SECONDARY RHINOPLASTY
Revision (Secondary) Rhinoplasty in Istanbul
If your first nose surgery didn’t deliver the look or breathing you hoped for, revision rhinoplasty—also called secondary rhinoplasty—can help restore both form and function. At Dr. Hakkı Izmirli’s Istanbul clinic, we focus on precise structural repair, natural aesthetics, and comfortable breathing, welcoming international patients from across Europe.
What is revision rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty is a corrective operation performed after a previous rhinoplasty, aiming to improve appearance, breathing, or both. These are among the most technically demanding nasal surgeries because tissues have already been altered and scarred; careful planning and structural reinforcement are essential.
Who is a good candidate?
You may be a candidate if you experience one or more of the following after prior surgery: persistent asymmetry, tip droop or over-rotation, dorsal irregularities, internal valve narrowing with obstruction, or a saddle-nose deformity. A thorough consultation includes nasal airway assessment and a discussion of realistic outcomes—perfection is not always possible, but meaningful improvements in contour and function are common with the right plan.
When should I consider a revision?
In most cases, surgeons recommend waiting at least 12 months after your primary procedure. Your nose continues to change for many months; postponing revision allows swelling to resolve and scar tissue to stabilize so we can plan accurately and operate on fully healed tissues.
How revision rhinoplasty works (techniques)
Every plan is individualized, but a typical operation (often open approach) may include:
Release of scar tissue and careful re-exposure of key nasal structures
Straightening and stabilization of the septum and mid-vault to improve airflow
Spreader grafts to reopen a narrowed internal nasal valve and smooth the dorsal lines
Tip support using structural grafts for lasting projection/rotation
Dorsal refinement or augmentation, sometimes required in saddle-nose cases
Graft options: septal, ear, or rib cartilage
Revision cases frequently require cartilage grafting to rebuild support. The most common source is the nasal septum; if insufficient, we may use ear (auricular) or rib (costal) cartilage. Cartilage grafts help straighten, support and contour the nose, and they also contribute to durable functional improvement.
In complex deficits, homologous/allogeneic cartilage may be considered by experienced teams as an alternative when autologous harvest is unfavorable, with growing evidence around safety and stability in select scenarios.
Recovery & results
Downtime varies with the extent of reconstruction. Most patients return to desk work in ~10–14 days; exercise resumes gradually over several weeks. Subtle swelling can persist for months; final definition often appears between months 6–12. Breathing improvements are commonly felt earlier once internal swelling settles. As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, prolonged swelling, scarring, septal perforation, persistent asymmetry, or the possibility of further revision—choosing a surgeon well-versed in complex nasal reconstruction helps mitigate these risks.
Why choose Istanbul for revision rhinoplasty?
Istanbul is a leading hub for advanced facial plastic surgery, combining experienced surgeons, modern facilities, and efficient travel connections for European patients. Our clinic provides pre-travel guidance, airport transfers, interpreter support, and WhatsApp follow-up to make the process straightforward.
What to expect at your consultation
Analysis of nasal aesthetics and airway
Review of prior op notes (if available) and realistic goal-setting
Discussion of graft options (septum/ear/rib) tailored to your anatomy
A staged plan when necessary—complex noses may need stepwise improvement rather than “one-and-done”for safer, more predictable outcomes.
FAQs
How long should I wait before revision rhinoplasty?
Typically ≥12 months after your last rhinoplasty. This allows swelling and scar maturation to stabilize the result before any re-correction.
Will I need cartilage grafts?
Often, yes. Septal cartilage is preferred; if limited, we may use ear or rib cartilage to rebuild strength and shape.
Can revision improve breathing?
Yes. Techniques such as spreader grafts and septal straightening can widen the internal nasal valve and enhance airflow while refining the external shape.
What are the risks?
General surgical risks plus nasal-specific issues such as septal perforation, persistent obstruction, or contour irregularities; your consultation covers personalized risk assessment.
How many operations are safe?
There is no fixed number, but every additional surgery is planned cautiously; evidence shows re-operation rates are real after rhinoplasty, so prevention via meticulous planning matters.
Revision or not?
Taken as a whole, revision rhinoplasty is a complex initiative with many potential risks. While surgical techniques and principles are applied properly, successful and satisfactory results are possible. But absolute perfection is almost impossible. It is also important for patients to understand that modern medicine cannot cure all problems and that a severely damaged nose cannot always be corrected with a single procedure. Because of the pre-existing tissue damage and the limitations outlined above, the cosmetic gains to be achieved in a damaged nose can only be achieved with a challenge and step by step. In addition, attempting to achieve perfection by correcting a nose in this condition in a single operation can go no further than destructive damage to already weakened tissues.
While a successful surgeon seeks to achieve the best possible outcome in each patient, the desire to achieve a striking result should provide the balance between the possible risks and complications of revision rhinoplasty.
The surgeon who knows when to step back is a skilled surgeon. As Hippocrates said; “Primum non nocere!”, “Don't hurt first!……
Conclusion
Considering a revision? Message us on WhatsApp for a photo review and personalized plan. We’ll advise on timing, graft strategy, and travel logistics so you can move forward with confidence.
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