Rhinoplasty Revision

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Chesterfield Valley, O'Fallon and Chesterfield, MO

Rhinoplasty revision is a specialized procedure that reworks nasal structures and tissues to address cosmetic or functional concerns that have developed after or resulting from a previous rhinoplasty.

Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular plastic surgery procedures in the United States, with more than two million performed annually. (1) Despite its popularity, many patients face both functional and aesthetic complications, such as obstructions, septal perforations, poor scarring, or an overall unsatisfactory result. With a rhinoplasty revision, you can restore optimal nasal function and achieve an appearance that looks and feels more authentic to you.

Dr. Robert T. Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon at Synergi Facial Surgery. Dr. Cristel specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery, as well as otolaryngology (head and neck surgery). In his 12 years of experience, he has honed his rhinoplasty revision procedures to help his patients restore their comfort and self-confidence.

For further questions and information about revision rhinoplasty, please contact us online or call (314) 523-5738.

About Rhinoplasty Revision

The nose is a central feature on the face; its appearance greatly influences facial harmony. Many patients undergo a rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” if they are self-conscious about the appearance of their nose, want to enhance their appearance, or want to address functional concerns. But what happens when your rhinoplasty results do not turn out the way you want them to, or if new problems develop over time?

To address these issues, you can undergo rhinoplasty revision with an experienced surgeon can perform a rhinoplasty revision procedure. Rhinoplasty revision corrects dissatisfying results after a previous rhinoplasty. These may include functional concerns, aesthetic concerns, or a combination of the two.

Benefits

You can experience numerous benefits through rhinoplasty revision, including:

  • Refined Appearance: Rhinoplasty revision can address asymmetry or unnatural contours to help you achieve a more even and balanced appearance.
  • Enhanced Functionality: Rhinoplasty revision can address nasal obstructions or other breathing concerns.
  • Personalized Solutions: Dr. Cristel tailors each treatment plan according to his patients’ unique needs and facial anatomy.
  • Advanced Expertise: Dr. Cristel is a double board-certified surgeon who specializes in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery and head and neck surgery.

Candidates

You may be a suitable candidate for a rhinoplasty revision if you have developed functional concerns or are dissatisfied with the results of a previous rhinoplasty. These may include breathing concerns, airway blockages, irregularly-shaped contours, asymmetry, poor scarring, and more.

To qualify, you should be in good general health without any underlying medical conditions that may affect your results. You should be open to collaboration and maintain realistic expectations regarding what your procedure can accomplish. It is also important that you are nonsmoking or willing to quit using nicotine.

Personal Consultation

Rhinoplasty revision is a highly customized procedure, which is one reason why we ask that each individual attend a personal consultation before their procedure. During this meeting, Dr. Cristel will explain what a rhinoplasty revision is. He will also talk with you about your medical history, listen to your personal concerns, and assess your nasal anatomy to finalize your candidacy.

Dr. Cristel will then use this information to create your personalized treatment plan.

If you are ready to take the first step toward correcting your concerns, we encourage you to schedule a consultation online. You may also call (314) 523-5738 to reach our Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon, and Chesterfield offices.

Preparation

Once you have scheduled your procedure, you will need to begin making certain preparations. To help you, Dr. Cristel will give you a set of detailed preparation instructions, which may include:

  • Avoiding Certain Medications: Unless medically necessary, discontinue taking any blood-thinning medications or supplements.
  • Arrange a Ride: Have a trusted friend or relative transport you home after your procedure, as you will not be able to drive yourself.
  • Request Time Away: Make arrangements to step away from your professional responsibilities and personal commitments.
  • Fill Your Prescriptions: Before undergoing your rhinoplasty revision, acquire any medications you will need throughout your recovery.
  • Refrain from Substance Use: Cease any nicotine or alcohol consumption in the weeks leading up to your procedure.

Procedure

Dr. Cristel performs rhinoplasty revision on an outpatient basis, which means you will not need to spend the night in the surgical center. Your procedure will begin with the appropriate anesthesia administration. Dr. Cristel will then make an incision—typically using the open rhinoplasty approach.

For this approach, the incision is made across the columella, or the strip of skin between the nostrils. This technique gives him more complete access to the underlying nasal structures. (2) He may resect, reshape, and reposition your bony and cartilaginous nasal tissues, or place a cartilage graft.

Recovery

When recovering from rhinoplasty revision, it is normal to experience some swelling, bruising, and general discomfort around the nose and its surrounding structures. Many patients also develop bruising around the eyes during the early stages. Each of these effects is temporary and will subside on its own, but you may manage them with cold compresses, resting with your head elevated, and taking medications as prescribed. Dr. Cristel will also provide you with a nasal splint to wear, which he will remove approximately one week later.

You may return to most of your routine activities after one to two weeks. However, you must avoid engaging in anything demanding or physical until Dr. Cristel has approved.

Results

After revision rhinoplasty, you can expect the appearance of your nose to more closely align with your aesthetic goals. If you underwent the procedure for functional reasons, you may find it easier to breathe through your nose. Results are essentially permanent, although the nose may change over time due to the natural effects of aging.

Corresponding Procedures

There are several procedures that Dr. Cristel can integrate into your treatment plan to help you achieve more comprehensive results, such as scar revision or facial trauma and laceration corrections.

Scar Revision

Dr. Cristel’s scar revision procedure can improve the appearance of scarring that resulted from previous procedures or injuries. In scar revision, Dr. Cristel combines several different techniques, including laser therapy, dermal fillers, surgical excision, and more. If your previous rhinoplasty left you with excessive scarring, Dr. Cristel may incorporate this procedure into your treatment plan.

Facial Trauma and Lacerations

Facial trauma and lacerations can affect your facial skin, bones, and soft tissues. In rare cases, patients may need to undergo a rhinoplasty revision if they underwent a previous procedure and sustained trauma to their nasal region. In these circumstances, Dr. Cristal may integrate facial trauma techniques into the procedure.

We encourage you to read Dr. Cristal’s blog to learn more about the other procedures he offers.

Cost of Rhinoplasty Revision in St. Louis, MO (Chesterfield, Chesterfield Valley, O’Fallon)

Dr. Cristel will discuss the cost of your rhinoplasty revision once he has met with you in person to review each detail. You can find further information and cost estimates on our pricing page.

For further questions and information, please contact us online or call (314) 523-5738.

FAQ

What is the difference between a primary rhinoplasty and a rhinoplasty revision?

A primary rhinoplasty is the first time a patient undergoes rhinoplasty to refine the structure and appearance of their nose to address functional and/or cosmetic concerns. A rhinoplasty revision focuses on correcting dissatisfying results or post-operative concerns that may have developed since the patient underwent any previous procedure(s).

Will there be more visible scarring after my rhinoplasty revision?

Every surgical procedure carries some risk of visible scarring, but in most circumstances, Dr. Cristel is able to use the same incisions that your initial procedure used to avoid creating any new lines. In any case, the incision location for open rhinoplasty is very discreet, located on the columella between the nostrils.

What type of anesthesia will I receive during rhinoplasty revision?

Typically, patients receive general anesthesia to keep them comfortable throughout the procedure. The details for your unique procedure will be discussed during pre-operative appointments.

How long does it take to recover from a rhinoplasty revision?

You may return to most of your daily activities within one to two weeks, but you will need to refrain from anything strenuous or arduous until Dr. Cristel has cleared you to return.

Are the results of a rhinoplasty revision permanent?

Yes, rhinoplasty revision yields permanent results that you can enjoy for years to come. However, the nose may change over time due to gravity and natural tissue aging.

References

  1. Effect of Surgical Specialty on Postoperative Complications of Rhinoplasty. Nih.gov. Published 2024. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12461771/#ohn1338-sec-0150
  2. Hohman MH, Fichman M, Piedra IT. Rhinoplasty. Nih.gov. Published September 2, 2024. Accessed May 13, 2026. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK558970/#article-28523.s6