Revision Rhinoplasty in Ankara
A second operation for patients who have already had nose surgery. Because the tissue planes are altered, revision needs its own planning, usually an additional cartilage source, and a longer assessment before anything is decided.
What revision rhinoplasty is
It is a second operation to correct what remains, or what has appeared during healing, after a first rhinoplasty. The cause is not always poor surgery: tissue healing varies from person to person and can produce results nobody predicted.
Revision is technically harder than a first operation. Normal tissue planes are disrupted, cartilage support may be reduced, and scar tissue restricts the surgeon's working space. Both the operation and the planning take longer.
When it is considered
- A remaining hump, or a depression from over-resection
- A tip that has dropped, stiffened or become asymmetric
- A nose that still looks deviated from the outside
- Breathing difficulty that appeared after, or was not resolved by, the first operation
- Nasal valve collapse, with the nostril drawing inward on inspiration
- Visible or palpable irregularity under the skin
At least one year is usually left after the first operation. This allows the swelling to resolve fully and the tissues to settle. Revision performed too early means assessing a nose that has not yet reached its final shape.
How it is planned
The first step is understanding what was done before. The previous operative note and pre-operative photographs, where available, make assessment considerably easier. The inside of the nose is examined endoscopically to see whether cartilage remains in the septum, what condition the valve is in, and how much of the support structure was preserved.
Revision usually requires additional graft material. If not enough cartilage remains in the septum, ear or rib cartilage may be used. Which is likely to be needed is discussed before surgery, because it means an extra incision site and an extra area of recovery.
Revision is most often performed with the open technique. Seeing the structures directly allows safer work in altered anatomy.
An honest note on expectations
The aim of a revision is usually not a flawless result but the correction of the clear problem. Scar tissue and reduced cartilage support can limit corrections that would have been possible at the first operation. What can and cannot be improved is discussed openly beforehand.
A small proportion of patients need a second revision. That possibility is raised at the first consultation rather than afterwards.
Recovery
- First 48 hours Swelling and bruising may be more marked than after a first operation. If rib cartilage was used, the chest area is also tender.
- Week 1 The splint and any internal splints are removed. Care of the donor site is explained separately.
- Weeks 2 to 6 Return to social life. Stiffness from scar tissue can last longer than after a first operation.
- Months 3 to 6 The outline of the shape emerges. Minor irregularities may be assessed for simple procedures during this period.
- Months 12 to 18 Swelling lasts longer in revision cases. Assessing the result usually takes more than a year.
These are average times; recovery varies from person to person.
Written and medically reviewed by
Ear, Nose and Throat Surgeon · Last reviewed:
Frequently asked questions
How long after my first operation can I have a revision?
Usually at least one year. Assessment before the swelling resolves is misleading. If there is a functional problem such as obstructed breathing, that interval may be shortened at the surgeon's discretion.
Is rib cartilage always necessary?
No. If enough cartilage remains in the septum it is taken from there, and the ear can provide smaller grafts. Rib is considered when larger, stronger support is needed. This becomes clear after examination and endoscopic assessment.
Will you assess a nose operated on by another surgeon?
Yes. Bringing the previous operative note and any pre-operative photographs is helpful.
Is revision more painful?
Discomfort in the nose is not very different from a first operation. If rib cartilage is taken, the chest is noticeably tender for a few days.
Will my breathing improve too?
If there is valve collapse from the first operation, or an uncorrected septal deviation, these are addressed in the same session. Functional correction is often the main reason for revision.
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