Revision rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty

Byul Plastic Surgery0
3,300,000 KRW

This is a revision procedure for those who are unhappy with the shape of their nose or have trouble breathing after a previous rhinoplasty. Through a joint consultation with an ENT (ear, nose and throat) specialist, functional issues are checked as well.

This revision rhinoplasty event is for anyone unhappy with the shape of their nose or struggling to breathe after a previous nose job. With ENT (ear, nose and throat) collaboration, the clinic also checks for functional problems inside the nose. The approach is restoration-first: the collapsed nasal structure left by previous implants and cartilage is rebuilt before the desired shape is created.

Who It's For

  • Your implant shows through the skin or shifts, or your nose tip has turned red or hard
  • Your nose tip has become upturned or shortened, and contracture from inflammation is suspected
  • A crooked nose or dorsal hump has come back, or your nostrils are asymmetrical
  • Your nose looks unnatural to you
  • You also have breathing problems such as nasal congestion, rhinitis or a deviated septum
  • You want a revision consultation even though your original surgery was done at another clinic

How It Works

  1. Review of your previous surgeryBringing your previous surgical records, details of the implant used, and before-and-after photos helps with the diagnosis. Even without records, your current condition can be assessed through examination and imaging.
  2. Detailed 3D-CT scanA 3D-CT scan checks for septal deviation, rhinitis and nasal valve narrowing, as well as the position, shape and size of the implant. ENT collaboration means functional nasal problems are evaluated at the same time.
  3. Choosing materialsSeptal cartilage is used to shape the nose tip and columella, ear cartilage to reinforce the tip shape, and rib cartilage, which is firm, as a substitute when septal cartilage is insufficient. If your skin is thin, dermis from the buttocks or thighs is used, and the clinic recommends autologous dermis for revision surgery.
  4. Structural restorationBecause removing existing implants and cartilage can cause the nose to collapse, about two-thirds of the operating time is spent restoring the nose to its original structure, and the remaining third goes into creating the shape you want.
  5. Dissection and reconstructionDissection is done around the blood vessels without touching them to prevent necrosis of the nose-tip skin, and the skin is stretched so the cartilage doesn't press on it, keeping the tip skin from getting any thinner.
  6. Anesthesia and follow-upA board-certified anesthesiologist handles anesthesia one-on-one, and your recovery is monitored after surgery.

What's Included

  • 1 revision rhinoplasty
  • ENT collaboration

Prices include VAT and apply during the clinic's event period. Additional costs may apply depending on the condition of your previous surgery, whether implants need to be removed, how difficult it is to dissect scar tissue, materials such as cartilage or dermis and their harvest sites, and whether functional rhinoplasty is performed at the same time. The final price is confirmed at your consultation after diagnosis.

From Surgery Day to Recovery

  1. Before surgeryA 3D-CT scan checks the implant and the internal structure of the nose, and the timing and materials for the revision are decided. Revision surgery is generally planned about 6 months to 1 year after the first surgery, once tissue and scarring have stabilized. Exceptions are made for situations requiring immediate treatment, such as inflammation or implant exposure.
  2. Surgery dayOnce the scope of surgery is set, the operation is performed under anesthesia. Restoration and reconstruction take time, so the schedule is explained during your consultation.
  3. 1–2 weeksStitches come out and major swelling subsides around this time. Revision surgery triggers a stronger tissue response than a first surgery, so subtle swelling may last longer.
  4. 6 months–1 yearThis is when the final nose line settles. If rib cartilage or dermis was used, recovery of the harvest site is checked as well.

Aftercare

  • Hyperbaric oxygen therapy supports wound healing and recovery.
  • Nasal irrigation manages crusting and congestion to keep the inside of your nose clean.
  • IV drips with antibiotics, anti-swelling injections and vitamins support recovery. For implant-free rhinoplasty, only the anti-swelling injection is given.
  • Your progress is monitored through to recovery, with clean aftercare provided to help prevent problems such as inflammation.

Doctors and Clinic

Lead director Dr. Go Guk-jin, a board-certified ENT specialist, and Dr. Hong Yong-taek, a board-certified plastic surgeon, work together on each case. A board-certified anesthesiologist is on site, the specialist who consults with you before surgery performs the operation personally, and the operating room has CCTV. Revision rhinoplasty is a field the clinic has handled for over 20 years, and an ENT-specialist 3D-CT scan is performed before surgery. The clinic is in Seocho-gu, within walking distance of Gangnam Station Exit 10 and Sinnonhyeon Station Exit 7. If you need an interpreter, ask about language support when you book.

Side Effects and Precautions

  • Bleeding, infection and inflammation can occur after surgery, so be sure to follow the clinic's instructions.
  • Because revision surgery involves re-dissecting scar tissue from previous surgery and rebuilding the structure, swelling and recovery may take longer than after a first surgery.
  • If you've had multiple revisions, reduced reserves of skin, cartilage and scar tissue make the surgery more difficult, and the range of possible improvement may be limited.
  • In severe contracture cases, improvement may be limited depending on the extent of tissue damage, so a realistic diagnosis is important.
  • Removing existing implants without restoring the structure increases the likelihood of needing another revision.
  • Using rib cartilage or dermis may cause pain or scarring at the harvest site, and autologous dermis can be partially absorbed, so the design accounts for both absorption rate and required volume.

FAQ

Do existing implants always have to come out?

Removal is often necessary if the implant has bent, shifts, shows through the skin, or poses a risk of inflammation, contracture or exposure. Not every revision automatically involves removal; replacement, removal or repositioning is decided based on the condition of the implant and surrounding tissue.

Is rib cartilage always necessary?

Not necessarily. Partial reinforcement of the tip or limited corrections can be done with septal or ear cartilage. If the support structure of the tip and bridge has weakened significantly, you've had multiple revisions, or strong support is needed as with a contracted nose, rib cartilage may be a better fit.

Can a contracted nose be improved?

After examining the implant and scar tissue, the clinic attempts improvement by rebuilding the tip support structure with autologous cartilage or autologous dermis where needed.

When is autologous dermis considered?

It's considered when thin skin lets the implant show through, when you're hesitant about implants, or when you want a natural feel and line. Around 15–30% may be absorbed into the skin tissue, which is factored into the design.

Can nasal congestion or rhinitis be treated at the same time?

ENT collaboration and a 3D-CT scan check for a deviated septum, nasal valve narrowing and enlarged inferior turbinates, and these are incorporated into the revision plan if needed.