Revision Rhinoplasty in New York, NY

At the Klausner Institute in New York, NY, rhinoplasty is a procedure in which a surgeon repairs or reshapes the external nose. Common motivations for a patient to seek rhinoplasty are to improve medical (e.g. respiratory) problems or the aesthetic appearance of the nose. In either case, the patient may be dissatisfied with the cosmetic results of their surgery and opt for a repeat procedure to correct them. This is known as secondary or revision rhinoplasty (nose job). Other patients may need to undergo revision rhinoplasty due to post-operative complications, such as newly acquired breathing difficulties and infections that develop after surgery. Lee Ann M. Klausner, M.D. is one of NYC's leading rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty experts.

We understand that a secondary rhinoplasty procedure can be intimidating, which is why Dr. Klausner spends time educating patients at every step of the process. Patients often choose our clinic for the following reasons:

• Expertise: As a revision rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Klausner has the experience and skills necessary to achieve optimal results.
• Attention to detail: We understand the importance of even the smallest details in revision surgery. Dr. Klausner takes a meticulous approach to ensure that all corrections are made with precision.
• Individualized attention: We believe that each patient is unique and deserves personalized care. Our team takes the time to get to know you and your goals.
• Successful results: We are proud to have helped countless people achieve their desired outcomes and live happier, healthier lives.

You may be an ideal candidate for revision rhinoplasty if you are unsatisfied with your surgical outcome or need to address complications arising from your initial rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty revision is mainly done to restore or change the appearance and function of your nose. Patients should be looking for a lasting repair and have realistic goals before going into a revision surgery. In addition, you should know that this procedure may be significantly more complicated than the initial rhinoplasty due to factors like scar tissue.

The nose is made of a number of tissue types and structures and has many functions. Nasal damage may result in adverse consequences, such as nasal bleeding, deformities (e.g. loss of normal nasal symmetry), or an impaired sense of smell. The psychological effects of a cosmetically undesirable nose can also affect life quality and functional status. Therefore, a surgeon may take on patients seeking ‘elective’ primary rhinoplasty (nose job) in addition to patients whose symptoms are of a purely medical nature. However, the rate at which patients require revision rhinoplasty (nose job) is relatively high (approximately 21%). The reasons for this include failure to correct the deformity (which may be objective or subjective in nature) and adverse events in the post-operative period. Patients with unacceptable levels of dissatisfaction on these grounds may request a revision rhinoplasty (nose job) to correct these problems.

A surgeon has many points to consider when approaching any (primary or revision) rhinoplasty. These include the initial shape of the nose and the ideal shape required by the patient. Nasal reshaping is an often complex piece of surgical ‘engineering’ that may require grafts to achieve the desired result and support the structure of the ‘new’ nose. These grafts may be cartilage harvested from the patient in question or be made of sterile surgical-grade silicone. In cases of revision rhinoplasty, the surgeon may need to take additional problems into account. These include scar tissue resulting from the primary procedure, which may prove an obstacle or prevent adequate manipulation of the nose during surgery.

Revision rhinoplasty (nose job) may also require several new grafts in order to fully correct nasal shape. A second procedure may also be a more ‘open’ surgery in which the surgeon must ‘dissect’ the nose to a greater extent compared to the primary rhinoplasty. This may address the need for improved access to some parts of the nose due to the actions of the surgeon who performed the first procedure. A surgeon may also find that they need to work on the tip of the nose (a procedure also known as ‘tip plasty’). This may involve its partial dissection, re-suturing, and yet more grafts. These are placed in the part of the nose immediately ‘above’ the tip for structural support.

Revision rhinoplasty (nose job) may be associated with post-operative risks. Prominent examples include those of infection (which may be intensified if the revision involves more open surgery) and deformity. An example of deformity related to revision rhinoplasty is the characteristic ‘polly beak,’ which occurs if the nasal tip loses support and slips somewhat below the level of the rest of the nose. On the other hand, revision rhinoplasty can result in positive outcomes for many patients. A recent study reported that 90% of patients receiving this procedure exhibited good or very good subjective results with significant improvements in many aspects of nasal appearance. Full recovery from rhinoplasty may take up to six weeks. However, it is important to note that post-operative swelling and/or fluid buildup in the length and tip of the nose, which may distort patient or surgeon impressions of the eventual results, may require up to 12 weeks for total resolution.

If you have received rhinoplasty and have experienced complications or if you have been dissatisfied with the results, please reach out to us at the Klausner Institute in New York, NY. At our Upper East Side, Manhattan location, Lee Ann M. Klausner, M.D. prides herself in the care and experience she brings to patient conversations. Let Dr. Klausner alleviate your symptoms or help you achieve the look you've always set out to have. Call today to schedule your consultation.

How much does a revision rhinoplasty cost?
Your cost for revision rhinoplasty will vary depending on how much reconstruction is needed. In your initial consultation, Dr. Klausner will listen to your concerns before examining your previous nose surgery. When a surgical plan is formed, she can more accurately determine your costs. Dr. Klausner will also go over payment options and information on low-interest financing to help make your surgery more affordable.

How long should I wait after my original rhinoplasty?
It's important to give your nose time to heal after nose surgery. In many cases, it may take over one year for swelling to completely subside so you can see the final shape of your nose. Once your nose is completely recovered from rhinoplasty, you need to take time to assess how you feel about the appearance and then schedule an appointment at Lee Ann M. Klausner MD, FACS, with Dr. Klausner.

How common are revision rhinoplasty procedures?
Rhinoplasty is a popular cosmetic surgery, and most patients are pleased with their outcomes. However, some rhinoplasties may need a second surgery to complete the procedure or repair minor cosmetic flaws. In a small number of patients, revision nose surgery is necessary to improve major cosmetic flaws or functional issues caused by the original surgery. If you are unhappy at all with the results of your nose surgery by Dr. Klausner or another plastic surgeon, schedule a consultation to learn more about revision rhinoplasty.

How can I ensure that I will receive better results with a revision procedure?
It is extremely important to do research when looking for an experienced plastic surgeon to do a revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Klausner is a highly skilled double board certified facial plastic surgeon with years of experience in rhinoplasty with a special interest in revision rhinoplasty. She understands the extra skill and advanced techniques required to complete a second rhinoplasty without weakening the structure.

Will I need cartilage grafting?
In some revision rhinoplasty procedures, cartilage grafting may be necessary. Cartilage grafting is performed by taking cartilage and/or bone from another part of the body, like the ribs, and transferring it to rebuild the structure of your nose. Usually, this is only needed in serious cases or when the cartilage was damaged in the original rhinoplasty surgery. Cartilage grafting may be needed to help support your nasal structure — so you don't have trouble breathing after surgery. Dr. Klausner will discuss the possibility of cartilage grafting in your initial consultation.