Revision rhinoplasty with Dr. Henry Sandel
Revision Rhinoplasty
If you are unhappy with the appearance or function of your nose after a prior nose surgery, revision rhinoplasty may help restore balance, comfort, and confidence.
At a glance
Surgeon
Dr. Henry Sandel
Type
Secondary nose surgery
Basis
Typically outpatient
Splint
About a week, when indicated
Addresses
Appearance and breathing
Final definition
Takes time, tip longest
Why patients seek revision
Revision rhinoplasty is a secondary nose surgery performed after a previous rhinoplasty when a patient still has cosmetic concerns, functional breathing issues, or both. It may be recommended for a collapsed or irregular nose after prior surgery, lingering asymmetry, or continued breathing problems.
Persistent asymmetry
A bridge that looks too high, too low, or irregular
A tip that appears pinched, droopy, over-rotated, or bulky
Visible contour changes from prior surgery
Ongoing nasal obstruction or breathing difficulty
Results that do not fit the rest of the face naturally
Because revision surgery must work around scar tissue and altered nasal support, it is generally more complex than the original surgery. That is why many patients seek out a surgeon with focused experience in facial procedures and revision nose surgery.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a good candidate if you are bothered by the appearance of your nose after a previous surgery, have trouble breathing through your nasal passages, or want a result that looks more natural and balanced.
In good overall health
A non-smoker, or willing to stop nicotine use as directed
Realistic about what revision surgery can achieve
Able to wait until the nose has healed adequately from the first surgery
Interested in improving both shape and function
Revision rhinoplasty before and after — an actual patient of Dr. Sandel.
Dr. Sandel’s approach
In revision rhinoplasty the goal is usually not to create an artificial or overdone nose, but to make the nose look softer, more symmetrical, and less distracting — restoring balance while protecting or improving nasal function.
Related procedures
What the surgery may involve
Depending on your needs, revision rhinoplasty may involve:
Reshaping cartilage or bone
Correcting collapse or irregularity from prior surgery
Improving tip support
Refining bridge contour
Addressing breathing problems
Rebuilding structure when support was removed previously
Recovery
Revision rhinoplasty is typically performed as an outpatient procedure. Recovery varies, but most people should expect some swelling, bruising, and a short period of downtime.
A splint for about the first week, when indicated
Mild to moderate swelling and bruising early on
Gradual improvement during the first several weeks
Persistent refinement as swelling resolves over time
Follow-up visits to monitor healing and nasal performance
Because revision rhinoplasty is more complex than primary surgery, patience is important. Final definition can take time, especially in the nasal tip, where swelling often lasts the longest.
Recovery
Recovery follows the same course as a first operation.
The post-operative instructions for a revision are the ones we give any rhinoplasty patient. Recovery can take longer than a primary rhinoplasty, mostly in that swelling can take longer to resolve.
This is the guidance we give every patient, alongside the general instructions that follow any surgery. Your own sheet and Dr. Sandel’s instructions govern your case. Call the office on (410) 266-7120 with any question about your healing.
The first 48 hours
Cold compresses to the cheeks and under the eyes, never directly on the nose, and your head elevated to about thirty degrees. Change the drip pad under your nose as needed and do not tape it tight.
The morning after
The cotton in your nose comes out.
The first week
No nose blowing, and sneeze with your mouth wide open. Saline spray as directed. No glasses resting on the bridge until cleared. Bruising under the eyes becomes more noticeable before it fades. Patients will look great at one week after the splint comes off.
Congestion
Stuffiness for several weeks, which is normal healing rather than a sign the airway has not improved.
Weeks to months
Swelling settles and numbness of the tip eases gradually.
Definition
It takes a little longer for the nose to look more defined than it would after a primary rhinoplasty.
When to call
Severe pain that the medication does not relieve, or a fever.
Revision rhinoplasty FAQs.
Bring us your history.
A revision consultation reviews what you dislike about the current result, whether your first surgery was open or closed, how long ago it was performed, and whether structural support or grafting may be needed.