An expert in revision rhinoplasty in New Jersey and Philadelphia, Dr. Daniel G. Becker has a dual-location practice dedicated exclusively to nose surgery. At the Becker Rhinoplasty Center, Dr. Becker draws on his years of experience to correct the inferior results of the previous rhinoplasty for his revision procedure patients.

Rhinoplasty is an extremely complex procedure. Although most patients who choose a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to perform their nose surgery end up with excellent results, not all rhinoplasty surgeries go according to plan. Occasionally, poor results occur for a variety of reasons. When bad nose jobs occur, a rhinoplasty revision specialist needs to step in and improve the patient’s results with a second nasal surgery.

Revision Rhinoplasty Explained

Rhinoplasty, also called a nose job, is known as one of the most difficult procedures to perform in facial plastic surgery. Unfortunately, that means some people inevitably end up with bad nose jobs. The anatomy inside the nose is intricate and small compared to other areas of the face and body. Minor changes measured by the millimeter can impact a patient’s overall look. When a plastic surgeon removes too much or too little tissue, patients may be dissatisfied with their end result.

The structure of the nose is largely made up of cartilage, which does not contain any blood supply to provide the structure with healing nutrients. In some cases, the nose does not heal as expected because of this. In other cases, patients may experience trauma to the nose or infection following their first rhinoplasty. Issues in the cartilage might cause an undesirable aesthetic that lacks key symmetry and balance.

Rhinoplasty is considered a hybrid surgery, where skills in art and science are equally important for a successful surgical procedure. The doctor will often take measurements of the face, determine the angle of tip projection, and use different pictures – both medical imaging and computer-generated results – to create an optimal outcome. Rhinoplasty surgeons who lack this technology are not practicing modern aesthetic medicine.

During a revision rhinoplasty procedure, the plastic surgeon corrects any issues that remain following the patient’s initial rhinoplasty. Original concerns may not have been corrected or may have actually been caused by the first nose surgery. A revision rhinoplasty procedure can correct cosmetic issues and improve a patient’s breathing if necessary.

For patients who are looking for corrective surgery following an unfavorable rhinoplasty outcome, Dr. Becker performs revision rhinoplasty in two main locations – a primary office in New Jersey and second practice in Philadelphia, PA – providing patients with accessibility to his unparalleled expertise. Dr. Becker’s rhinoplasty success rate is extremely high and patients can look forward to custom, natural-looking results.

View more of our previous Revision Rhinoplasty patient results here

Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty

In addition to looking better, patients may also be able to breathe easier through their noses after revision rhinoplasty. A revision specialist like Dr. Becker can clear any obstructions from the nasal passages and create more structural soundness. If necessary, he can reshape the inner nose, effectively alleviating sinus pressure and infection.

Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty

Because of Dr. Becker’s experience, skills, knowledge, access to advanced technology, and artistic eye for rhinoplasty, New Jersey patients who seek out secondary nose surgery at the Becker Rhinoplasty Center typically qualify for the surgical procedure, even if they have complex concerns. Secondary nose reshaping is recommended for patients who dislike the look of their nose after an initial rhinoplasty or find that their nasal breathing has not improved after healing. A bad rhinoplasty procedure can affect everything from breathing and quality of life to emotional well-being. 

Because the healing time for rhinoplasty is lengthy, it is recommended that most patients wait a full year from their initial surgical procedure to schedule a revision surgery. The doctor can ensure full healing of the nasal structure and verify that the poor results are not due to prolonged swelling. Any patient approved for nasal surgery should be healthy enough to undergo the surgical procedure and should have realistic expectations. The patient should also be able to communicate the changes they would like the doctor to strive for.

A Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation in New Jersey or Philly

With two convenient locations along the East Coast, patients can choose to visit Dr. Becker’s New Jersey or Philadelphia offices for a revision rhinoplasty consultation. The appointment to assess the initial rhinoplasty results is crucial to planning a revision procedure.

Dr. Becker may request that his rhinoplasty NJ and Philadelphia patients undergo imaging or additional testing to determine what failed during the initial rhinoplasty. The plastic surgeon will also assess whether there may be special considerations, like an additional surgery to harvest ear, rib or other cartilage for grafting purposes. Nasal implants can also be affixed within the nose to rebuild certain areas in some cases. The consult appointment allows Dr. Becker to customize the procedure based on the patient’s unique needs.

During the consultation, Dr. Becker may use imaging to preview approximate results for patients and explain how they may be achieved. In some cases, the doctor may suggest alternative treatments, such as semi-permanent nasal fillers or other methods for correction. In order to achieve facial balance, the doctor may also recommend additional procedures of the jaw and chin.

During the appointment, patients will go over their full medical and surgical history with Dr. Becker, and he will examine the nose. He may create a final surgical plan at this time or request more medical information before building out a treatment blueprint. Dr. Becker will also be able to explain his approach to surgery, including the type of anesthesia that will be used and whether he will opt for an open rhinoplasty or a closed approach for incision placement. This is the perfect opportunity for patients to ask questions and get all the information they need to make a decision about moving forward with revision rhinoplasty in New Jersey.

Expert Tips for Prepping for a Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Those traveling from out of town should solidify their travel plans and hotel or other arrangements at least a week prior to the procedure. Staff can assist by suggesting nearby lodging for convenience and comfort.

Patients should also prepare their environment to ensure they can recover in a clean and comfortable area where all their post-surgery needs will be met. This includes clean laundry and bedding, appropriate pillows for sleeping with the head elevated, quiet activities to keep them entertained, and readily available nutritious food and beverages.

The head should remain elevated and patients must avoid bending for the first few postoperative days, so all necessary items should be within reach. Any approved cold packs, like frozen peas or cold compresses should be frozen and ready for use. Prescription medications should be filled, and a pill divider must be utilized to prevent over-medication.

Dr. Becker’s office may recommend or provide an antimicrobial soap for the pre-operative shower. The skin is cleansed prior to the nasal surgery but this extra measure helps to stave off infection.

Revision Rhinoplasty – The Procedure

Corrective rhinoplasty in NJ is performed much like the initial nose surgery. If the patient’s health permits it, the surgical procedure is typically performed under general anesthesia. Before administering the general anesthesia, the doctor will meet with the patient and discuss his plans for the surgery one final time. He may create markings on or around the nose with a surgical pen to help guide him during the surgical procedure. The patient also has the opportunity to ask any final questions about the surgical procedure.

Once the patient is comfortably asleep, Dr. Becker will begin the surgery, reshaping the nose according to the patient’s goals. If he performs the revision rhinoplasty as an open procedure, he will make a small incision in between the nostrils to expose the anatomy of the nose. During a closed rhinoplasty, the skin of the nose will remain intact, and the bones and cartilage will be altered through internal incisions inside the nostrils. If Dr. Becker harvests cartilage from the ribs, this is generally performed prior to alterations of the nose as the tissue must be prepared for implantation.

Internal or external sutures may be needed once the necessary changes have been made. The doctor might use nasal packing in the nostrils, cauterization, or other techniques to control bleeding. Sutures will be needed to close any cartilage or bone harvest sites.

Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery Recovery Immediately Following Surgery

Once patients are awake, they will be moved to a temporary recovery room before they are discharged home. Written instructions on recovery are provided to ensure that patients are following all recommendations during the healing process. Patients can expect to have an exterior nasal cast or splint affixed over top of the nose to protect it during the first few days.

The Hours Following Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure

The nose remains especially malleable directly after a revision rhinoplasty procedure. Patients must take care not to touch their nose, even if it itches. Patients may feel sleepy as the effects of the general anesthesia wear off. They should be prepared to schedule small meals and times to take their pain medication, if needed.

The Week Following Surgery

Patients should try to keep their head elevated at least to a 45-degree angle and avoid blowing the nose for a week or two. They should avoid any strenuous activity for the next several weeks to help prevent complications. Individuals who wear glasses may be asked to use sports tape to keep them from resting on the bridge of the nose.

To reduce swelling and discomfort, patients can use a cold compress and take their medications as instructed. Some things patients should avoid are bending over, smoking, and consuming alcohol. Most patients are cleared to return to work within a week. Any residual bruising and swelling can be camouflaged by cosmetics. Swelling will subside gradually over a period of months.

Potential Risks and Side Effects of Revision Rhinoplasty

In general, revision rhinoplasty surgery carries the risks of:

• Adverse reactions to general anesthesia and infection.
  These risks are minimized by patients divulging their full medical histories, including any allergies to medications, and by keeping the area clean prior to and following the revision rhinoplasty procedure.
• Unforeseen events like trauma to the nose can affect the final look of the nose. Side effects can include issues breathing through the nose, asymmetry, and swelling, which may only be temporary but can be permanent. In some cases, revision rhinoplasty can correct these issues.
• Advanced complications may lead to the loss of cartilage and bone.
  Dr. Becker has an extremely high success rate, and because his focus is nose surgery, he takes extensive measures in preparation and the surgery. Patients are advised to follow all at-home instructions to minimize complications.

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*Each patient is unique and individual results may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Rhinoplasty

Why Choose Dr. Becker

• Board Certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology (ENT).
• Board Certified by the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (ABFPRS).
• Fellow of the American College of Surgeons (FACS).
• Top-Rated by US News and World Report, Philadelphia Magazine, South Jersey Magazine, Castle-Connelly, and others.
• Read more about rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Becker’s credentials