Rhinoplasty, also known as a nose job, is a complex and challenging surgical procedure. Revision rhinoplasty refers to a surgery that corrects or revises a nose surgery that was done in the past.

Each person’s skin, cartilage, and bone determine the shape of their nose. When having rhinoplasty, the healing stage also has an impact on appearance. Poor healing can lead someone to have results that they are not satisfied with.

Proportion and attention to detail from the surgeon are essential to creating the best results with rhinoplasty. Close monitoring and adequate intervention are both critical during the healing process.

The Basics of Revision Rhinoplasty

A revision rhinoplasty, or a secondary rhinoplasty, is a complicated plastic surgery procedure that corrects the results of a first nose job. Revision rhinoplasty is typically done when a patient is not happy with the results of the original procedure, whether based on aesthetics or continued difficulty breathing.

The Various Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty

There are several benefits to revision rhinoplasty. These tend to be similar to the benefits provided by an initial rhinoplasty. Some of them include:

• Increased confidence – This procedure may change the shape and appearance of the nose. It often provides confidence to patients who may be self-conscious about the appearance of their faces.
• Rejuvenated appearance – Revision rhinoplasty is made to reshape the nose. This can lead to a more balanced and youthful facial appearance.
• Better breathing – Some forms of rhinoplasty are combined with septoplasty or nasal obstruction surgery. These procedures can correct obstruction in the nasal passages that may have been present before surgery.
• Improved facial symmetry – Crooked noses, bulbous nose tips, and other facial issues can be repaired through revision rhinoplasty. This creates a better degree of facial symmetry.

If your original rhinoplasty gave you less than perfect results, you may have many emotions. It could make you upset, or frustrated, that your expectations were not met. When this is the case, a revision rhinoplasty can help. As you consider your options, make sure to choose a trustworthy surgeon who understands the results you desire.

Preparing for Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Your plastic surgeon will provide you with specific instructions before the revision rhinoplasty procedure. You’ll be given information on what to do the week before and after the surgery. In addition, you’ll be provided with care instructions for after the rhinoplasty.

Some medications are known to cause excessive bleeding during surgery. If you are taking these medications, you may be asked to stop taking them for a few weeks before the procedure is done.

What Happens During Recovery?

The recovery from revision rhinoplasty lasts about one to two weeks. You may need to stay home for a week or longer from work, depending on how intense the swelling and bruising are. A splint will be on, and inside, the nose for the first week, but nasal packing is uncommon for revision rhinoplasty.

When you choose the right surgeon, you can expect routine follow-ups to ensure the best results. The full results will not be present until a year or two after surgery, when all internal swelling is gone. Consults will ensure you stay on track throughout the process.

The nose is one of many parts of the human respiratory system. Air enters the body through the nose; the air is then then warmed and moistened. Air is also filtered from debris as it passes through the upper airway. Because it is the most prominent fixture on the human face, the nose has an effect on your appearance.

Many people experience issues with their noses. These can be as small as a stuffy nose, a minor nosebleed, or as extensive as serious breathing issues. Different solutions are available to help with these issues. However, before choosing one, it’s important to know the parts of the nose.

The Anatomy of the Human Nose

Looking at your nose, it might seem as if it is made up of only a few parts. However, there is far more to this structure of the body than it initially appears. The following are all parts of the human nose:

• Bone – The upper 1/3 to ½ of your nose is a hard bridge that is made up of two bones, one on each side and fused in the midline. The bony portion of the nose is what surgeons modify when reducing a dorsal hump in rhinoplasty.
• Outer walls – The lower ½ to 2/3 of the nose are composed of lateral walls. These parts of the nose are made up of cartilage and covered in skin in the outside, and mucous membranes on the inside. These walls are the beginning of the nasal cavities, the nostrils, and the nasal tip. Small contour irregularities in the cartilage portion of the nose can sometimes be addressed without surgery using liquid rhinoplasty.
• Nostrils – Also known as nares, these are the openings that lead to your nasal cavities. The nostrils are visible on the face.
• Nasal cavities – Two nasal cavities are found in the nose. These are the hollow areas on both sides of the nose where the air comes in and out. Each nasal cavity is lined with mucous membranes. They are divided by the septum.
• Cilia and hair – Cilia (small structures similar to microscopic hair) and hair are located inside the nose. These are used to trap particles like dirt. These items are then moved toward the nostrils so they can be wiped away or sneezed out, or the back of the throat so they can be cleared.
• Nerve cells – The cells in the nose are used to communicate with the brain. The nerve cells are what provide you with a sense of smell.
• Septum – The septum is made of both firm cartilage and bone. It goes down the center of the nose. A septum is used to separate the two nasal cavities and allow breathing through each nostril. A deviated septum is a common cause of breathing difficulty and is often corrected during functional rhinoplasty or septoplasty.
• Sinuses – Four pairs of sinuses are found in humans. These are little pockets filled with air that connect to the nasal cavities. The main purpose of the sinuses is to create mucus that keeps the nose moist inside.
• Turbinates – Also called conchae, three pairs of turbinates are found on the sides of each nasal cavity. These are folds that ensure the nose stays warm, while filtering debris as well. They also help moisten the air when you breathe it in and help with nasal drainage. These can swell tremendously with allergies.

As part of the respiratory system, the nose has many jobs. If you are experiencing issues with it, it is important to speak to a physician. There are many solutions to problems, whether related to the structure or aesthetics of the nose.

Not smoking, drinking lots of water, and keeping your living space clean can prevent many nasal issues. Using saline on a regular basis within the nostrils can also be useful for many people.

When the Anatomy of Your Nose Bothers You

If you are unhappy with how your nose looks or how it functions, the structures described above are exactly what a facial plastic surgeon evaluates at a rhinoplasty consultation. Dr. Jesse Smith is dual board certified in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery, and operates exclusively on the face. Patients from Fort Worth, Colleyville, and the broader Dallas–Fort Worth area can request a rhinoplasty consultation to discuss their specific concerns.