Rhinoplasty Revision

Nose Procedures

Revision Rhinoplasty is a highly specialized form of nose surgery designed to correct or refine the results of a previous rhinoplasty. Whether addressing cosmetic dissatisfaction, structural irregularities, breathing difficulty after rhinoplasty, or collapsed nasal cartilage, this complex secondary nose surgery restores balance, function, and confidence. At CK Plastic Surgery in Koreatown, Los Angeles, Dr. Charles Kim approaches revision rhinoplasty with meticulous surgical precision, advanced cartilage grafting techniques, and comprehensive facial analysis to achieve natural-looking rhinoplasty results. His patient-centered approach focuses on restoring nasal structure, improving airflow, and creating harmonious facial proportions through customized revision nose surgery planning.

Overview

Revision Rhinoplasty, also known as secondary rhinoplasty or corrective nose surgery, is performed to improve the aesthetic appearance or functional concerns following a previous nose surgery. Unlike primary rhinoplasty, revision nose surgery is significantly more complex due to scar tissue formation, altered anatomy, weakened nasal cartilage, and prior structural changes.

At CK Plastic Surgery, Dr. Charles Kim specializes in complex rhinoplasty revision cases, including over-resected nasal tip correction, asymmetrical nostrils after rhinoplasty, nasal valve collapse repair, dorsal irregularities, pinched nasal tip deformity, saddle nose deformity correction, and breathing problems after rhinoplasty. His surgical philosophy centers on structural preservation, long-term stability, and natural facial balance.

Revision rhinoplasty often requires cartilage grafting to rebuild and reinforce the nose. Dr. Kim may utilize septal cartilage grafts, ear cartilage grafting (auricular cartilage), or rib cartilage grafting for severe structural deficiency. These grafts provide support for nasal bridge reconstruction, tip refinement after failed rhinoplasty, and structural rhinoplasty repair. By strengthening the internal nasal framework, he addresses both cosmetic deformities and compromised airflow.

Patients seeking revision nose surgery frequently present with concerns such as persistent nasal asymmetry, drooping nasal tip after rhinoplasty, widened nasal bridge, residual hump after rhinoplasty, pollybeak deformity correction, and irregular nasal contours. Functional concerns may include difficulty breathing through the nose, chronic nasal obstruction, or internal valve collapse. Revision rhinoplasty surgery carefully corrects these issues while maintaining ethnic rhinoplasty considerations and individualized facial harmony.

Dr. Kim’s approach to secondary rhinoplasty emphasizes detailed pre-operative assessment, scar tissue evaluation, and customized surgical planning. Open revision rhinoplasty techniques are often preferred to allow full visualization of distorted anatomy and precise graft placement. However, in select cases, closed revision rhinoplasty may be appropriate.

Because revision rhinoplasty recovery can differ from primary nose surgery recovery, patients receive extensive guidance on swelling management, nasal splint care, and long-term healing expectations. Swelling after revision rhinoplasty can persist longer due to prior surgical trauma, but careful technique and structural reinforcement promote smoother contour healing.

At CK Plastic Surgery in Los Angeles, revision rhinoplasty is not simply about “fixing” a prior procedure it is about restoring confidence, breathing function, and facial symmetry through expert structural correction and artful refinement. Dr. Kim’s commitment to natural-looking revision rhinoplasty results ensures patients avoid an overdone appearance while achieving improved nasal definition, tip projection, and balanced facial proportions.

‍

Overview

Benefits & Candidates

Restores nasal symmetry after failed rhinoplasty

Improves breathing problems after rhinoplasty and nasal obstruction

Corrects collapsed nasal bridge and saddle nose deformity

Refines drooping or over-rotated nasal tip deformities

Repairs pinched nasal tip and internal valve collapse

Enhances facial harmony with natural-looking revision rhinoplasty results

Reconstructs structural support using cartilage grafting techniques

‍

Patients dissatisfied with previous rhinoplasty results

Individuals experiencing breathing difficulty after nose surgery

Patients with significant scar tissue from prior rhinoplasty

Individuals with nasal valve collapse or structural weakness

Healthy non-smokers seeking corrective nose surgery

Patients with cosmetic deformities such as pollybeak or saddle nose

Individuals at least 12 months post-primary rhinoplasty

Patients in good overall health with realistic expectations

‍

The Process

1. Comprehensive Consultation & Nasal Analysis
Dr. Kim evaluates prior surgical changes, scar tissue formation, nasal airflow, cartilage strength, and facial proportions. Functional testing for nasal valve collapse and airway obstruction is performed.

2. Pre-Operative Planning & Surgical Marking
Detailed surgical mapping identifies structural deficiencies, asymmetry, dorsal irregularities, and tip deformities requiring cartilage grafting or structural rhinoplasty correction.

3. Anesthesia Administration
Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed under general anesthesia to ensure patient comfort and precise surgical execution.

4. Open Revision Rhinoplasty Approach
A small incision across the columella allows full visualization of distorted anatomy. Scar tissue is carefully released, and weakened nasal cartilage is reconstructed.

5. Structural Cartilage Grafting & Nasal Framework Reconstruction
Septal, ear, or rib cartilage grafts are shaped and placed to reinforce the nasal bridge, support the nasal tip, repair internal nasal valve collapse, and restore structural integrity.

6. Tip Refinement & Dorsal Contour Correction
Precise reshaping corrects pollybeak deformity, residual hump, pinched tip, or drooping nasal tip for balanced projection and definition.

7. Layered Closure & Nasal Splint Placement
Incisions are closed using meticulous layered suturing techniques to support healing and minimize visible scarring. An external nasal splint stabilizes the nose during early recovery.

‍

Thank you for your question!

We will email you a response as soon as we can. If you would like to contact us please feel free to call our office at 213-382-4900.

Oops! Something went wrong while submitting your question.
Please try again.

Recovery & Risks

Revision rhinoplasty recovery requires patience and careful adherence to post-operative instructions. Because this is secondary nose surgery, healing can take longer than primary rhinoplasty recovery. Swelling after revision rhinoplasty may persist for several months, particularly in the nasal tip, and subtle refinement continues for up to a year or longer. Bruising around the eyes typically resolves within 10–14 days.

Patients are advised to avoid strenuous activity, heavy lifting after nose surgery, and trauma to the nose during early healing. A nasal splint is typically worn for approximately one week, and internal swelling may temporarily affect breathing. Strategies to reduce swelling after rhinoplasty include head elevation, cold compress use as directed, low-sodium diet adherence, and careful follow-up visits.

As with all plastic surgery procedures, revision rhinoplasty risks include bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, numbness, asymmetry, graft visibility, or need for further revision. However, careful surgical technique, precise cartilage graft placement, and adherence to patient safety protocols significantly minimize complications.

At CK Plastic Surgery, patient safety is prioritized through comprehensive pre-operative screening, detailed medical evaluation, and personalized recovery guidance. Dr. Kim maintains close post-operative monitoring to ensure optimal healing and structural stability. Transparent communication regarding expected rhinoplasty revision healing timeline builds trust and helps patients feel confident throughout their recovery journey.

‍