Revision rhinoplasty

Sometimes, the results of plastic surgery may not meet expectations due to various factors. These factors can range from individual differences in the body, post-operative care issues, to surgical errors and trauma during the recovery period. In such cases, revision rhinoplasty becomes necessary. If you’ve decided to undergo revision surgery with another surgeon, there’s no better place than South Korea.

Short surgery information

• Duration of Surgery: 2 hours

• Type of Anesthesia: Sedation and Local Anesthesia

• Hospitalization: 2-3 hours

• Return to Normal Life: Next Day

• Clinic Visits: 2-3 Times

• Stitches Removal: 7th Day

Why patients consider revision rhinoplasty

• Mismatch between expected and actual results: Not every nose can be adjusted exactly as a client envisions. It’s crucial to listen to the surgeon’s verdict on what changes to expect. However, if the results differ significantly from what was discussed during the consultation, there’s a possibility to correct it during revision surgery. Be sure to provide before and after photos for recommendations.

• Unnatural results from the first rhinoplasty: The most common unnatural outcome is a drooping nasal tip caused by excessive cartilage removal. Fortunately, this can be easily corrected using donor cartilage (typically from the ear) and a straightforward revision rhinoplasty.

• Feeling of the first surgery being “incomplete”: Things improved, but not entirely – a part of the bump is still noticeable, the tip is elevated but still too low, nostrils are reduced but still larger than desired. Sound familiar? If you believe it could have been done better, let’s give it another try!

• The new nose doesn’t suit the face: Sometimes, it’s challenging to get used to the new shape and size of the nose. If, after 1-2 years, you still feel that it doesn’t complement your face – for instance, it’s too small, too straight, or the nostrils are too large – revision surgery can make adjustments. Prepare for the consultation by considering what changes you’d like to make.

• Breathing and nasal function Issues after the first surgery: This issue can result from surgical errors or a patient’s excessive expectations. A large nose can’t be transformed into a tiny doll-like nose, and a nose with a significant bump can’t be turned into a perfectly straight one without risks. If a patient insists on significant changes or the surgeon lacks the experience to refuse or perform the operation safely, complications like breathing problems, nasal deformities, or implant displacement may occur. These can be corrected during revision surgery, but it’s usually more complex and costly. Unfortunately, patients often have no choice but to seek revision surgery, and we’ll do our best to assist you.

In South Korea, where expertise in rhinoplasty is renowned, revision rhinoplasty offers hope for those seeking to improve their nose aesthetics. If you’re considering revision rhinoplasty, consult with our experienced surgeons who specialize in achieving natural and satisfying results.

Why choose South Korea for rhinoplasty?

South Korea leads the world in the number of cosmetic procedures performed annually. Local doctors are highly educated and competitive globally. Only 0.01% of medical school graduates become plastic surgeons in South Korea. The country boasts state-of-the-art medical equipment, on par with the USA and Germany, making it one of the top three countries for clinic technology.

All rhinoplasty surgeries are conducted in accredited clinics with permission to treat foreign patients. Surgeons performing these procedures have 15 to 30 years of experience, specializing in rhinoplasty and limiting their daily surgeries to a maximum of two. To plan your trip for rhinoplasty in South Korea, fill out the consultation QUESTIONNAIRE or contact us via messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Who Is a candidate for rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty is suitable for individuals dissatisfied with the results of a previous nose correction or experiencing functional issues after their initial procedure. Candidates often face aesthetic problems like irregularities or nasal asymmetry or functional issues such as difficulty breathing. This procedure may also be recommended if the first surgery did not achieve the desired results or if complications arose. It’s essential for candidates to have realistic expectations for the outcomes of the second operation.

How to prepare for rhinoplasty in South Korea

Before undergoing rhinoplasty in South Korea, it’s crucial to prepare adequately:

• Fasting: Refrain from eating and drinking for 8 hours before the procedure. Take a shower before coming in for surgery.

• Medications: Avoid taking Aspirin, Ibuprofen (including Advil or Motrin), and other medications that may increase the risk of bleeding for two weeks before the operation. Tylenol is prohibited only within three days before surgery.

• Smoking: Quit smoking, including hookah and e-cigarettes, as it reduces blood flow to the skin and may slow tissue healing. Some surgeons may refuse to operate on smokers due to a higher risk of complications. Avoid being around smokers or in designated smoking areas.

• Medical history: Review your medical history and be prepared to answer questions about current and past illnesses and any recent medications. Do not withhold this information from your surgeon and coordinators.

• Consultation: Schedule an appointment with the surgeon and show them photos of your desired results. Most clients from CIS countries desire a subtle, straight, and slightly upturned nose (referred to as a “half-moon” nose), but be sure to communicate your preferences with your coordinator.

• Medical tests: If you haven’t had recent medical tests, they will be conducted in South Korea.

• Transportation: Arrange for someone to drive you to the clinic or assist you after the surgery if you plan to arrive by car.

• Essentials: Place items near your bed that you may need during your recovery, such as lip balm, water, a chocolate bar, or your mobile phone.

Revision rhinoplasty procedure

After the anesthesiologist puts you to sleep, the surgeon makes a careful incision on the inner side of the nostrils and the columella, lifting the upper part of the nose to expose the cartilage and the base of the bone. Depending on the chosen surgical technique and the patient’s case, the surgeon cuts the threads holding the cartilage and donor material (if present), attempts to return the nose to its original state, and performs the operation again.

During this time, donor material can be harvested from the earlobe (a barely noticeable incision is made on the back of the ear) or from the rib (a 2-3 cm incision is made in the fold under the chest), which is then processed and transplanted into the nose.

After completing the surgery, the surgeon applies sutures to the columella and the inner part of the nostrils, as well as the areas from which additional cartilage was taken. An assistant or nurse escorts the patient to the recovery room.

What to expect after revision rhinoplasty

After the surgery, a translator or nurses will wake you up and assist you in moving to your room. Most patients do not remember this moment, as they feel like they woke up in a warm bed due to the anesthesia.

In the first 10-20 minutes after waking up, you may feel chills, but this will quickly pass. A warming mattress is provided on your bed to make this period more comfortable. There is minimal pain on the first day, as it is alleviated by pain-relieving injections and medications used during the operation. However, you may feel swelling in the nose, cheeks, eyes, and even the forehead. This is normal because the shape of the bone and possibly the cartilage was altered during the surgery, and the body begins to regenerate.

Donor areas such as the ear or rib may also swell slightly and require care and treatment. The most significant discomfort comes from the gauze turundas and silicone plates, which may be used separately or together (each doctor uses their own technique). Breathing may be difficult due to them, and you may have to breathe through your mouth, which can cause your lips to dry out (make sure to have lip balm by your bedside during the surgery).

A cold compress will be provided a few minutes after waking up, and you can apply it not only to the areas around the nose but also to other parts of your face and body. The more you use the compress during the first week after surgery, the faster the swelling will subside.

You will remain in the clinic for 3-6 hours after the operation. A catheter will be in your arm, and medications will be administered through it. After the end of the infusion and the removal of the catheter, the coordinator and nurses will check your condition. If you do not experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, you can prepare for discharge: change your clothes, pick up your medications, and follow post-operative recommendations.

By the evening, the pain may intensify. Be sure to place several pillows under your head to reduce swelling and take the pain medication prescribed by the surgeon, as it contains pain relievers. Continue to apply the cold compress every few minutes. Fluid may leak from the nose (gently wipe it with a tissue), and you may feel tingling and throbbing in the surgical area, mild headaches, and aching pain in the donor areas. These symptoms are entirely normal, and your main task is to be patient and endure for a few days.

In the following three days, the swelling will increase, the eyelids and forehead may swell, and bruises and even minor bleeding may appear. Do not be alarmed and continue to apply the cold compress and follow the rehabilitation rules. After the removal of the turundas or plates (depending on the patient’s case, they may be inside for 1 to 7 days), you will find it much easier to breathe, but your nose may start to run more. Continue to gently wipe the liquid, and under no circumstances should you blow your nose. The medical staff will remove the crusts inside the nose during the clinic examination. By the end of the week, the swelling will begin to decrease, and you will start to feel much better and be able to return to your normal life.

Book a consultation with the clinic coordinator or plastic surgeon today! You can schedule a consultation by filling out the QUESTIONNAIRE or contacting us on any messenger at +82-10-4214-9603.

Recovery process after rhinoplasty

Immediately after the procedure: After the rhinoplasty procedure, you will have nasal packing and silicone splints in your nose, medical tapes on the bridge of your nose, and bandages on the donor areas secured with tapes. There will be minimal pain in the first few hours, and some fluid may drain from your nose. You can leave the clinic within 3-5 hours after the surgery if you feel well.

Days 1-2: The surgeon may remove the nasal packing and silicone splints. Wound care and dressing of donor areas will be done. Swelling peaks by the end of the second day, affecting not only the nose but also the eyes and sometimes the forehead. Bruising may occur. Apply cold compresses frequently and sleep with your head elevated.

Days 3-7: Swelling starts to subside. Avoid activities that require bending the head forward. On the 6th or 7th day, the surgeon will examine you, remove sutures and remaining medical tapes, and nurses will clean the inside of your nose and gently remove scabs.

Days 7-14: Swelling decreases, and any hematomas disappear. You can return to your normal life. Regular, long walks are recommended for faster recovery. Donor areas may occasionally itch, and slight discomfort may occur, but these are common symptoms that will quickly pass.

Days 14-21: Most patients can perform daily activities without discomfort. Avoid intensive workouts and physical exercises.

Days 21-30: Occasional morning swelling may occur, depending on which side you sleep on. Don’t be alarmed; this is normal.

Days 31-60: The suture on the columella nearly disappears, and the incision under the breast (if present) starts to fade.

Days 60-90: You can swim in the sea and sunbathe, but avoid diving to prevent nose injury. Some morning swelling may still occur; the final swelling will subside one year after the operation.

1 year after the operation: Complete rehabilitation.