Revision Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly performed plastic surgeries, but many patients unfortunately do not achieve the results they are looking for. Rhinoplasty is said to be one of the most challenging of the facial cosmetic procedures, meaning it is best left to expert plastic surgeons who understand the delicate structure of the nose. If you are unsatisfied with the appearance of your nose or have unresolved breathing issues following a rhinoplasty, Dr. Gilpin can help through a revision rhinoplasty in Nashville.

Your Nashville Revision Rhinoplasty Expert

Especially if you have had a poor experience with rhinoplasty in the past, choosing the best surgeon for your revision rhinoplasty is crucial. Additionally, revision rhinoplasty is a more complex and technically challenging procedure than an initial rhinoplasty, so it is important to choose a highly skilled and experienced plastic surgeon.

Dr. David Gilpin is a double-board certified plastic surgeon who specializes in facial plastic surgery. He understands the subtle details that create a balanced, aesthetically pleasing nose shape and how to create a result that appears natural and suits the rest of your facial features. Using advanced surgical techniques and leaning on years of experience, Dr. Gilpin can correct issues from a previous rhinoplasty and address your concerns regarding both appearance and function.

Ideal Revision Rhinoplasty Candidates

Most patients who have had a previous rhinoplasty with unsatisfactory results are good candidates for a revision rhinoplasty. Before surgery, they should be generally healthy and, ideally, a nonsmoker. Revision rhinoplasty is a complex procedure, and not all issues can be corrected fully. Dr. Gilpin will examine the nose carefully during a consultation and explain what results you can reasonably expect. In some cases, a revision rhinoplasty may not be advisable. However, these cases are rare.

Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation

During a consultation for a revision rhinoplasty, you can explain what you are unsatisfied with regarding the appearance of your nose as well as any breathing issues that may not have been resolved. Dr. Gilpin will carefully examine the nose and determine a treatment plan that is best for you. During your consultation, you can also ask any questions you may have about the procedure, recovery process, or your results. Some patients prefer to write a list of questions before their consultation to ensure they do not forget any details.

The Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

A revision rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia. Incisions are made inside the nose, or they can be made at the base of the columella to allow for restructuring and reshaping of the nose. Because the problems are different for each patient, the revision rhinoplasty surgery needs to be customized to each individual’s unique problems.

Through these incisions, Dr. Gilpin will work to reshape the cartilage and bones to achieve your goal results. In some cases, cartilage grafts from the ear or donated rib cartilage are necessary to rebuild areas of the nose that were reduced too much in an initial rhinoplasty. Finally, Dr. Gilpin will work to preserve function or make changes that can improve breathing as necessary.

Nonsurgical Rhinoplasty

For some patients, a nonsurgical or liquid rhinoplasty can be beneficial, especially if the nose is disproportionately small or the nasal bridge has a bump, known as a dorsal hump. Using dermal fillers, the nose can be refined, resulting in a straighter nasal bridge, more prominent nasal tip, or refined overall shape. Like all filler injections, a liquid nose job is a temporary procedure, requiring patients to have maintenance injections every 6-12 months. You may consider choosing a nonsurgical rhinoplasty before a revision rhinoplasty to see if you prefer the results.

Recovery After Revision Rhinoplasty

Recovery after your revision rhinoplasty is overall similar to the recovery process after an initial rhinoplasty. You can expect some bruising and swelling, which should dissipate within a few days. Some discomfort is normal but can be treated with pain medication. Typically, patients require about 1-2 weeks of downtime before they are ready to return to work, school, or other routine activities. Residual swelling can persist for about six months after your surgery, meaning that it can take some time before your final results are seen. Dr. Gilpin will explain what you can expect during a consultation and monitor your healing through follow-up appointments after your revision rhinoplasty.