Rhinoplasty Revision

Rhinoplasty revision is a specialized procedure that can address your underlying nasal structures to correct any functional or aesthetic concerns resulting from a previous rhinoplasty.

The nose is a central feature of the face, and it greatly contributes to our overall appearance, whether we realize it or not. When a rhinoplasty does not deliver the desired or expected results, it can detract from our other features and lead to dissatisfaction. With rhinoplasty revision, you can correct concerns.

Dr. Karthik Shastri of Northwestern Medicine is a double-board-certified, fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. He is board-certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head and Neck Surgery). Dr. Shastri has many years of experience performing facial recontouring and rejuvenation procedures, and he specializes in facial reconstruction and rhinoplasty.

If you are ready to schedule a consultation and learn more about revision rhinoplasty, please call our Glenview, Grayslake, or Lake Forest offices.

About Rhinoplasty Revision

Rhinoplasty revision is a surgical procedure that corrects the dissatisfactory results of a previous rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is one of the most common plastic surgery procedures in the country, with surgeons performing tens of thousands of them each year. ⁽¹⁾ Despite their widespread popularity and availability, 5% to 15% of cases require revision due to postoperative deformities, and approximately 10% of patients complain about breathing issues. ⁽²⁾ By undergoing a rhinoplasty revision, Dr. Shastri can rectify each of these concerns, restore the natural functionality of your nose, and help you achieve the appearance you initially envisioned.

Benefits

Rhinoplasty revision brings several transformative benefits, including:

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for a rhinoplasty revision if you have found yourself frustrated by or unhappy with the results of a previous rhinoplasty. With this procedure, you can address concerns and complications such as asymmetry, poor scarring, disproportionate contours, nasal over- and under-corrections, functional disturbances, and more.

If you are interested in undergoing a rhinoplasty revision, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding what this procedure can achieve. You must also have fully recovered from your original procedure. It is also important that you are nonsmoking or willing to quit. Dr. Shastri will finalize your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Revision procedures are all highly customized to the individual, which is why we request that you attend a personal consultation. During this consultation, Dr. Shastri will meet with you one-on-one to explain what rhinoplasty revision is, discuss your medical history, and converse about your concerns. He will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your external and internal nasal anatomy and your skin quality.

Dr. Shastri will use the collected information to create a truly unique treatment plan. He will decide where to place your incision, what corrections he should make, and the best way to perform each one. Throughout the meeting, Dr. Shastri will also take the time to answer your questions. By the time you leave, you will not only have a customized solution to each of your nasal concerns but also a full understanding of what to expect from your rhinoplasty revision.

To schedule this consultation with Dr. Shastri, please call our office.

How Should I Prepare?

After you have scheduled your rhinoplasty revision, you will need to make several preparations to ensure a safe and successful procedure. To help you, Dr. Shastri will provide a detailed set of preoperative instructions that may direct you to:

Procedure

Dr. Shastri performs each rhinoplasty revision at our surgical center on an outpatient basis. At the start of your procedure, you will receive general anesthesia to keep you comfortably asleep. Dr. Shastri will then make an incision, typically using the open approach. For the open revision rhinoplasty, he will make the incision across the columella, or the small strip of tissue between your nostrils. This placement allows him to visualize the underlying nasal structures and perform more complex corrections. Closed rhinoplasty uses incisions within your nasal canals, avoiding the appearance of external scarring altogether, but this is typically not ideal for revision procedures.

Dr. Shastri will then reshape, reposition, or remove cartilage and bone in your nose to create a more even appearance across the nose or to address breathing concerns and blockages. If necessary, Dr. Shastri may also take a cartilage graft from your septum or ear and place it in the nose for added structure and support.

Recovery

During your rhinoplasty recovery, you can expect some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around your nose and its surrounding structures. Many patients also experience darkening around their eyes. Each of these effects is temporary and will dissipate on its own, but you may also manage them using prescribed medications, a cold compress, and resting with your head elevated. Dr. Shastri will also have you wear a nasal splint to protect your nose as its underlying structures continue to heal. After one week, he will have you return for a follow-up appointment. Here, he will remove the splint and ensure your results are developing as expected.

You will be able to return to most of your daily activities after resting for one to two weeks. However, you will need to refrain from participating in anything arduous or demanding for another several weeks, or until Dr. Shastri has approved your return.

Dr. Shastri will give you a detailed set of post-operative instructions during your consultation to ensure you understand how to care for yourself. You must follow each one as he directs, because the efforts of your aftercare will directly influence how your results manifest.

Results

You may notice certain improvements as you heal, but the full results of your rhinoplasty revision will become more pronounced as your nasal tissues settle into their new contours. Your exact results will vary depending on the corrections you underwent, but you can expect to enjoy a more proportionate, balanced, and attractive nose that flatters your natural facial sculpt. If you corrected any functional concerns, you may also find it easier to breathe through your nose.

Cost of Rhinoplasty Revision in Chicago

Dr. Shastri will share the cost of your rhinoplasty revision with you once he has established your procedure plan in person. This is because Dr. Shastri tailors treatment to your specific concerns, desired results, and your pre-existing nasal anatomy.

For more information about our pricing, please call the office most convenient for you.

FAQ

References

1. Fichman M, Piedra Buena IT. Rhinoplasty. PubMed. Published 2024. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/#article-28523.s5
2. Rettinger G. Risks and complications in rhinoplasty. GMS Current Topics in Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery. 2008;6:Doc08. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3199839/