I perform a septoplasty at the same time as rhinoplasty if the patient has a deviated septum.  Also, nasal obstruction can occur due to large inferior turbinates.  These can be reduced in size to improve nasal breathing as well.  Lastly, rhinoplasty surgery should address the nostril shape and size.  A physical examination of your nose would allow your surgeon to discuss the available options for you.

I would need to examine your nose thoroughly to better answer your questions. It depends on what characteristic there is about your nose that you currently do not like. A revision rhinoplasty would not necessarily be out of the question. Most revision rhinoplasty cases require cartilage grafting to enhance nasal support while ensuring a stable nasal airway. This often requires grafts taken from the nasal septum or from the ear to be added to the existing nasal cartilage. In my opinion, the main means of jeopardizing the native nasal cartilage is excessive removal by the surgeon.

Primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty both take approximately a year to fully heal. In revision rhinoplasty, there can be prolonged swelling especially in the nasal tip. This can last a few weeks longer than compared with primary rhinoplasty. This is a generalization, however, because some patients do not experience prolonged swelling after revision rhinoplasty.

Posted by William E. O'Mara Jr., M.D.