Secondary or Revision Rhinoplasty

Most rhinoplasty surgeons that are truly passionate about this field have a special interest in revision rhinoplasty.  In fact, many of the most satisfied patients and most dramatic improvements in shape have come in the revision rhinoplasty patient.  Prior outdated or unsuccessful techniques may have left the patient’s nose unattractive and/or unnatural.  Some of these patients may have had their surgery several years earlier, as far back as twenty or thirty years ago.  As a result, some of these patients are less trusting than they were with their first surgery, and understandably so.  I spend considerable time with these patients explaining how the proper use of modern techniques are successful the vast majority of the time.  Most patients are surprised at the depth of detail involved in the analysis, planning and discussion for rhinoplasty, in particular for a revision rhinoplasty case.  When available, old records are carefully reviewed.

Clearly this is the setting for extra time and effort to educate the patient about what can be accomplished.  We break down the nose shape concerns into individual areas and discuss what can be done for each problem.  There is no substitute for frank and honest discussion.  At times I find some patient satisfaction with the first surgery but realize it did not completely meet the patient’s expectations.  On occasion I will explain to the patient that no further improvement can be made because of a number of uncontrollable factors such as thickness of the skin.  Many times I express optimism that situations can be nicely improved and then I proceed to explain how.  Considerable and exciting reshaping of the nose can be brought about with careful planning. 

Patients who wish to travel to the Virginia Beach area can begin the consultation process early if desired.  Photographs similar to those on this web site should be taken and mailed (or sent electronically) along with prior surgical records preceding a phone consultation with Dr. Hubbard.  Please see our Out of Town Patient  page for more information about traveling to Virginia Beach.