Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary corrective operation performed on people who have previously had nose surgery. In the literature it is also referred to as secondary rhinoplasty. The aim is to address appearance- or breathing-related problems that have emerged after the first operation, taking the current structure of the nose into account.
Important: Revision rhinoplasty is not a repeat of the first operation. Because the tissues have already been operated on once, the anatomy has changed; planning therefore requires technically more extensive preparation than the first operation.
Dissatisfaction after an operation does not by itself call for a revision. Assessments made before healing is complete can be misleading. The main situations in which a revision is considered are as follows:
There are three main factors that make revision planning more difficult:
1. Scar tissue. The hardened tissue that forms after the first operation both makes surgical dissection more difficult and makes the course of healing less predictable.
2. Altered anatomy. Part of the bone and cartilage structure may have been reshaped or removed in the first operation. This requires the existing structure to be reassessed.
3. The need for cartilage. Where support is needed, additional cartilage (a graft) may be considered. If the cartilage inside the nose is not sufficient, it may be taken from other areas, such as rib or ear cartilage. Whether this is necessary is determined at the examination.
It takes time for the nasal tissues to settle fully. For this reason, it is generally preferred to wait at least 12 months after the first operation before a revision; in some cases this period is kept even longer. Interventions made early amount to operating on tissue that has not yet finished taking shape.
Situations that seriously obstruct breathing or create a functional problem may be evaluated outside this general rule.
1. Detailed examination. The inside and outside of the nose are assessed together; breathing function is examined separately.
2. Review of the history. Information about the previous operation, the operative note if available, and photographs from the earlier period directly affect planning. It is important to bring these documents to the examination.
3. Planning. What can be corrected and what will remain limited is discussed openly. In a revision, defining expectations realistically is more critical than in the first operation.
4. Procedure and follow-up. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia; healing is monitored through regular check-ups.
Revision rhinoplasty is technically a more demanding operation than a first rhinoplasty and carries additional risks as a result:
This list does not cover all possibilities. Your personal risk profile, medical history and the details of your previous operation are assessed at the examination and shared with you as part of the consent process.
Revision rhinoplasty lies within the shared field of work of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery and Ear, Nose and Throat (ENT). Op. Dr. Harun Tekin, as a specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery, carries out assessments at his practice in Muratpaşa, Antalya.
Yes. Who performed the operation is not a determining factor for a revision assessment. However, sharing information about the previous operation, the operative note if possible, and photographs from that period directly makes planning easier.
Because tissues take time to settle, it is generally preferred to wait at least 12 months after the first operation. Situations that seriously obstruct breathing are evaluated separately, outside this general approach.
No, it is not needed in every case. The need for additional support and whether usable cartilage remains inside the nose are assessed at the examination; if necessary, ear or rib cartilage options are discussed.
A revision aims to improve the situation as far as the existing structure allows. Because of scar tissue and altered anatomy, the result cannot be said to be fully predictable; in some cases part of the expectation may not be met. It is essential that these limits be discussed openly before the operation.
Yes. "Secondary rhinoplasty" and "revision rhinoplasty" are two expressions describing the same operation; both refer to a secondary correction performed on a nose that has previously been operated on.
Specialist in Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery. A graduate of Selçuk University Faculty of Medicine; he completed his specialty training at the University of Health Sciences, Afyonkarahisar Health Application and Research Center. He works at Antalya Yaşam Hastanesi (Şirinyalı, Muratpaşa / Antalya).
