Secondary Rhinoplasty

Secondary rhinoplasty refers to a patient’s revision nasal surgery. As an expert rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. Buonassisi can recommend what changes can safely be made without introducing unnecessary risk to the patient and their cosmetic outcome.

About Secondary Rhinoplasty

Secondary Rhinoplasty is a procedure to revise a previous nasal surgery. Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon Dr. Thomas Buonassisi is a highly trained and specialized cosmetic nose surgeon who focuses all of his practice on the nose, face, neck and ears. He performs a significant number of secondary rhinoplasty procedures, most commonly on patients who have had previous surgery in the Middle East, Mexico, India, Korea and China. Dr. Buonassisi has a specific philosophy when it comes to secondary rhinoplasty.

Benefits of Secondary Rhinoplasty

In many cases, Dr. Buonassisi does not recommend a secondary rhinoplasty procedure. This is due to the scarring and structural compromise that exists in noses that have undergone previous surgeries. In a small percentage of patients, Dr. Buonassisi will recommend secondary surgery. Patients who may be candidates for secondary rhinoplasty:

• Are realistic in their expectations
• Understand that the potential complications of rhinoplasty surgery increase with each additional surgery
• Their nasal framework remains sufficiently intact that it can handle another surgery
• The amount of scar tissue in the nose is minimal
• Have not had any nasal surgery within the last year

If you would like to know if you are a candidate for secondary rhinoplasty, please take advantage of our virtual consultation. Upload your photos to our secure system and Dr. Buonassisi will do a preliminary evaluation of your photos. Please note that the virtual consultation does not replace the need for an in person consultation, but may help provide a preliminary review of your nose.

How the Secondary Rhinoplasty Is Performed

Dr. Buonassisi will choose either a closed approach rhinoplasty or open approach to access the underlying nasal framework. The cartilages and bone of the tip and bridge of the nose are then reshaped to improve the cosmetic appearance of the nose.  Once Dr. Buonassisi has access to the nasal features, he chooses from a range of techniques to achieve the desired result. During your surgical consult, Dr. Buonassisi will assess your nasal features, clearly explain the pros and cons of each technique, and recommend the most suiting approach for you. Secondary rhinoplasty surgery typically takes from 1.5 – 2 hours, and patients can return home the same day.

Benefits of the Surgery

• Correction of the nasal features that are bothersome or out of proportion
• A more attractive nose that is in balance with your other facial features

Are You a Good Candidate

Secondary rhinoplasty surgery in Vancouver is most commonly performed on people aged 18 years of age and older who are bothered by the size and shape of their nose following rhinoplasty surgery.

Physical Features

You may be a candidate for secondary rhinoplasty surgery if you have any of the following physical features:

• An under corrected hump
• A low nasal bridge
• A drooping tip
• Polly beak deformity
• Wide nostrils
• Over or under projected tip

General Health

You may be a candidate for rhinoplasty if you are in general, in good health:

• You have normal blood pressure
• You are not taking blood thinners, or your family physician can safely recommend that you stop taking them for two weeks

Ideal Candidates for Cosmetic Surgery

Not everyone is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. Ideal candidates for cosmetic surgery demonstrate the following characteristics:

1. Internally motivated to have cosmetic surgery
2. Have realistic expectations
3. Comprehend the potential risks and complication
4. Motivated to follow pre and post operative instructions
5. Can comfortably afford the cost of cosmetic surgery

Secondary Rhinoplasty Recovery

Most patients describe the recovery period from rhinoplasty surgery to be quite easy. There is typically no discomfort, aside from a stuffed up feeling for the first week or so. It is important not to blow your nose in the first week following surgery. Swelling and bruising is at its worst on day three following surgery, and usually subsides two weeks following surgery. The following information will give you a sense for what kinds of activities are safe during the recovery period.

Time Off Work

• Most people who work in the public eye take one week off work
• One week after surgery, some people have perceptible swelling and bruising, which can last for another week or so – signs of bruising can be covered with makeup
• People who work from home are typically feeling good and are able to be back at their desks one or two days after surgery

Back to Normal Activities

• You can resume normal activities, such as light household work and taking a gentle stroll, the day after surgery
• You can resume light fitness activities, such as jogging or yoga, one week after surgery
• You can resume vigorous fitness activities, such heavy weight training or high impact cardio, two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid bending over and lifting heavy objects for two weeks after surgery
• You should avoid sustaining any facial trauma for at least the first year following surgery

Restaurant Ready

• Once your cast and sutures are removed seven days following surgery, you will typically feel “restaurant ready”, meaning that you would feel comfortable meeting up with friends – however, you will still have some evidence of swelling and light bruising, which can be camouflaged with makeup
• At the seven day mark, some people have light bruising below the eyes, while other experience no bruising whatsoever

Complete Recovery

• Most people are feeling quite comfortable being out in public without much evidence of swelling or bruising two weeks after surgery
• The final results of rhinoplasty can take up to six months – although most of the swelling is typically gone within three months of surgery, some very mild swelling can persist for six months

Risks & Complications

All surgeries have associated risks. Dr. Buonassisi will review the risks and benefits of the surgery in detail during your surgical consult. In general, complications of rhinoplasty surgery, while not expected, include:

• Risk of infection
• Risk of bleeding
• Risk of poor wound healing
• Risk of patient dissatisfaction with cosmetic result

Combination Nasal Procedures

Rhinoplasty is often combined with other facial reshaping or facial rejuvenation surgeries. Many patients opt to have their eyelids and other facial features, such as jowls and neck, treated at the same time in order to save having to take time off work and recover from more than one surgery. Rhinoplasty is often performed with a chin implant, for patients who are dissatisfied with an under projected chin. For these patients, the combination of rhinoplasty and chin augmentation can create an attractive balance of facial features.

Alternative Rhinoplasty Procedures

Recently there has been much media exposure of a procedure referred to as “Non-surgical nose job”. This procedure is portrayed as an equal aive alternative to rhinoplasty. In reality, this term is misleading. Find out more about why fillers can only safely be used to treat minor nasal deformities, and in the majority of cases, is not a safe alternative to surgery.

What Rhinoplasty Procedure Is Right for You?

While the information on this site is extensive, it is not designed to replace the skill and expertise of a board certified facial plastic surgeon. Use the information to help you explore the possibilities and educate yourself about the typical recovery period of cosmetic surgery. While this site provides general information about cosmetic surgery as it related to the average person, it cannot be used as a tool for people to decide which surgery is best for them. Only a thorough consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon can provide the specific information they require to make an informed decision about surgery.

Ready to Discuss Your Needs With a Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon? Schedule a Consult

If you are ready to book a consult with Dr. Buonassisi, please Request a Consult. If you would like to learn more about what to expect during a surgical consult, please go here.

Not Sure You Are a Candidate? Use Our Virtual Consult Form

Not everybody is a candidate for cosmetic surgery. As a service to clients, we have launched a Virtual Consultation tool. Upload your photos, provide some information about what you would like to change, and a cosmetic surgeon will provide a complementary evaluation. Find out more about the Virtual Consultation here.