Is a Revision Rhinoplasty Painful?

Most patients describe the discomfort as manageable rather than severe. Congestion, pressure, and mild tenderness are common during the first few days, but pain medication and cold compresses can significantly help. Dr. Noud’s careful, precise surgical technique minimizes unnecessary trauma, which often leads to a smoother recovery.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

After your initial consultation, you’ll have a preoperative visit, your surgery day, and several postoperative appointments. Follow-ups occur at 1 week, 1 month, 3 months, 6 months, and 1 year, with additional visits as needed to monitor long-term healing.

How Long Until I See Results?

Early improvements become visible once the splint is removed, but swelling can take many months to resolve fully. Because revision rhinoplasty involves scarred tissue and reconstructed structures, final results often take 12–18 months to reveal their true shape.

Can I Combine a Revision Rhinoplasty With Other Procedures?

Yes. Many patients combine revision rhinoplasty with procedures such as chin augmentation, lip lifts , or eyelid surgery to enhance facial balance. If you’re considering multiple procedures or have multiple areas of concern you would like to address, our team will help you determine which complementary treatments are safe and appropriate for your anatomy and goals.

What Are the Risks Associated With a Revision Rhinoplasty?

While revision rhinoplasty is safe in experienced hands, it does carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, persistent swelling, or the formation of excess scar tissue due to previous surgical changes. Some patients may experience temporary numbness, prolonged congestion, or asymmetry as the nose heals. Breathing issues can persist or rarely develop if internal support structures are compromised. As with any nasal surgery, there is a possibility of not achieving the desired cosmetic result or requiring an additional revision in the future.

Revision Rhinolasty

Name: Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Brand: Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.8 (35 reviews)

in San Francisco, CA

Introduction

Introduction to Revision Rhinoplasty

When a previous nose surgery hasn’t delivered the balance, function, or confidence you hoped for, the disappointment can feel overwhelming, especially when you’ve already invested your time, trust, and recovery into the process. Many patients describe feeling “stuck” with breathing challenges, changes they didn’t expect, or cosmetic outcomes that don’t reflect how they want to look. Revision rhinoplasty exists to restore that sense of control. At Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco, double-board certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Meaghan Noud corrects complex nasal concerns while honoring your vision, anatomy, and previous experiences to ensure you receive the answers you’ve been looking for.

Before + After Gallery

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Dr. Noud, wearing surgical loupes and a mask, holds a curved surgical needle and suture during a revision rhinoplasty procedure.

What is a Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is corrective nasal surgery performed after a prior rhinoplasty or other nasal procedure. Its purpose is to address lingering functional issues (such as difficulty breathing), cosmetic concerns (including asymmetry or undesired shape changes), or structural problems resulting from initial healing, surgical technique, or trauma sustained after the first procedure.

This is one of the most complex facial plastic surgeries, requiring a surgeon with advanced training, a deep understanding of nasal anatomy, and the experience to anticipate how scar tissue, cartilage support, grafting, and healing patterns interact. Revision rhinoplasty may involve rebuilding structural support, repositioning cartilage, refining contour, or improving airflow while preserving the integrity of a nose that has already undergone surgical alteration.

Who Are the Best Candidates For a Revision Rhinoplasty?

Ideal candidates include individuals in San Francisco and beyond who:

Are unhappy with the cosmetic results of their previous rhinoplasty.
Experience persistent breathing problems or nasal obstruction after surgery.
Notice asymmetry, irregular healing, or unwanted changes as swelling resolves.
Maintain realistic expectations and understand the complexity of revision surgery.
Are in good overall health and are nonsmokers or willing to stop smoking before surgery.
Have allowed adequate healing time (12 months or more after their initial rhinoplasty) before pursuing correction.

Patients seeking revision surgery are often emotionally invested in the outcome.

What Are the Benefits of a Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty provides both aesthetic and functional improvements for patients who were not satisfied with a previous nasal surgery. Benefits commonly include:

Restored nasal function: Improved breathing, better airflow, and correction of internal obstructions or collapsed structures.
Refined nasal appearance: Smoother contours, improved symmetry, and corrections of irregularities such as bumps, twists, or over-resection.
Structural reinforcement: Use of cartilage grafts to strengthen weakened areas, support the nasal tip, or improve long-term stability.
Natural-looking results: Subtle refinements that enhance facial harmony without looking “operated.”
Renewed confidence: Patients often feel a sense of relief and closure when their appearance finally aligns with their expectations.

Ultimately, revision rhinoplasty allows patients to regain the form and function they expected from their initial surgery.

What’s the First Step?

Similar to your original surgery, the process begins with a comprehensive consultation. During this visit to San Francisco, Dr. Noud:

Reviews your medical history and prior surgical details.
Examines the nasal structure both externally and internally.
Discuss what concerns you most about your previous rhinoplasty.
Evaluates breathing function and possible sources of obstruction.
Uses photography or digital imaging to help visualize potential outcomes.

From there, she creates a personalized surgical plan that precisely addresses your needs. The consultation is also your time to ask questions openly, discuss expectations, and understand every step of the process.

A patient coordinator in a black top sits in a cream-colored chair, carefully reviewing a treatment brochure with a client.

What to Expect on the Day of Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

On the day of surgery, you’ll arrive at an accredited surgical facility, where the team prioritizes your comfort and safety from start to finish. Revision rhinoplasty is performed under general anesthesia and can take 3–4 hours or longer, depending on the complexity of the case.

During surgery, Dr. Noud may use an open or closed approach based on your anatomy. She may reinforce the nose with cartilage grafts (often from the septum, ear, or rib), correct scar tissue buildup, adjust internal structures to improve breathing, and refine the aesthetic contour. Every step is performed with exceptional care, given the delicate nature of previously altered nasal tissue.

Afterward, you’ll spend time in recovery until you are fully awake and cleared to go home with detailed postoperative instructions.

Dr. Meaghan Noud in her white lab coat, holding an anatomical skull model to explain deep-plane facial structures to a patient.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery

Your Guide to Post-Revision Rhinoplasty Care

Recovery from revision rhinoplasty varies, but most patients can expect:

One week with a nasal splint or dressing.
Moderate swelling and bruising around the nose and eyes during the first 7–10 days.
Return to work in about 1–2 weeks, depending on discomfort and bruising.
Avoid strenuous activity for 4–6 weeks.
Gradual improvements as swelling slowly decreases over several months.
Final results become visible at 12–18 months, due to the complexity of scar tissue and healing.

Dr. Noud provides careful follow-up throughout the recovery process to ensure optimal healing and a beautiful, natural result.

How Much Does a Revision Rhinoplasty Cost in San Francisco, CA?

The cost of a Revision Rhinoplasty in San Francisco varies greatly. Revision rhinoplasty is more intricate than primary rhinoplasty, so pricing reflects the additional time, expertise, and customization required. The cost takes into account the complexity of the revision, extent of grafting needed, facility and anesthesia fees and surgeon’s experience and certification

During your consultation, you’ll receive a personalized, transparent cost estimate based on your specific surgical plan. If this surgery is medically necessary, your insurance may cover a portion of the cost, depending on your plan.

Why Choose Dr. Noud?

Dr. Meaghan Noud is double-board certified in Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, placing her among the most highly trained specialists in nasal surgery in the Bay Area. Her expertise enables her to approach revision rhinoplasty with a deep understanding of the nose’s cosmetic and functional elements, a critical skill set for complex correctional work.

Patients choose Dr. Noud in San Francisco for her refined surgical technique, commitment to preserving natural facial harmony, and patient-centered philosophy. She listens deeply, plans intricately, and delivers care that is grounded in respect, transparency, and exceptional attention to detail.

Revision Rhinolasty FAQ’S

Yes. Many patients combine revision rhinoplasty with procedures such as chin augmentation, lip lifts, or eyelid surgery to enhance facial balance. If you’re considering multiple procedures or have multiple areas of concern you would like to address, our team will help you determine which complementary treatments are safe and appropriate for your anatomy and goals.
While revision rhinoplasty is safe in experienced hands, it does carry some risks. These may include bleeding, infection, persistent swelling, or the formation of excess scar tissue due to previous surgical changes. Some patients may experience temporary numbness, prolonged congestion, or asymmetry as the nose heals. Breathing issues can persist or rarely develop if internal support structures are compromised. As with any nasal surgery, there is a possibility of not achieving the desired cosmetic result or requiring an additional revision in the future.

Schedule Your Consultation

If your previous rhinoplasty hasn’t given you the breathing, balance, or confidence you deserve, a personalized consultation with Dr. Noud can help you explore your options for improvement. Contact Statera Cosmetic and Reconstructive Surgery in San Francisco to schedule your visit.

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