Revision Rhinoplasty Seattle
Revision rhinoplasty is a complex secondary nasal surgery performed to correct cosmetic or functional issues resulting from a previous rhinoplasty. At The Seattle Rhinoplasty Center, board-certified facial plastic surgeons Dr. William Portuese and Dr. Joseph Shvidler specialize in achieving natural-looking results through advanced revision techniques.
What Is Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision rhinoplasty addresses issues left unresolved or created by a primary rhinoplasty. The nose’s intricate anatomy—comprising nasal bones, upper and lower lateral cartilages, septum, and soft tissue—can be difficult to correct after prior surgery due to scar tissue and structural changes. This procedure requires exceptional precision and experience, making it one of the most technically demanding facial surgeries.
Common Reasons for Revision Rhinoplasty
- Displaced nasal bones: Corrected with osteotomies to straighten or narrow the bridge.
- Residual dorsal hump: Smoothed using a surgical rasp.
- Irregularities on the nasal bridge: Often cartilage or bone-related, particularly noticeable in patients with thin skin.
- Inverted V deformity: Treated with spreader grafts to restore mid-nose symmetry.
- Asymmetrical or bulbous nasal tip: Refined through cartilage grafts and suture reshaping techniques.
- Alar rim collapse: Corrected with alar rim grafts to prevent nostril collapse during breathing.
- Hanging columella: Trimming internal cartilage and skin to reduce a “bottom-heavy” nasal appearance.
- Wide nostrils: Alar base reduction (alarplasty) narrows nostril width with wedge excisions.
Open vs. Closed Revision Rhinoplasty
Depending on the complexity of the case, your surgeon may choose either:
- Closed Rhinoplasty: All incisions are made inside the nose with no visible scarring, ideal for moderate corrections.
- Open Rhinoplasty: Adds a small external incision across the columella, providing enhanced visibility and access for complex structural changes.
Why Choose Our Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeons?
All revision rhinoplasty procedures at our Medicare-certified outpatient facility are performed under general anesthesia for optimal patient comfort and safety. Dr. William Portuese and Dr. Joseph Shvidler bring decades of combined experience in facial plastic surgery, making them among the top choices for revision rhinoplasty in Seattle.
Located in downtown Seattle adjacent to Swedish/Providence Medical Center, our facility is equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites and board-certified anesthesiologists to ensure the highest standards of care.
Schedule Your Consultation
If you’re unhappy with the results of a previous nose surgery or experiencing breathing difficulties, a personalized revision rhinoplasty consultation with our experienced surgeons can help determine the best course of action.
Call 206-624-0349 to schedule your appointment at The Seattle Rhinoplasty Center.









