Revision Rhinoplasty in Scottsdale, AZ

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Revision rhinoplasty in Scottsdale, Phoenix & Paradise Valley, performed by board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Mark Gruszynski.

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Scottsdale Revision Rhinoplasty Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures · Scottsdale Revision Rhinoplasty Specialist · Board Certified Plastic Surgeon · Thousands of Procedures ·

Did your First Rhinoplasty Not Meet Your Expectations?

Not every rhinoplasty turns out the way a patient expects. When the results fall short, it can be discouraging. You might notice a nose that looks too pinched, appears uneven, or simply does not match what you had envisioned.

Some patients also experience new breathing issues or internal discomfort after their first procedure, which can add physical frustration to emotional disappointment. These concerns deserve careful attention and a thoughtful solution.

Dr. Mark Gruszynski provides revision rhinoplasty in Scottsdale for patients seeking improved function and a natural-looking result that feels right for them.

What To Know About Revision Rhinoplasty In Scottsdale

Revision rhinoplasty, also called secondary rhinoplasty, is a highly specialized procedure performed to improve or correct the results of a previous nose surgery.

Whether the concern is cosmetic, functional, or both, revision rhinoplasty offers patients a chance to restore their nose when their first procedure didn’t go as planned.

This surgery may address issues such as a crooked nasal bridge, pinched tip, visible asymmetry, or structural problems that cause breathing difficulties.

Since prior surgeries often leave behind scar tissue or weakened nasal support, revision rhinoplasty is considered one of the most complex procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery.

Take the first step toward a nose that looks and feels right for your face.

Let’s Discuss Your Options

Benefits of Revision Rhinoplasty

Revision rhinoplasty can improve both the appearance and function of the nose after an unsatisfactory first surgery. Some of the key benefits include:

Improves Breathing: Corrects structural issues that may have caused new obstruction or worsened airflow after the first procedure.
Refines Appearance: Addresses concerns such as asymmetry, pinching, or irregularities for a more natural look.
Corrects Previous Complications: Can repair internal scarring, collapse, or other problems caused by the initial surgery.
Enhances Confidence: Reduces physical discomfort and helps patients feel more at ease with their appearance.
Customized Approach: Every revision plan is tailored to your anatomy and goals to achieve the best possible outcome.

Ideal Candidates
for Revision Nose Surgery

Not everyone seeking revision rhinoplasty has the same concerns. Some patients want to refine results that look too obvious or uneven, while others need to correct breathing problems that started after their first surgery.

Unhappy with Prior Results

Whether the changes were too subtle, too dramatic, or simply not what you expected, revision surgery can help.

Visible Irregularities

Bumps, crooked bridges, or pinched tips are common complaints that may require reshaping or structural correction.

New Breathing Difficulties

Structural changes from the first surgery, such as collapsed cartilage or a deviated septum, can affect airflow.

Healed from Previous Surgery

Ideal candidates are at least 12 months post-op, giving the nose enough time to settle and scars to mature.

Emotionally Ready

Revision rhinoplasty is a big decision. You should feel mentally prepared to work toward a realistic outcome.

Choosing to pursue revision surgery is a deeply personal step that deserves thoughtful guidance and expert care. If any of these points resonate with you, we can help you.

Schedule your revision rhinoplasty consultation at our office, where we provide solutions for patients across Scottsdale and Phoenix.

See If You’re a Candidate

Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation At Our Scottsdale Office

Your consultation is the first step toward correcting the concerns from your first surgery and achieving a nose that looks natural and functions properly.

During this appointment, Dr. Mark will examine your nose both externally and internally, review your breathing, and study the results of your previous procedure to understand what needs to be addressed.

If available, you’ll be asked to share operative reports or imaging from your first surgery. He will explain the revision procedure, outline recovery expectations, discuss potential risks, and set realistic goals based on your anatomy, scar tissue, and desired outcome.

Every surgical plan is customized to restore balance, improve function, and meet your personal goals. Your input is an essential part of this process, and our goal is to help you feel informed, reassured, and confident moving forward.

How to Prepare for Your Revision Rhinoplasty

As this is a complex procedure, our team provides each patient with a customized pre-op plan.

Share Your Surgical History

Bring previous reports or imaging so we can review changes from your first surgery and plan your revision safely.

Avoid Nasal Trauma

Be careful not to bump or press on your nose for several weeks, and sleep in a position that keeps it safe.

Plan for 48 Hours of Care

Arrange a ride home and someone to help with meals and basic tasks during your first couple of recovery days.

Schedule Imaging if Needed

CT scans or other imaging may be ordered to evaluate your nasal structures and create a safe surgical plan.

Adjust Medications

Stop taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or blood-thinning supplements like fish oil a week before surgery unless cleared by Dr. Mark.

Prepare Your Space

Have soft foods, saline spray, extra pillows, and cold compresses ready so you can rest comfortably after surgery.

Our team will guide you through each step with clarity for results that meet your expectations.

Plan Your Visit

How Revision Rhinoplasty Is Performed

While every revision rhinoplasty we perform is tailored to the patient’s anatomy and previous surgical history, most procedures follow these carefully planned steps:

Your surgery begins with either general anesthesia or sedation with local anesthesia, depending on the complexity of the revision and your individual needs. A board-certified anesthesiologist monitors your breathing, heart rate, and comfort throughout the entire procedure to keep you safe and relaxed.

Dr. Mark will determine whether an open or closed rhinoplasty technique is best suited for your needs. The open technique uses a small incision across the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils) to provide full visibility of the nasal structures. The closed technique keeps all incisions inside the nose for cases that require less exposure. Once the incisions are made, the soft tissues of the nose are gently lifted to reveal the underlying framework.

Once the internal structures are exposed, Dr. Mark carefully evaluates the effects of your previous surgery to determine what needs to be corrected or reconstructed. Since revision surgery often involves scar tissue from the first procedure, he carefully releases and repositions tissues to allow for a smoother, more natural result. He assesses the septum, cartilage, and nasal bones to determine what needs to be corrected, reinforced, or reshaped for improved function and appearance.

If the nose requires additional support, he may harvest cartilage from the septum (if available), ear¹, or sometimes a rib. Ear cartilage is accessed through a discreet incision hidden behind the ear and does not change the ear’s appearance. These grafts are sculpted and placed strategically to strengthen weak areas, rebuild collapsed sections, or refine the nasal tip for better definition.

For patients with visible surface irregularities or sharp edges left by previous surgery, Dr. Mark may use temporalis fascia (a thin layer of natural tissue taken from a small incision along the hairline). This tissue acts as a smooth cover over the nasal framework, softening irregularities and creating a more even contour.

Before closing the incisions, Dr. Mark evaluates the nose from multiple angles to confirm that both function and appearance are optimized. Any final refinements are made at this stage to create a result that looks natural and supports proper breathing. The incisions are closed with fine sutures. A small external nasal splint is applied to protect the new shape and limit swelling.

Rhinoplasty vs. Septoplasty?

While both procedures involve the nose, rhinoplasty and septoplasty address very different concerns. For those in Scottsdale or Phoenix looking for rhinoplasty or septoplasty, understanding the difference can help you make the right decision.

Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty focuses on the external appearance of the nose. It involves adjusting its shape, size, symmetry, and proportion. Revision rhinoplasty corrects changes from a prior surgery that may not have healed well or met your expectations. It often involves reshaping cartilage, refining contours, or rebuilding nasal structure for a more natural and balanced look.

Septoplasty

Septoplasty is a functional procedure to correct a deviated or damaged septum (the cartilage wall between the nostrils). A crooked or collapsed septum can obstruct airflow and cause chronic congestion or breathing issues. This procedure focuses entirely on improving nasal function and is typically done inside the nose with no external changes.

Do You Need Both?

In many revision cases, the answer is yes, especially if the first surgery led to both cosmetic dissatisfaction and new or worsened breathing issues. Dr. Mark frequently performs combined revision rhinoplasty and septoplasty, tailoring the plan to address both aesthetics and function in a single, comprehensive surgery.

If you’re unsure whether your revision should be cosmetic, functional, or both, we will carefully evaluate your anatomy, symptoms, and previous surgical results to guide the right approach.

Revision Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline

The recovery after revision rhinoplasty is typically longer and more delicate than a primary rhinoplasty. Since the tissues have already been altered and scarred, healing may progress more slowly, and final results can take up to a year or longer to fully appear.

Days 1–2

You’ll likely experience swelling, bruising, nasal congestion, and mild discomfort during the first days. Cold compresses and head elevation will help.

Week 1

After a week, the external splint and any non-dissolvable sutures are typically removed around day 7. Most patients feel well enough to resume light daily activities.

Week 2

Most visible swelling and bruising subside after 2 weeks have passed. At this stage, many patients feel confident returning to social settings or work.

Month 1

By the first month, much of the swelling has resolved, though subtle puffiness may remain. You can return to light exercise, but avoid any activity that risks impact on the nose.

Months 3-6

Your nasal shape continues refining after a couple of months. You’ll start to see the new definition emerge, especially in the tip and bridge. Internal healing is still progressing, and minor swelling may persist.

Months 12-18

Final results are typically visible at the 12-to-18-month mark. Swelling is gone, contours are settled, and the nose has stabilized into its long-term shape.

Dr. Mark’s Recovery Tips

Keep your head elevated while resting
Apply cold compresses around the nose and eyes
Avoid blowing your nose or straining
Follow splint and dressing care instructions
Eat soft, nutritious foods and stay hydrated

Why Choose
Dr. Mark Gruszynski

Dr. Mark is a board-certified plastic surgeon recognized across Scottsdale and Phoenix for natural, balanced results with more than a decade of surgical experience. He completed advanced training at UCLA, where he specialized in complex facial and reconstructive procedures.

His extensive background gives him a unique ability to address both structural and aesthetic challenges that arise after a primary nose surgery.

Over the years, Dr. Mark has helped many patients who were unhappy with the results of their first rhinoplasty, guiding them through the process of correction with care and precision.

He is widely trusted for his expertise in revision rhinoplasty, septoplasty, and other nasal procedures that improve breathing and appearance. His approach emphasizes patient safety and comfort at every stage, with the goal of achieving results that look natural and support long-term nasal function.

Meet Our Rhinoplasty Expert

Frequently Asked
Questions About Revision Rhinoplasty Surgery

Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 12 months after your original rhinoplasty to allow swelling to resolve and scar tissue to mature. This gives a clearer view of what needs to be corrected and helps ensure a safer, more effective outcome.

Not typically. The discomfort level is usually similar to or even less than the first procedure, though swelling may take longer to fully resolve. Dr. Mark uses advanced techniques and a gentle surgical approach to minimize trauma and ease recovery.

Possibly. If there’s not enough usable cartilage left in your nose, Dr. Mark may harvest cartilage from your ear or rib to rebuild structure and support. These grafts are well-tolerated and allow for long-lasting, natural-looking results.

As with any surgery, risks include bleeding, infection, scarring, and anesthesia complications. In revision cases, additional risks involve difficulty accessing or correcting prior alterations.

Minor irregularities may be temporarily improved with non-surgical rhinoplasty using dermal fillers, but this is not recommended for significant issues or long-term correction. Surgical revision is typically the most effective and lasting solution.

In most cases, cosmetic revision rhinoplasty is not covered. However, if functional issues such as nasal obstruction are present, some portions of the surgery, like septoplasty, may be partially covered. Our team can help verify your benefits.

Initial improvements are visible within the first few weeks, but final results may take 12–18 months as swelling gradually subsides.

Get in Touch!

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References

Steiger, J. D., Bloom, J., & Becker, D. G. (2008). Auricular cartilage grafts. Operative Techniques in Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, 19(4), 267–272. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1043181008000146