Revision Rhinoplasty: What to Expect From Your Second Chance
Rhinoplasty is one of the most sought-after facial procedures available, but what happens when the results don’t measure up to your expectations? Whether you’re dealing with aesthetic concerns or functional complications related to a previous surgery, revision rhinoplasty offers a second chance to achieve a beautifully contoured nose.
At Younger Facial Surgery Centre in Vancouver, Dr. Ritchie Younger understands that revision rhinoplasty requires exceptional skill, artistry and precision. With over 30 years of experience and board certification in facial plastic surgery, he has helped countless patients from across Canada, the United States and internationally correct unsatisfactory results, restoring both form and function.
Who Needs a Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty, also called secondary rhinoplasty, addresses concerns that arise after an initial nose surgery. The reasons patients seek this corrective procedure vary widely, but they generally fall into several categories:
Aesthetic Concerns
Aesthetic concerns are among the most common motivations for patients seeking a revision. The nose may appear overly pinched, asymmetrical or unnatural. You may notice that the tip of the nose droops, or that the overall proportions don’t harmonise well with the rest of your facial features.
Functional Breathing Problems
This is another significant concern causing patients to seek out a revision. Issues like a collapsed nasal valve, a deviated septum that wasn’t properly corrected or excessive cartilage removal can all impair nasal function and breathing quality, which in turn can dramatically impact your quality of life.
Complications From the Initial Surgery
Scar tissue, visible irregularities, persistent asymmetry or structural instability may develop after the first procedure. In some cases, grafts or implants used during the original surgery may become visible, shift position or cause other concerns.
Changes in Personal Preferences
What seemed ideal years ago might no longer align with your aesthetic goals. As facial features mature and change, you may desire adjustments to maintain balance and proportion.
Choosing the right surgeon for revision rhinoplasty is absolutely critical. As Dr. Younger explains, “Patients really want to see someone who is board-certified, who has vast experience in operating on noses … you have to see someone who can make it right.”
Revision rhinoplasty is inherently more complex than primary rhinoplasty. Scar tissue from the previous surgery makes tissues less pliable and more difficult to manipulate. The structural support may have been compromised, often requiring cartilage grafting.
Understanding the Process
Revision rhinoplasty follows a comprehensive process designed to deliver tailored results whilst prioritising your safety and satisfaction.
The Consultation
This first point of contact is a vital starting point, allowing Dr. Younger to carefully examine your nose. He will also review your complete medical history, including details about your previous procedure, to formulate a well-informed approach.
Advanced imaging technology enables Dr. Younger to provide a realistic preview of your potential outcomes, allowing you to be more confident in your results. He will discuss what can realistically be achieved, any limitations imposed by the previous surgery and techniques he recommends for your specific circumstances.
Preparation for Surgery
Successful preparation requires several important steps. Dr. Younger may request medical evaluations or lab work to confirm you’re physically ready for the procedure. You’ll receive detailed instructions about medications to avoid, particularly blood thinners and anti-inflammatory drugs that could increase bleeding risk.
If you smoke, you’ll need to stop several weeks before surgery, as tobacco use significantly impairs healing and increases complication risks. You’ll also arrange for someone to drive you home after surgery and assist you during the initial recovery period.
The Procedure
Most revision rhinoplasties take two to four hours, though complex revisions may require more time. Dr. Younger performs revision rhinoplasty under general anaesthesia, ensuring your comfort throughout the operation.
The surgical approach depends on your specific needs. An open technique, involving an incision across the columella (the tissue between your nostrils), provides optimal visibility and access for complex revisions. A closed technique, with incisions hidden inside the nostrils, may be suitable for less extensive corrections.
During surgery, Dr. Younger addresses the structural and aesthetic concerns identified during your consultation. This may involve removing scar tissue, reshaping existing cartilage, adding grafts to rebuild support or reconstruct weakened areas, refining the nasal tip or bridge and correcting asymmetries or irregularities.
For patients with thick skin—common among those of Middle Eastern, Indian or Asian descent—Dr. Younger employs specialised techniques to achieve refined results. Thicker skin requires careful attention to underlying structural support and precise cartilage work to ensure definition shows through.
After completing the necessary modifications, Dr. Younger closes the incisions with fine sutures and places a protective splint over your nose. Soft internal splints may be positioned to support the nasal passages during early healing.
The Recovery Process
Recovery requires patience and careful adherence to post-operative instructions. Initial swelling and bruising peak within the first few days but begin subsiding within the first week. Most patients feel comfortable returning to work and light activities within 10 to 14 days.
It’s essential to recognize that the full healing process takes considerably longer to run its course. Revision rhinoplasty typically involves more extensive tissue manipulation than primary surgery, meaning swelling resolves more gradually. Whilst dramatic improvements are visible within weeks, subtle refinements continue developing for 12 to 18 months as tissues fully settle and mature.
Throughout the recovery process, you’ll maintain close contact with Dr. Younger and his team through scheduled follow-up appointments. These visits allow him to monitor your healing, address any concerns and ensure you’re progressing toward optimal results.
How Younger Facial Surgery Centre Customises Your Revision Rhinoplasty
Dr. Younger’s approach to revision rhinoplasty is designed to be highly adaptable to each patient. His methodology takes into account your individual anatomy, ethnic background, aesthetic goals and previous surgical history to inform a truly targeted treatment plan that delivers real results.
Structural Reconstruction
Structural reconstruction is often a key component of a successful revision rhinoplasty. When previous surgery has compromised the nose’s structural integrity, Dr. Younger may harvest cartilage grafts from elsewhere in the body (for example, your rib or your ear) to improve support. These grafts provide the foundation necessary for both functional breathing and aesthetic refinement.
Functional Restoration
Function must remain a top priority throughout the revision process. Dr. Younger’s background as an ear, nose and throat specialist means he never sacrifices function for aesthetic results. If your breathing has been compromised by previous surgery, he’ll address airway obstruction, valve collapse or septal deviation alongside aesthetic corrections.
Artistic Refinement
Dr. Younger’s artistic eye allows him to create subtle, natural-looking improvements that enhance your overall facial harmony. Rather than following trends or creating cookie-cutter results, he tailors every aspect of your revision to complement your unique features.
It’s Not Too Late to Achieve Your Dream Rhinoplasty Results
Revision rhinoplasty offers hope to those disappointed by subpar results. Dr. Younger’s reputation has made Younger Facial Surgery Centre a destination for patients from across North America and beyond. Clients from all over the West Coast, the Middle East and throughout Canada trust Dr. Younger to deliver real results.
Don’t settle for results that fall short of your vision. Contact Younger Facial Surgery Centre today at 604-738-3223 or visit us online to request your consultation. Let Dr. Younger’s three decades of experience and internationally recognised expertise guide you toward the beautifully sculpted aesthetic you’ve been waiting for.
