Revision Rhinoplasty Chicago

Conveniently located to serve Chicago, Aurora, & Oakbrook Illinois

Revision rhinoplasty is sometimes necessary for patients who have undergone a prior procedure and either experience difficulty breathing through their nose or are dissatisfied with the appearance of their nose. Every situation is unique and demands individualized attention by a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon. 

At Rush Facial Plastics, our surgeons perform hundreds of nasal surgeries annually and possess extensive experience and training in revision rhinoplasty.

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure designed to repair problems that persist or develop after an initial nose surgery. It is often more complex than a primary rhinoplasty because of the presence of scar tissue and potential changes to the nasal anatomy from the first operation.

The goal of this revision rhinoplasty procedure is to enhance the appearance and function of the nose. This may involve reshaping the nasal tip, straightening the bridge, or rebuilding the internal structures to support proper breathing. Because the anatomy has already been altered, this surgery requires a surgeon with a deep understanding of facial structure and nasal mechanics.

Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty

Patients choose this procedure to address both physical and emotional concerns resulting from their first surgery. Benefits include:

  • Improved breathing: Correcting structural obstructions or collapsed valves can significantly enhance airflow.
  • Restored symmetry: The surgery can align the nose with other facial features, creating a more balanced appearance.
  • Correction of deformities: Issues such as a “pinched” tip, scooped bridge, or residual humps can be smoothed and refined.
  • Increased confidence: Achieving the intended results can help patients feel more comfortable with their appearance.

Who Are Ideal Candidates for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty candidates generally include individuals who are dissatisfied with the cosmetic appearance or functional outcome of a previous nose surgery. To be eligible for this procedure, patients must have fully healed from their primary rhinoplasty, a process that typically requires a waiting period of at least 12 months. 

Ideal patients are non-smokers in good overall physical health who experience persistent breathing difficulties or residual aesthetic concerns. Furthermore, it is important to maintain realistic expectations regarding the degree of improvement revision rhinoplasty surgery can achieve, given the existing scar tissue and structural changes.

How Does Revision Rhinoplasty Work?

The surgical approach depends on the complexity of the correction needed. Our surgeons typically use one of two techniques:

  • Open approach: The surgeon makes a small incision across the columella (the strip of tissue between the nostrils). This allows full visualization of the nasal structure, which is often necessary for complex reconstruction.
  • Closed approach: All incisions remain inside the nostrils. This method is generally reserved for minor adjustments.

In many cases, the surgeon may need to replace missing cartilage to rebuild the nasal support. This cartilage is often harvested from the patient’s nasal septum, ear, or rib. The procedure is performed under general anesthesia to maximize patient comfort and safety.

What To Expect After Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Patients should expect to wear a nasal splint for approximately one week to maintain the new structural shape. While initial bruising and swelling are common, most individuals return to non-strenuous activities within 10-14 days. Complete revision rhinoplasty recovery requires patience, as subtle tip swelling may persist for 12-18 months.

Although revision rhinoplasty risks, such as infection, bleeding, or unpredictable healing due to scar tissue, exist, our providers prioritize safety and customize procedures to minimize these complications based on your medical history.

Revision Rhinoplasty Cost

The cost of revision rhinoplasty in Chicago varies significantly depending on the complexity of the case, the time required for surgery, and whether grafting materials are needed. Because every nose is unique, we cannot provide an accurate quote without a physical examination.

We believe that cost should not be a barrier to receiving high-quality care. Please contact our office to ask about our accepted payment methods. If the surgery is performed to correct a functional breathing issue (such as a deviated septum), a portion of the procedure may be covered by insurance. We recommend checking with your provider for specific coverage details.

Frequently Asked Questions About Revision Rhinoplasty

We generally recommend waiting at least one full year after your primary surgery. This time allows all swelling to subside and the scar tissue to soften, providing the surgeon with a stable foundation to work on.
Yes, revision cases are typically more complex due to altered anatomy and the presence of scar tissue. This complexity makes it essential to choose a highly experienced and board-certified surgeon.
Your nose will be thoroughly evaluated from both aesthetic and functional, as well as breathing, standpoints. You will have the opportunity to share your experience and concerns with one of our skilled surgeons.
Revision rhinoplasty is typically offered to patients who have undergone a prior rhinoplasty and are dissatisfied with the result or have breathing difficulties that were not improved or worsened by the earlier surgery. Appearance concerns can include many things, such as a scooped appearance, pinched tip, upturned tip, residual hump, notched nostrils, collapsed or crooked bridge, supratip fullness, or breathing problems.
Sometimes, if your original rhinoplasty involved the removal of cartilage, your surgeon may need to use cartilage grafts to support your nose and improve its appearance. These grafts can be taken from your ear or even your rib, and our experienced surgeons will help determine if this is necessary.

Schedule a Consultation

If you are unsatisfied with the results of a previous nose surgery, you do not have to settle. Contact Rush Facial Plastics today to discuss your options for revision rhinoplasty in Chicago, Aurora, or Oakbrook.  Let us help you achieve the result you originally envisioned.

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Why Choose Rush Facial Plastics?

Double board-certified physicians..

1 Focus—your face! We only provide face and neck treatments so we can ensure the highest quality, natural, lasting results. We have 5-star ratings. See our ratings on Google, Rush.edu, RealSelf, and Healthgrades.

37 years of combined experience in facial procedures and surgery.

Over 700 surgical procedures performed annually.

A name you can trust. Dr. Revenaugh, Dr. Smith and Dr. Eggerstedt are Rush surgeons and are committed to the excellence Rush University Medical Center is known for.

Training Excellence. Our surgeons have trained at the Cleveland Clinic, Johns Hopkins, UCLA, and Rush University Medical Center- all ranked among the best programs in the country!

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Rush Facial Plastic Surgery

1611 W Harrison St., Suite 550
Chicago, IL 60612

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