Revision Rhinoplasty in San Francisco

Unfortunately, not every surgical procedure is a success. Rhinoplasty is a complex, invasive surgery with an extended recovery period, and for patients who are dissatisfied with the end result, the emotional impact of a failed procedure can be devastating. Whether the problem is an error on the part of another surgeon, an unforeseeable complication, or something else entirely, Dr. Albert Chow has the talent and ability to correct the results of failed nose surgery with revision rhinoplasty in San Francisco.

If you are unhappy with your results from rhinoplasty, request a consultation with experienced, triple board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Albert Chow using his online form or call  (415) 441-1888 to schedule an appointment.

What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is a complex procedure demanding superior surgical skill and experience. Each case is unique, requiring a surgical approach developed for the specific case. Dr. Chow works closely with his revision rhinoplasty patients to ensure that they achieve their cosmetic goals without sacrificing the structural integrity of their noses.

Because bone, cartilage, and tissue are frequently removed and reshaped during the initial rhinoplasty procedure, Dr. Chow must be extremely careful when performing revision rhinoplasty. It is particularly important to avoid causing permanent structural damage, so, in some cases, Dr. Chow may use artificial implants to supplement the existing tissue in the patient’s nose.

Choosing a Surgeon for Revision Rhinoplasty

Any surgery of the nose is inherently complex, and revision procedures are even more so. Choosing your surgeon carefully will give you optimal chances of a safe and rewarding outcome. Three things matter most:

• Board certification by one or more reputable specialties in related disciplines. Dr. Chow is certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and the American Board of Otolaryngology (Head-Neck Surgery).
• Experience, specifically in performing revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Chow has years of experience performing revision rhinoplasty procedures to provide a wide range of improvements.
• Patient photos that show the actual results the surgeon has achieved for patients with similar concerns. View Dr. Chow’s rhinoplasty patient photos in his online photo gallery to see the improvements he’s achieved for actual patients.

When to Consider Revision Rhinoplasty

It is important to realize that the final results of rhinoplasty may not be visible for many months after the initial procedure. Patients who are dissatisfied with the results of an initial rhinoplasty performed by another surgeon should wait until they have completely recovered before undergoing revision rhinoplasty at our practice.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery

Patience is important after revision rhinoplasty. While the milestones are similar, the healing process usually takes longer because scar tissue from the previous procedure slows down the absorption of post-surgical swelling. While final results take about a year to achieve with primary rhinoplasty, it can take as long as 2 years to see the final results of revision procedures.

Revision Rhinoplasty FAQ

What’s the success rate of revision rhinoplasty?

The success rates of revision nose surgeries are significantly higher when performed by a specialist who has performed revision procedures for a range of different concerns.

Is revision rhinoplasty more complicated than the initial rhinoplasty surgery?

Revision surgery is typically complex because of the over-resection of cartilage and bone (too much is removed) and resulting scar tissue. These procedures require specialized training, skill, and experience because the surgeon must be able to determine what went wrong during (or after) the previous surgery and make the appropriate corrections during the revision procedure.

Is the surgery risky?

Because it involves many unknowns and technical challenges, revision surgery can create additional problems if not performed carefully. With an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, the risks associated with revision rhinoplasty are minimized.

How painful is a revision nose job?

Dr. Chow uses a long-acting local anesthetic that controls pain for about 3 to 5 days after surgery. Patients may experience stuffiness and soreness but rarely feel pain.

How common is revision rhinoplasty surgery?

The rate of revision rhinoplasty is significant at an estimated 5 to 15% of cases. Choose your rhinoplasty surgeon carefully to minimize your chances of needing a revision procedure.

Visit Us in San Francisco for More Revision Rhinoplasty Information

If your initial rhinoplasty procedure failed to produce the results you were expecting, you are probably concerned about selecting the best available surgeon for your revision rhinoplasty. Dr. Chow, serving Danville, Walnut Creek, and the entire San Francisco Bay Area, understands the goals and concerns of revision rhinoplasty patients. Contact our practice today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Chow.