While rhinoplasty is performed to improve the appearance or function of the nose, results cannot be guaranteed and sometimes revision surgery is necessary. Dr. Todd Hobgood is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in revision rhinoplasty in Scottsdale. About 40% of all Dr. Hobgood’s cases are revision in nature. We see patients from Phoenix, Tempe, Mesa, Chandler, and other Arizona cities, across the U.S., and all around the world requesting consideration for revision rhinoplasty. We hope to collect all before and after photographs, as well as operative procedure notes, before completing a consultation. As we tend to see patients visiting from great distances, we will often recommend an initial phone or video consultation to maximize efficiency for both Dr. Hobgood as well as our valued patients.
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Also called secondary or tertiary rhinoplasty, this surgical procedure is designed to correct or improve the results of a previous rhinoplasty that was unsatisfactory for one reason or another. This procedure may be used to correct functional problems that affect breathing as well as cosmetic issues. While rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated cosmetic surgery procedures, secondary rhinoplasty is even more complex with a higher revision rate than other procedures. We recommend choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon such as Dr. Hobgood for revision rhinoplasty who has extensive experience performing this delicate surgery. Insurance companies do not cover revision rhinoplasty as it is the consequence of previous elective cosmetic surgery.
The cost of revision rhinoplasty typically ranges from $17,000 to $20,000, but varies widely depending on the complexity of your procedure. You will receive a cost estimate for your procedure during your consultation so you know exactly what to expect.
Dr. Hobgood combines his down-to-earth, personable demeanor with an artistic eye and technical expertise honed through thousands of surgeries, including more than 1,000 facelifts. He's recognized nationally for his leadership and has been honored by the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery for his ongoing commitment to quality.
Meet Dr. HobgoodRevision nasal surgery may be performed due to dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose or dissatisfaction with the function of the nose. Common issues that can develop or increase as the result of previous nasal surgery and necessitate revision surgery include improper diagnosis, unexpected healing, poor technique or even later injury to the nose. Common patient concerns include:
Revision nasal surgery is less likely to be necessary the more qualified and experienced the surgeon is; yet, it is always a possibility.
Revision nasal surgery typically takes much longer than an initial procedure and may require 3 or more hours. General anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia may be used. Surgical techniques used depend greatly on the issues that need to be addressed. Both closed and open rhinoplasty may be used during the procedure. Closed rhinoplasty means incisions are confined to the inside of the nose, although some corrections may require an open rhinoplasty, in which a small incision is made between the nostrils on the underside of the nose.
In many cases of revision surgery, additional cartilage is necessary to correct the function or appearance of the nose. If the previous surgery removed too much cartilage from the septum, Dr. Hobgood will use cartilage from the ears or from even the ribs and create a cartilage graft to reshape the nose and give it the foundation and support it needs. If cartilage is taken from the ears, the incisions are placed in the crease of the ear and hidden. The cartilage harvest technique from the ear in most cases will not alter the appearance of the outer ear in any way.
After your surgery, a dressing will be applied to the nose. Swelling and light bruising are normal, and your nose may feel stiff or sore for up to one week. Any stitches will be removed a few days after the surgery. Most patients are able to return to work after one week (after the dressing is removed). Strenuous activities, however, should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks. Any activity that may bump or injure the nose should be avoided for 8 weeks. Most swelling will fade within 2 weeks, but it can take up to one year for all swelling to dissipate.
A good candidate for this procedure is physically healthy with realistic expectations about the results of the revision surgery. The candidate is unhappy with the function or appearance of the nose after the initial nose surgery. Revision surgery cannot be performed immediately after primary surgery, as the nose requires between 6 and 12 months for all swelling to resolve itself.
Secondary surgery performed after an initial rhinoplasty is not covered by insurance. Even if patients develop breathing issues, only a part of the surgery would be considered for insurance coverage. Essentially, no external appearance changes are covered by insurance carriers.
If the closed or endonasal rhinoplasty technique is used, all incisions will be inside of the nose with no visible scarring. With open or external rhinoplasty, a very small incision is made under the tip of the nose. This results in a very small, fine scar that is well hidden and that fades in time.
Experiences vary after revision rhinoplasty. Typically, the recovery process is very similar to after the first procedure, although most patients find it is less painful with less bruising. Swelling is common and may take up to one year to fade completely. Bruising typically fades within 7 to 10 days. Stitches, dressing, and the splint will be removed after one week.
Most patients are able to return to work 1 week after the surgery. Strenuous activity, however, should be avoided for 2 to 3 weeks.
