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THE REVISION RHINOPLASTY

To significantly repair and improve the appearance of an over- or under-operated nose and re-establish a natural, harmonizing, well-proportioned look to it and the face as a whole.  To improve nasal function, especially breathing, as required.

THE PROCEDURE
	Revision surgery is different from primary rhinoplasty and requires unique expertise to understand the underlying anatomic causes and complications of the various problems in an over- or under-operated nose.
	Targeted approaches are successful if the problem is focused and limited. More comprehensive reconstruction is needed for severe problems.
	To maximize the benefits of this corrective cosmetic procedure it is important to find a surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty and with whom a patient can clearly communicate their goals for improvement. It is important patients truly understand the limitations of revision surgery and have realistic expectations.

THE PROS
	This procedure can restore a more natural look to a nose that has been over-operated and now looks too small, short, long, narrow, wide or twisted.
	It can further refine a nose that did not have a full correction with the previous procedure.
	Impaired nasal breathing caused by previous surgeries can be substantially improved.
	In the hands of the right specialist, revision rhinoplasty gives patients a renewed sense of self-confidence and the real hope of having a natural looking nose that enhances their facial features.

THE CONS
	Sometimes a nose may be virtually beyond repair, but this is not usual. The biggest obstacle facing a revision rhinoplasty specialist is trying to fix a nose that may have undergone several revisions or in which there is limited tissue to work with.
	The amount of scarring or degree of skin contracture may limit the degree of improvement possible.
	As disappointing as it may be, in some cases it is best to leave well enough alone, as the risks of further revision may outweigh the benefits.
	For a patient who knows there's something wrong with their nose, but just isn't sure what they want, revision rhinoplasty can be a frustrating process. That is why it is essential to work with a specialist who can help patients sort through their confusion and fear and find a solution.

SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS
	The number of revision surgeries a patient has previously undergone.
	The presence of scar tissue from prior surgeries, which may cause complications.
	Patient expectations.

TIME OUT
	An outpatient procedure that results in little pain or nausea, the recovery period for revision rhinoplasty is approximately 2 weeks. Patients will wear a small nasal bandage for 1 week and there is usually some swelling and bruising. This is dramatically reduced by the end of the first week of recovery.
	After bandage (or splint) removal, patients can usually get out and about with a little makeup.