Revision Rhinoplasty
in Seattle and Tacoma

What Is Revision Rhinoplasty? 

Revision rhinoplasty is a corrective procedure performed after a previous rhinoplasty to address concerns related to nasal shape, symmetry, and/or breathing. Some patients seek a revision because the first surgery didn’t fully resolve the original issue (for example, a remaining hump or persistent crookedness). Others develop new issues as swelling settles, such as contour irregularities, scar-related asymmetry, or reduced support that changes the tip or bridge over time.

Because the nose continues to evolve as it heals, timing matters. Many patients are best evaluated for revision once tissues have matured and swelling has stabilized, often around a year after the original procedure (and sometimes longer after complex surgery). During consultation, we review your goals, examine the airway, and confirm that revision surgery is likely to improve what’s bothering you.

Our goal is to deliver results that are:

• Balanced and natural-looking– not overdone
• Structurally supported– so the nose holds its shape as healing progresses
• Functionally sound– with improved nasal airflow whenever possible

What Are the Types of Revision Rhinoplasty? 

There are two main types of revision rhinoplasty, each serving different purposes:

Reconstructive Rhinoplasty 

Reconstructive rhinoplasty focuses on improving nasal function. It is particularly helpful for patients dealing with obstruction, collapse, or structural weakness that makes breathing difficult. In many revision cases, we use cartilage grafting to rebuild support and help stabilize the nasal valves. These grafts can reinforce the bridge, support the tip, and strengthen the sidewalls so breathing feels easier and the nose looks more stable.

Cosmetic Revision Rhinoplasty

Cosmetic revision rhinoplasty focuses on improving the appearance of the nose while preserving healthy function. This type of surgery may correct concerns such as unevenness, bumps or dents along the bridge, a pinched or bulbous tip, nostril asymmetry, or a bridge that looks too scooped or too narrow.

Many patients need a blend of both. In revision work, cosmetic improvements often depend on reconstruction, because restoring support is what allows refined, natural-looking contours.

Why You Might Consider a Revision Rhinoplasty? 

People seek revision rhinoplasty for personal reasons, but the most common goals fall into two categories: how the nose looks and how it works. You might consider revision nose surgery if you experience:

Functional concerns

• Difficulty breathing through one or both sides of the nose
• Nasal sidewalls that collapse inward when you inhale
• A blocked sensation that doesn’t match typical allergy patterns

Cosmetic concerns

• persistent crookedness and asymmetry
• irregularities along the bridge (bumps, dents, visible edges)
• fullness above the tip (pollybeak-type appearance)
• tip issues (pinched, droopy, overly narrow, or uneven)
• nostrils that look uneven or pulled out of balance
• a short, overly upturned nose with too much nostril show

During consultation, we help you define what better means. It could be more natural, more refined, more symmetrical or improved breathing. According to your requirement, we translate that into a plan with realistic expectations.

Everything You Need to Know About Revision Rhinoplasty 

Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure 

Revision rhinoplasty starts with detailed planning. We evaluate facial proportions, skin thickness, nasal support, and airway function, and we discuss your goals in plain language. Because revision cases often involve scar tissue and weakened support, we frequently take a structural rhinoplasty approach, rebuilding first, then refining.

Many revision cases are performed with an open approach, using a small incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils) to allow direct visibility of the framework. In select situations where only a small adjustment is needed, a closed approach may be possible.

Depending on your needs, surgery may include:

• smoothing and straightening the bridge
• reshaping and supporting the nasal tip
• correcting asymmetry from scarring or shifted structures
• strengthening the nasal valves to improve breathing
• placing cartilage grafts to rebuild areas that were over-reduced or unstable

Time Duration 

Procedure time varies with complexity. Smaller revisions may take a couple of hours, while more complex reconstruction can take longer. Surgical time depends on factors such as scar tissue, the degree of asymmetry, whether breathing correction is required, and whether grafting is needed.

After the Procedure 

After surgery, swelling and nasal stuffiness are expected. A splint is typically placed to protect and support the nose during early healing, and bruising can occur. We provide step-by-step instructions for cleaning, sleeping position, medications, and activity limits, plus a follow-up schedule so we can monitor healing closely.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery 

Revision rhinoplasty recovery is often longer than a primary rhinoplasty because tissues have already been operated on. While every patient heals differently, many patients experience:

• Week 1: most swelling and congestion; splint removal is often around this time
• Weeks 2-3: bruising fades; many patients return to work and social activities
• Weeks 4-6: swelling gradually improves; activity increases with guidance
• Months 3-12+: progressive refinement, especially at the tip

Final definition takes time, and revision results can settle more slowly. We’ll guide you on how to protect your nose and support the best possible outcome throughout healing.

How Is a Revision Rhinoplasty Different From a Primary Rhinoplasty? 

A primary rhinoplasty is performed on untouched anatomy. A revision rhinoplasty is performed on a nose that has already been altered, often with scar tissue, reduced cartilage support, and changes that aren’t obvious from the outside. That’s why secondary rhinoplasty is more complex.

Key differences include:

• Scar tissue: makes dissection and precise shaping more challenging
• Reduced support: prior cartilage removal can lead to weakness or collapse
• More rebuilding: grafts and structural reinforcement are commonly needed
• Greater airway focus: nasal valve issues are common after prior surgery
• Longer healing curve: swelling can take longer to resolve and reveal final detail

Because of these differences, revision rhinoplasty requires a methodical plan and an experienced surgical team.

Contact Us

The Best Revision Rhinoplasty in Seattle and Tacoma 

Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best revision rhinoplasty, handled by Dr. David Santos, who got certification in reconstructive surgery. With surgical experience of over three decades, Dr. Santos has refined nose surgery techniques, including revision rhinoplasty seattle wa. 

At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we offer a private and cozy environment for your rhinoplasty consultation and surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Santos will determine if you are a candidate for revision rhinoplasty in Seattle. He will review your goals, expectations, and medical history. Then, he will examine the targeted areas to decide if revision rhinoplasty is correct for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation by calling us at 206-324-1120. Visit our website https://www.seattleplasticsurgery.com/ and know more about the surgeries & revision rhinoplasty cost, we provide at Seattle Plastic Surgery. 

FAQs 

1. How long should I wait before getting a revision rhinoplasty? 

Most patients should wait at least 9-12 months after their initial rhinoplasty before considering revision surgery. This allows swelling to fully resolve and tissues to stabilize so results can be accurately evaluated.

2. Is revision rhinoplasty more complicated than a first nose job?

Revision rhinoplasty is generally more complex than primary rhinoplasty because of scar tissue, reduced cartilage support, and altered anatomy. That’s why it requires careful planning and advanced surgical experience.

3. Will revision rhinoplasty improve my breathing? 

If breathing issues are caused by structural problems such as nasal valve collapse or weakened support from a prior surgery, revision rhinoplasty can help restore airflow and nasal function.

4. Will my nose look natural after revision rhinoplasty? 

Our goal is always a natural, balanced appearance that fits your facial features. Revision rhinoplasty focuses on restoring proper structure first, which allows for refined, natural-looking results over time.

The Best Revision Rhinoplasty in Seattle and Tacoma 

Seattle Plastic Surgery offers the best revision rhinoplasty, handled by Dr. David Santos, who got certification in reconstructive surgery. With surgical experience of over three decades, Dr. Santos has refined nose surgery techniques, including revision rhinoplasty seattle wa. 

At Seattle Plastic Surgery, we offer a private and cozy environment for your rhinoplasty consultation and surgery. During your consultation, Dr. Santos will determine if you are a candidate for revision rhinoplasty in Seattle. He will review your goals, expectations, and medical history. Then, he will examine the targeted areas to decide if revision rhinoplasty is correct for you. Contact us to schedule a consultation by calling us at 206-324-1120. Visit our website https://www.seattleplasticsurgery.com/ and know more about the surgeries & revision rhinoplasty cost, we provide at Seattle Plastic Surgery. 

Still Have Questions? 

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