Rhinoplasty alone is a complex operation that requires knowledge of the nasal anatomy, understanding of nasal aesthetics, and the wound healing process of the nose. Revision rhinoplasty is an even more complex surgery for multiple reasons. Anytime rhinoplasty is performed, a layer of scar tissue is left between the nasal skin and cartilage. Getting through this scar tissue during revision rhinoplasty to identify the underlying residual cartilage is difficult. Sometimes, this cartilage can be weak, flimsy, or non-existent. Septal cartilage may not be available for grafting purposes during revision rhinoplasty requiring the surgeon to utilize ear cartilage or possible rib cartilage.

The wound healing process can also be more unpredictable for revision rhinoplasty as there will now be another layer of scar tissue on top of the old layer of scar tissue. If multiple revisions have been performed, more scar tissue layers will be left behind. In addition, revision rhinoplasty swelling will typically take longer to resolve compared with primary rhinoplasty.

Dr. Funk is a rhinoplasty expert in Houston, TX.