Revision Rhinoplasty

Restore balance and function after a previous nose surgery—meticulous revision tailored to your goals with Dr. Slamin in Northern Virginia and DC.

Overview

Revision rhinoplasty addresses concerns after prior nasal surgery—such as persistent asymmetry, tip irregularities, collapse, or breathing issues. Because support structures may be altered, revision cases require advanced planning, possible cartilage grafting, and precise technique. Dr. Slamin’s approach is methodical and structure-focused to restore both aesthetics and function.

Surgical Notes

  • Downtime: ~10–14 days (often longer than primary)
  • Anesthesia: General for comfort and precision
  • Setting: Accredited surgery center
  • Scars: Hidden inside nostrils (closed approach) or a discreet fine line across the columella (open approach). Potential cartilage graft donor sites: Lower chest for rib cartilage or behind the ear for ear cartilage.
  • Results Timeline: Early improvement in weeks; refinement over 6–18 months
  • Longevity: Long-term with careful structural support

Goals of Revision Rhinoplasty

  • Correct residual or new irregularities and asymmetries
  • Rebuild support for a stable dorsum and elegant tip
  • Improve airflow when internal support
  • Refine nostril/alar shape and base width when appropriate
  • Achieve natural results that integrate with your features

Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty

  • Prior rhinoplasty with ongoing aesthetic or functional concerns
  • Willingness to wait until tissues have matured (ideally ≥18 months from last surgery)
  • Good general health and realistic expectations
  • Non-smoker or optimized perioperative plan

Dr. Slamin’s Approach to Revision Rhinoplasty

Consultation & Planning

We review prior op notes (if available), photographs, and your goals. Examination focuses on skin quality, scar tissue, support, and airway. We’ll outline a staged, realistic plan with 3D morphing to simulate outcomes, clear timelines and expectations.

Technical Aspects

  • Open Structural Revision: Enhanced visualization to address complex anatomy and scarring.
  • Cartilage Grafting: Septal (if available), auricular (ear), or costal (rib) to restore support and shape.
  • Valve Reconstruction: Address internal/external valve collapse to improve breathing.
  • Surface Refinement: Precise tip suture techniques and dorsal contour smoothing.
  • Adjunct Functional Work: Septoplasty/turbinates as indicated.

Expect a longer procedure and recovery horizon due to tissue memory and scarring.

Day of Procedure

On the day of surgery, you’ll check in, review your plan, and meet the anesthesia team. After gentle marking, surgery typically takes 3-4 hours. A nasal splint and bandages (and nasal packing if indicated) will be placed at the end and remain until your follow-up. You’ll recover and go home the same day with comprehensive aftercare instructions provided in advance.

Recovery Timeline

Days
1–3
Rest; more swelling than primary is common
~1–2
Weeks
Splint removal; light activities resume
3–6
Weeks
Gradual return to exercise with clearance
3–6
Months
Significant improvement; tip/edema continue to refine
6–18
Months
Final definition, especially in thicker or previously operated skin

Pain & Comfort

When well-controlled expect fullness/pressure and longer-lived swelling compared with primary cases.

Risks and Safety

Includes standard surgical risks plus higher risk of prolonged swelling, stiffness, graft contour visibility/warping, or need for additional revision. We take a conservative, structure-first approach to reduce these risks.

Longevity

With thoughtful structural support and precise shaping, results are designed to be stable and natural. Final refinement may take longer than primary rhinoplasty due to prior scarring and skin behavior.

Frequently Asked Question