correction you require. My office is happy to send copies of your records if needed by your insurance company, with your permission.
Q: Am I a good candidate for revision rhinoplasty?
A: If you are overall healthy and unhappy with the outcome of your prior nasal surgery, you may be a great candidate for a revision rhinoplasty. The only way to know for certain what your options may be is to make an appointment. At Cohen/Winters Aesthetic & Reconstructive Surgery in Bergen County NJ, we offer a personalized consultation for revision rhinoplasty-just contact the office for an appointment.
