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Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery
973 East Avenue
Rochester, NY 14607
Phone: (585) 244-1000
Fax: (585) 271-4786
Monday–Friday: 8:30 a.m.–5 p.m.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty is an extremely challenging operation that should be performed only by a surgeon who has extensive experience dealing with the unique issues presented during revision rhinoplasty, such as the presence of scar tissues and lack of structural support. Since establishing his Rochester, NY, practice, Dr. Vito C. Quatela’s expertise in revising rhinoplasty procedures performed by other surgeons has led many men and women to the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery. The goals of revision rhinoplasty are the same as a primary rhinoplasty procedure: reshaping the cartilage of the nose to achieve an aesthetically pleasing nose that also allows the patient to breathe well.
Patients from Buffalo to Syracuse and throughout New York seeking a facial plastic surgeon qualified to perform revision rhinoplasty can request your consultation using our online form. Or call our office at (585) 244-1000 to schedule an appointment.
Revision Rhinoplasty
Before & After Photos
Case: 1 of 3
Keep in mind that each patient is unique and your results may vary.
Vito C. Quatela, M.D., FACS
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Compassionate and dedicated to personalized patient care, Dr. Quatela is a board-certified facial plastic surgeon recognized worldwide for his expertise in facial rejuvenation. He established the Quatela Center for Plastic Surgery in Rochester, New York to provide excellence in aesthetic surgery.
Read OnChoosing the Right Plastic Surgeon
Dr. Vito C. Quatela is a double board-certified facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with over 30 years of experience performing facial rejuvenation procedures. Dr. Quatela is a past president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and is highly respected by his peers as a recognized expert in all areas of facial plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, facelift, and other facial procedures.
Dr. Heather Lee is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who has trained extensively with Dr. Quatela. She specializes in both aesthetic and functional procedures and is known for her meticulous surgical results and compassionate care.
Dr. Alex Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist who trained under Dr. Quatela for a facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship. He has exemplary skills in both technique and patient care and specializes in aesthetic and functional procedures.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision involves reconstruction after a surgeon has already made changes to the structure of the nose; it is more complicated than primary rhinoplasty. In the initial procedure, the distorted cartilage is removed for straightening the nose. In a revision rhinoplasty, there is little or no cartilage left, so cartilage is taken from behind the ear to restore the nasal form. The ear incision is well hidden, and there is no change in the shape or function of the ear.
When Can I Have Revision Rhinoplasty?
Our surgeons recommend waiting one year after your most recent rhinoplasty surgery before having revision surgery. It is best to wait until swelling has resolved and the appearance of the nose is done changing.
Your Guide to Rhinoplasty Surgery
Ready to discover how a rhinoplasty can reshape your nose? Get the facts about the procedure when you download our free eBook, Your Guide to Rhinoplasty Surgery. The guide offers extensive information about rhinoplasty, including what to expect before, during, and after the surgery. You'll also find answers to your most pressing rhinoplasty questions and a helpful surgery prep list.
Submit the form below to receive a link to our free eBook.
Analyzing the Nose
An ideal nose should complement the other features of the face. The ideal shape of a nose, whether male or female, is rooted in an aesthetic perception of beauty. This transcends lines and numbers, in that the ideal has an indescribable artistic quality. That said, in the study of beauty and faces, plastic surgeons and artists alike recognized that certain proportions and guidelines make up the aesthetically ideal nose. There are a few angles our surgeons consider in assessing the right projection of the nose.
- Nasofacial angle
Measured from the base of the nose to the bridge
The nasofacial angle is one way to assess whether the nose is properly projected from the face. If the nasofacial angle looks big, this means that the nose is projected far from the face. If the nasofacial angle is little or short, the opposite can be true. In most cases, assessing the projection is as simple as looking at the nose in profile. This does require measurements, which are an added science to the skill of facial analysis. - Nasomental angle
Measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the chin
In some cases, a small chin makes the nose appear larger. In such cases, surgeons consider the nasomental angle along with other measurements to analyze the adjustments needed in achieving facial harmony. Also, the surgeon determines whether the lips are properly aligned or linked to other facial parts. - Nasolabial angle
Measured from the tip of the nose to the tip of the upper lip
A droopy nose can have an overly acute nasolabial angle, while a nose that is uplifted or too short may have an overly obtuse nasolabial angle. - Columellar show
Measured at the tissue between the nostrils
The columellar show is a consideration during rhinoplasty surgery. Ideally, no more than 4 millimeters of columella (the tissue at the bridge between your nostrils) will be visible at profile view.
Heather Lee, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
A board-certified facial plastic surgeon and a board-certified otolaryngologist–head and neck surgeon, Dr. Lee is dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children by using her surgical talents. She specializes in procedures of the face and head including facelift, functional and cosmetic nose surgery, blepharoplasty, and injectable treatments.
Read OnOther Factors to Consider
Your surgeon will ask early in the process what about your nose is bothering you and take note of his/her own first impression. For instance, the surgeon may find a patient’s nose to be too big, twisted, with a large hump, or look “over operated.” First impressions are important as these are most likely the same issues that you dislike. From the front view, your surgeon determines whether your nose is straight or twisted, narrow, normal, or wide. Your surgeon considers your nasal tip — if it is asymmetric, bulbous, or abnormal — and also takes note of the skin’s quality, which may be thick, medium, or thin.
From the side view, your surgeon determines whether your nose is too short or too long, has a hump or a ski slope, or has a pleasant profile that suits your face. He or she also determines whether your nose is over-projected, under-projected or properly projected, and examines whether too much nostril is shown. Considering all angles of the nose, from top to bottom, is critical to the success of any rhinoplasty procedure.
Alex Montague, M.D.
Specializes in Facial Procedures
Known for his exemplary skills in both technique and patient care, Dr. Montague is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and otolaryngologist-head and neck surgeon. He specializes in cosmetic and functional facial surgery and injectable treatments.
Read OnForm and Function
Both form and function are important factors considered by rhinoplasty surgeons. Your nose needs to both look great after the procedure and function well. Your surgeon needs to check your nose both inside and out. Whether you have a breathing problem or just want a smaller nose, your surgeon takes every step to ensure that your nose will work properly.
Related Rhinoplasty Blog Posts
Your Revision Rhinoplasty Procedure
Although revision rhinoplasty has special considerations, it is a very rewarding procedure. Your surgeon gives you some pre-operative and post-operative instructions. Revision rhinoplasty typically takes more time than a primary nose job. In all, the process takes about five hours. Because the surgery includes general anesthetic, the initial recovery time from anesthesia is also a consideration.
How Long Does It Take for Swelling to Go Down After Revision Rhinoplasty?
The mucus membranes revert to their normal size 1 to 2 weeks after the surgery, but the results are visible only after about a year. The key is being patient while your nose heals.
Revision Rhinoplasty FAQ
How much does revision rhinoplasty cost?
The cost of revision rhinoplasty varies, depending on your specific needs and goals. All prices quoted from the Quatela Center are all-inclusive and include pre and postoperative appointments, surgeon’s fees, surgery center fees, and anesthesia costs. For more information, see our page on Plastic Surgery Costs.
Do I need a revision if I break my nose after rhinoplasty surgery?
You do not necessarily need a revision if you break your nose after rhinoplasty surgery. Every patient and situation is different, but some patients may require revision surgery if the trauma to the nose is severe enough.