What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty corrects a nose that has had surgery before. Some patients want a refinement — a small bump, a slightly wide tip. Others have a real problem: an implant that has moved, a tip that has collapsed, or breathing that worsened after the first operation.
Second operations are harder than first ones: there is scar tissue, less cartilage to work with and a changed blood supply. Most revisions therefore use cartilage grafts, and larger reconstructions may need rib cartilage. More serious outcomes are covered on our failed rhinoplasty correction page.
Who should consider revision rhinoplasty?
- Visible asymmetry or a crooked result that has not settled after a year.
- A polly-beak, scooped or over-lowered bridge or an inverted-V shadow.
- A pinched, bulbous or drooping tip after the first operation.
- Implant problems — shifting, visibility, redness or thinning skin.
- Worse breathing than before the first surgery.
Waiting matters: swelling can disguise the final shape for up to a year, especially in thick skin. Earlier surgery is considered only for problems such as infection or implant exposure.
Minor touch-up or full revision?
| Minor touch-up | Full structural revision | Filler correction | |
| Typical problem | Small bump or irregularity | Collapse, asymmetry, implant issues | Tiny dip or step |
| Approach | Closed, limited | Open with grafts | Injection |
| Downtime | 5–7 days | 10–14 days | 1–2 days |
| Cartilage needed | Rarely | Usually | No |
| Risk level | Low | Higher than primary | Higher in operated noses |
How revision rhinoplasty is planned and performed
Before & after
Before
After
Revision cases are shared privately at consultation. Our before & after gallery covers other procedures.
How long does recovery take after revision?
| Day 1–5 | More swelling than after a first rhinoplasty; head raised, cold compresses. |
|---|---|
| Day 7–10 | Splint and stitches removed; the improvement is visible but puffy. |
| Month 1–3 | Swelling eases; taping or follow-up care may be advised. |
| Month 12–18 | Revised noses take longest to settle into their final shape. |
“Patients who come for a revision have often lost trust. I explain what I see, what I can change and what I cannot — before anything else.”
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief DirectorWhat are the risks of revision rhinoplasty?
Revision surgery carries higher risks than a first rhinoplasty: prolonged swelling, infection, graft warping or visibility, skin problems in scarred noses, persistent asymmetry and a greater chance of needing a further procedure. Results can be very good, but the aim is improvement, not a nose that looks never operated on.
Frequently asked questions
How long should I wait before a revision?
Usually at least 12 months after the first surgery, so swelling has settled and tissues have softened.
Is revision more expensive than primary rhinoplasty?
It is usually more complex and may need extra cartilage, so the plan and cost are agreed only after consultation.
Do I need my previous surgery records?
They help a lot; bring operation notes or the name of the implant if you can, though they are not essential.
Will I need rib cartilage?
Only if septal and ear cartilage are insufficient, which is common in multiple revisions.
Can breathing be fixed at the same time?
Yes, functional and cosmetic problems are usually corrected in one operation.
Who performs the revision?
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung performs your consultation, surgery and follow-up herself.