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Surgical procedures

Revision Rhinoplasty
Surgery in Philadelphia

Restore Balance and Confidence with Revision Rhinoplasty

If you’re unhappy with the results of a previous nose surgery, revision rhinoplasty can help you achieve the outcome you originally envisioned. This advanced procedure corrects functional or cosmetic concerns from prior rhinoplasty, restoring natural balance, improved breathing, and renewed confidence in your appearance.

What is Revision Rhinoplasty?

Revision rhinoplasty refers to rhinoplasty performed on a patient with history of prior rhinoplasty. A patient may be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty if they are seeking a corrective surgery to improve a new or persistent nasal deformity or breathing issue after fully healing from their previous surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is usually much more challenging compared to primary rhinoplasty given that the nasal anatomy is altered and there is scar tissue. Revision rhinoplasty patients, in fact, are at higher risk of requiring additional nasal procedures in the future. Dr. Ho is uniquely trained and experienced in revision rhinoplasty, drawing patients from various areas of Philadelphia and Wayne as well as from all over Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. She is available for consultation with all patients with history of previous rhinoplasty and will devote thorough evaluation and discussion with each patient to determine whether they may be a candidate for revision rhinoplasty.

Educational videos

The Rhinoplasty Procedure

Learn more about what rhinoplasty is and how it can subtly enhance your facial harmony with insights from Dr. Tina Ho.

Before & After Photos

What are Common Nasal Issues That Can Be Addressed with Revision Rhinoplasty

Common nasal issues that can be improved or corrected with revision rhinoplasty include but are not limited to:

Nasal obstruction
Nasal asymmetry or crooked nose
Pollybeak deformity
Inverted V deformity
Scooped or saddle nose deformity

Nasal bridge hump (Dorsal hump)
Pinched or bulbous nasal tip
Over Reduced nose
Overly wide or thin nose
Nasal valve collapse

Dr. Ho is experienced in improving all of these issues with rhinoplasty and will discuss with each patient her customized approach for each type of issue.

Why Choose Dr. Tina Ho for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Dr. Ho stands out among her plastic surgeon peers in Philadelphia and Wayne as a double board-certified rhinoplasty specialist with dedicated training in rhinoplasty including cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty, preservation rhinoplasty, ultrasonic rhinoplasty, tip plasty, and ethnic rhinoplasty from one of the top rhinoplasty surgeons in the world. She understands the complex and delicate nature of rhinoplasty as one of the most challenging procedures to master in plastic surgery and stays up to date on the latest techniques to achieve the best, most natural surgical results for her patients. From the initial consultation to day of surgery to every follow-up visit, Dr. Tina Ho maintains an unwavering commitment to each rhinoplasty patient to maximize the success of their surgical outcome. She devotes the needed time and effort every step of the way of the rhinoplasty journey to ensure each patient feels comfortable and satisfied with their individualized surgical plan and results. Dr. Ho understands the importance of the nose as the central feature of the face and takes to heart the investment and trust each rhinoplasty patient instills in her as their surgeon. Dr. Ho specializes in rhinoplasty and will implement the most suitable techniques to improve the breathing function and shape of your nose and to elegantly restore facial harmony. Dr. Ho is known by her patients as one of the best Philadelphia rhinoplasty surgeons.

As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho specializes exclusively in aesthetic and reconstructive procedures of the head and neck region. She possesses dedicated training in functional and cosmetic rhinoplasty from one of the top facial plastic and reconstructive surgery fellowship programs in the country under mentor Dr. Dean Toriumi, a world-renowned leading authority in rhinoplasty. Dr. Ho is a widely known regional rhinoplasty specialist with patients seeking her expertise from beyond Philadelphia and Wayne to throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York. Dr. Ho dedicates ample time and effort with the aid of imaging software to establish realistic goals and expectations with every patient. She has the training and experience to implement the best surgical techniques, including the most suitable cartilage grafts and suturing maneuvers to improve the breathing function and shape of every nose. She always tailors her approach to the surgical needs and goals of the individual patient. Furthermore, Dr. Ho closely follows her patients after surgery to ensure that each patient heals well and is satisfied with their surgical outcome.

What is Dr. Ho’s Approach to Revision Rhinoplasty?

As a double board-certified rhinoplasty specialist, Dr. Tina Ho possesses extensive training and experience in revision rhinoplasty. Revision rhinoplasty candidates often lack sufficient septal cartilage for cartilage grafting as it may have been used up in prior surgery. Dr. Ho has experience in harvesting and using a patient’s native ear and rib cartilage to compensate for this issue and achieves beautiful, natural results with ear and rib cartilage grafting. Furthermore, many patients seeking revision rhinoplasty suffer new or worsened nasal breathing issues from previous surgery. As a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, Dr. Ho understands the importance of nose form and function and will develop a customized surgical plan for each revision rhinoplasty patient from both a cosmetic and functional rhinoplasty standpoint. For those revision rhinoplasty candidates with scarred or damaged skin, Dr. Ho incorporates nano fat and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections into her surgical approach to give her patients the best healing outcomes.

Am I an ideal candidate for Revision Rhinoplasty?

The ideal revision rhinoplasty patient is a healthy non-smoking patient without remarkable medical or surgical history and with new or persistent nasal deformities and/or breathing issues that can be improved surgery. The ideal candidate should be fully healed from their previous rhinoplasty (at least 6-12 months out from prior surgery) and demonstrate healthy nasal skin and realistic expectations regarding revision surgery goals and outcome. Moreover, they should be committed to long term follow-up with their revision rhinoplasty surgeon to ensure the best surgical results. Dr. Ho is a double board-certified revision rhinoplasty specialist in Philadelphia and Wayne and will thoroughly evaluate every candidate to determine whether they may benefit from revision rhinoplasty.

the surgical process

At the start of revision rhinoplasty, anesthesia will be administered in order to make sure the patient does not experience any pain or discomfort. Incisions will be created, usually in the same location as the prior rhinoplasty incisions. This will depend on the desired degree of change.
Once the required changes have been made to the bone, cartilage, and/or soft tissue, incisions will be closed using sutures.

Your Consultation

​Your consultation for ethnic rhinoplasty will include a physical examination of your nose. Dr. Tina Ho will also discuss your medical history, including any underlying conditions that may affect healing and any medications that may need to be adjusted or discontinued. You should also inform Dr. Ho about your goals and expectations.

What is Recovery Like?

Following revision rhinoplasty surgery, the patient will need to follow Dr. Ho’s personalized post-surgical care directions as closely as possible. This will ensure a shorter and more comfortable recovery process and the highest-quality results.

The healing process varies from patient to patient depending on the techniques that were used during the surgery. A degree of bruising and swelling will be present in and around the nose. These will fade more quickly if the patient keeps their head elevated and applies ice packs as directed.

Rest is vital to the healing process, and patients must stay home from work for a time and avoid strenuous activities. Follow-up appointments will allow Dr. Ho to check on the progress of the healing process.

Post-Op Rhinoplasty Essentials

Expand each section below for more information.

Begin walking the evening of surgery to promote circulation and healing. Continue walking about 20 minutes three times daily. Avoid bumping your nose, lifting more than 10 pounds, or any strenuous activity for two weeks. Do not blow your nose and sneeze only with your mouth open. Skip housework for two weeks and avoid swimming or contact sports for four weeks. Hold off on using a CPAP machine until cleared by Dr. Ho.

Begin walking the evening of surgery to promote circulation and healing. Continue walking about 20 minutes three times daily. Avoid bumping your nose, lifting more than 10 pounds, or any strenuous activity for two weeks. Do not blow your nose and sneeze only with your mouth open. Skip housework for two weeks and avoid swimming or contact sports for four weeks. Hold off on using a CPAP machine until cleared by Dr. Ho.

Apply dry, cool compresses under the eyes and on the cheeks for 20 minutes every few hours for the first two days. Avoid placing compresses directly on the nose.

Drink plenty of fluids and start with gentle foods such as soup, crackers, or mashed potatoes. Choose low-salt meals to help control swelling and contact the office if you have difficulty eating or drinking.

You may shower the day after surgery, but keep the nasal dressing dry and avoid hot steam. After the dressing is removed, cleanse your nose gently with a mild soap and water. Wash your face twice daily with a gentle cleanser and avoid scrubbing over incision sites.

Keep your outer nasal cast and inner splints in place until your first follow-up. Clean incision lines three times daily with a Q-tip dipped in tap water or saline. Apply Alastin Skin Nectar, Aquaphor, or Vaseline to the outer incisions and inside the nostrils three times a day. Use saline spray every two hours while awake. Continue this routine for one month and protect your nose from the sun with SPF 35 for up to a year.

Take antibiotics and prescribed pain medication as directed. Tylenol may be used for mild pain but avoid exceeding 4,000 mg in 24 hours and do not take NSAIDs for two weeks. Always eat before taking medication and call the office for nausea, vomiting, or pain that is not well controlled.

You may wear contact lenses the next day unless you also had eyelid surgery. Glasses should not rest on the splint; after the cast is removed, tape them to your forehead for one month. Wear clothing that buttons or zips instead of pulling over your head for the first two weeks.

Do not drive for at least one week or while taking narcotic pain medication. Most patients return to work or social activities within seven to ten days depending on comfort and activity level.

Your first visit is scheduled five to seven days after surgery for removal of the nasal cast, splints, and sutures. Additional follow-ups occur around two weeks and one month to monitor healing.

Swelling and bruising peak in the first two weeks, then gradually improve over several months. Temporary nasal stuffiness and tip numbness are normal and will resolve with time. Scars will soften and fade within a year—consistent sunscreen use helps ensure the best healing.

Light, blood-tinged drainage is common for several days. If bleeding occurs, sit upright with your head slightly forward, apply a cool compress to the bridge of your nose, and pinch your nostrils for 20 to 30 minutes. A decongestant spray may help. Contact the office if bleeding does not stop.

Contact Dr. Ho’s office for a fever above 100.4 °F, increasing pain, swelling, redness, or drainage, persistent nausea or vomiting, heavy bleeding, difficulty breathing, or chest pain.

Enhance Your Recovery with Elixir MD

The Elixir MD™ is an innovative recovery tool that offers various treatment programs using different LED light wavelengths to achieve specific pre and post-surgical goals. These programs are supported by advanced artificial intelligence temperature controls and adjustable settings to address a range of concerns and goals. This non-invasive therapy is safe, painless, and can reduce infections after surgery while also enhancing recovery and minimizing scarring after rhinoplasty surgery.

Benefits of Elixir MD

Enhanced post-operative recovery after rhinoplasty. Using LED light, Elixir MD™ stimulates the skin to accelerate wound healing and minimize scarring post-surgery.

Improved healing and cellular repair. Specific wavelengths stimulate collagen and elastin production, which are essential for healing after surgery.

Easier rhinoplasty recovery. Reduces inflammation responsible for swelling and pain after surgery.

Improved lymphatic drainage and blood flow. Enhances the delivery of nutrients and removal of waste for optimal healing.

Elixir MD Treatment Programs for Rhinoplasty

Elixir Detox

This pre-operative therapy uses blue light to reduce the number of bacteria, oils, and toxins on the skin, reducing surgical complications such as infection.

Elixir Cellular Repair

Post-rhinoplasty, Cellular Repair uses yellow light to improve circulation, reducing bruising and swelling, accelerating healing, and shortening recovery.

Elixir NeoXcell

The NeoXcell™ treatment program combines the benefits of Elixir Cellular and Thermal to boost healing and balance melanin production for a more even skin tone.

Elixir RoXium

RoXium™ uses yellow and blue light to reduce swelling/bruising, prevent skin oxidation, decrease sebum, minimize pores, and clear the complexion.

how much does revision rhinoplasty cost?

The cost of this corrective nasal procedure is dependent upon a variety of factors. The exact techniques utilized play a role in determining price, as do anesthesia fees, the amount of time needed to perform the surgery, and the specific issues being corrected. The average cost of revision rhinoplasty ranges from $20,000-$30,000, including facility and anesthesia fees, and depends on the amount of work and time needed.

Before and After

Dr. Ho’s Rhinoplasty Results

Real Patients, Real Results

Patient Testimonials

  • I got a cosmetic rhinoplasty with Dr. Ho just over a month ago and it was a great experience. We met in person multiple times beforehand to go over the procedure and I felt comfortable explaining my goals with the surgery. She was clear about expectations, the procedure, recovery time, etc. and it reassuring to…
    Read More Best Natural Results
  • Dr. Ho is an incredibly competent, compassionate, and professional physician. I was an out-of-town patient and she was very accommodating to my schedule as I had to fly back for follow-up appointments. She ensured that all my questions were answered and I always received an extremely high standard of care. The actual procedure went very…
    Read More Amazing work from an amazing surgeon!
  • She is by far the best facial plastic surgeon. I’ve been rejected by 2 top doctors to do my tip rhinoplasty and she was not hesitant to take me on. She did a mini neck lift as well with a chin implant. I can’t recommend her enough. My results were beautiful and natural. First two…
    Read More Amazing Doctor
  • My experience with Dr. Ho from consultation through recovery for my rhinoplasty procedure has been nothing short of excellent. From the start, Dr. Ho and I were completely aligned on what I was hoping to accomplish and what was possible with my nose. I felt that my nose overwhelmed the rest of my face and…
    Read More Amazing Experience and Results
  • Dr Ho did an amazing job i got my rhinoplasty done in june i am so blessed to have found a wonderful and caring doctor she was there for me everystep of the way during my recovery. I took me a while to find a doctor to do my rhinoplasty. im so glad i found…
    Read More Dr. Ho did an amazing job
  • Dr. Ho is an incredible provider! She is so kind and caring, something really important when trusting someone with your face! She is fantastic with communicating, even after my surgery she was available all weekend to text if I had any questions. She listened to everything I wanted and gave me exactly what I asked…
    Read More Highly Recommend!
  • Let me just say that Dr. Ho is absolutely wonderful! I went to a few consults for my rhinoplasty before Dr. Ho and she was immediately welcoming and informative. Dr. Ho takes the time to really walk you through what you’d like to do, expectations, doesn’t push, and she is honest. Dr. Ho worked with…
    Read More GREAT EXPERIENCE
  • I recently had a dermal filler and Botox procedure performed by Dr. Ho; my experience was beyond my expectations. She took great care during the consultation phase to listen to the results that I was expecting to achieve. After her recommendations we started the procedure. During the procedure she was professional, enthusiastic, well-rounded and just…
    Read More Everything I hoped for before celebrating a milestone

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As Seen In

Dr. Tina Ho in the Press

Dr. Tina Ho has been featured in leading media publications that highlight her expertise in facial plastic surgery.

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Quick Answers to Common Queries

Frequently Asked Questions

Explore our frequently asked questions for helpful information about Dr. Tina Ho’s facial plastic surgery practice, procedures, and patient care.

Men and women who are unhappy with the results of their previous rhinoplasty surgery are good candidates for a revision rhinoplasty in Philadelphia. Similar to any surgery, it is essential to be in good physical and mental health, as well as not be on any medications that could increase the risk of complications. Non-smokers or those willing to quit before and after the surgery are ideal for a revision procedure because of better healing rates. 

The presence of correctable issues from the original surgery is important to ensure successful outcomes. Given the complex nature of a secondary rhinoplasty, patients must have realistic expectations about what can be achieved by the procedure.

A rhinoplasty surgery can enhance the aesthetic appearance of the face and address issues to improve the airflow and functionality of the nasal passages. However, in some instances, a surgeon can undercorrect the original issues or leave a patient with undesirable outcomes. Fortunately, a corrective rhinoplasty can help address these issues to provide a more desirable result.

Common reasons people undergo a rhinoplasty revision surgery in Philadelphia include:

  • Undesirable results
  • A residual hump, asymmetry, or roundness of the nose
  • Damage to a primary rhinoplasty from an accident or trauma
  • Breathing issues caused or not corrected by a primary rhinoplasty
  • Complications due to scar tissue

After an initial rhinoplasty, swelling is present and can take up to six months to a year to fully resolve. It is important to wait until all the swelling has resolved for two reasons. The final outcome can not be fully appreciated while swelling is present. Also, the swelling is a sign the tissues are still healing, and waiting until all tissues are fully healed is essential for the healing of a secondary rhinoplasty.

Therefore, it is recommended that you wait at least a year after a primary rhinoplasty to consider a revision. Surgery places a huge physical and emotional toll on the body, and that year gives your body and mental health time to fully prepare for the impact of a second surgery and recovery period.

While the complexity of a corrective rhinoplasty can vary significantly between patients, these procedures are more difficult than a primary rhinoplasty. The extra difficulty makes it extremely important to choose an experienced surgeon before proceeding with a revision. 

While secondary rhinoplasties are generally considered safe, some surgical risks still remain. By choosing a highly qualified, board-certified rhinoplasty specialist, the incidence of complications and disappointing results can be greatly minimized. The risks of revision rhinoplasty include:

  • Bleeding
  • Infection
  • Nasal blockage or a congested sensation
  • Anesthetic complications (i.e. allergic reactions)
  • Dissatisfaction with the outcome

Revision rhinoplasty differs from primary rhinoplasty mainly due to its greater complexity and difficulty in achieving exceptional results. Due to alterations to the natural framework of the nose during the primary procedure, secondary surgery is more complicated as it attempts to undo some of these changes. 

In some cases, the nasal cartilage can be depleted from the previous surgery giving the plastic surgeon less cartilage to work with during the revision. If more cartilage is needed for the procedure, this will require the surgeon to use a cartilage graft from a donor site on the body, typically the rib.

The presence of scar tissue requires careful and precise manipulation to prevent damage to the structures of the nose. Because of these reasons, extensive knowledge and skills are required to achieve the desired results. 

When planning a revision nose job in Philadelphia, identifying all the issues created by the original rhinoplasty is essential to obtaining improved cosmetic and functional outcomes. 

Whether present before or as a result of the primary rhinoplasty, functional issues related to proper airflow through the nasal passages can be addressed during revision rhinoplasty. This can lead to an improved quality of life and a reduction in sinus issues. Although, the functional results are not noticeable immediately after surgery, as the swelling improves patients typically notice that they are able to breathe much more easily and comfortably.