Revision Rhinoplasty
Revision rhinoplasty can be more difficult than the initial procedure and requires a doctor with a particular skill set and years of experience. Previous nose surgery in San Francisco may have removed much of the underlying cartilage and generated scar tissue which may pose additional challenges. As a San Francisco rhinoplasty surgeon, Dr. David C. Mabrie has developed a special interest in these challenging cases.
What Techniques Are Used for a Revision Rhinoplasty?
Depending on the surgical goals, either an open or closed rhinoplasty may be recommended for your revision surgery. Frequently, an open approach is used to allow better access to the nasal structure by making a small incision under the nose. In doing this, Dr. Mabrie is able to analyze the elements that have caused the unwanted results of the initial nose job in San Francisco. In other cases, a closed approach may be used by placing a small cartilage graft to remove a concavity or depression. The following are techniques used to resolve particular areas of concern:
- Removing scar tissue from previous surgery which can reduce definition or cause asymmetry
- Using a patient's cartilage from the nasal septum or ear to augment an area that was over-reduced
- Using materials such as Gortex or Medpor to augment the dorsum or hump
- Injecting permanent or semi-permanent dermal fillers to achieve a non-surgical rhinoplasty


What are the Typical Goals of a Revision Rhinoplasty?
Revision nose surgery in San Francisco helps to improve the cosmetic outcome of a prior surgery. Specific improvements may include:
- Improving symmetry: A first time rhinoplasty can render results that aren't even, most commonly between the two sides of the nose. Occasionally, an imbalance between the proportions of the upper, middle and lower parts of the nose may exist.
- Rebuilding an area that was over-reduced: If the surgeon performing the rhinoplasty removed too much of an area, leaving the patient with less tissue than desired, techniques to rebuild the area can be used to reform the look.
- Refining results that were incomplete: Should the patient feel they didn't achieve their desired results the first time around, Dr. Mabrie will review their goals with them using Computer Generated Imaging to virtually depict their surgical results.
What are the Next Steps?
To help you get started, look through our rhinoplasty options information and our Rhinoplasty Common Questions page. If you have more questions, call our office at 415.445.9513 and speak with one of our staff members.
As a specialist in facial cosmetic surgery, Dr. Mabrie is a surgeon you can trust to reshape your nose and create a new, natural look. You can save $50 on your surgical consultation with Dr. Mabrie by printing our online certificate and bringing it with you to your appointment.












