Revision Rhinoplasty — Secondary Nose Surgery

Revision rhinoplasty corrects complications or unsatisfactory aesthetic and functional results from a prior nasal surgery. Dr. Cochran reconstructs the underlying cartilage and bone framework using grafts sourced from the septum, ear, or rib. Cases requiring rib cartilage necessitate an overnight stay. Patients must be at least one year post-prior surgery and in good general health. Complexity and average operative time of approximately four hours make this procedure more involved than primary rhinoplasty.

Revision rhinoplasty — also called secondary rhinoplasty — is among the most technically demanding procedures in facial plastic surgery, and Dr. C. Spencer Cochran at Dallas Rhinoplasty Center has built a significant portion of his practice around correcting noses that appear operated on, unnatural, or that do not function correctly after a prior nasal procedure. Patients presenting for revision rhinoplasty often experience one or more of the following: excessive removal of cartilage leaving the nose weak or collapsed, a pinched or over-narrowed tip, residual humps or asymmetry, breathing obstruction worsened by prior surgery, visible scarring, or general dissatisfaction with the aesthetic outcome of a previous rhinoplasty. Dr. Cochran's approach centers on structural reconstruction. Rather than simply reducing tissue as in many primary cases, revision surgery often requires adding volume and support back to a nose that has been over-resected. Grafting materials are selected based on availability and case requirements: septal cartilage is the first choice, followed by ear cartilage for smaller augmentations, and rib cartilage for cases requiring significant structural rebuilding. Rib graft cases are performed in a surgical center with an overnight stay arranged. Average operative time is approximately four hours, reflecting the complexity of working within a previously altered anatomical field. Recovery guidelines for rib cartilage cases include approximately two weeks before return to office work, three weeks before light exercise, and six weeks before full physical activity. Candidacy requirements include a minimum of one year elapsed since the prior nasal surgery, good overall health, and realistic expectations. Consultations include VECTRA 3D imaging to assess the existing nasal structure and plan reconstruction. Written fee quotes are provided after consultation.