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Have you already had a rhinoplasty but you are not happy with the result, or do you breathe worse than before? Revision rhinoplasty, also called secondary rhinoplasty, corrects a nose that has already been operated on. At Dermolife in Tirana, the assessment and the surgery are carried out by Italian plastic surgeons, with dedicated support at every stage.
It is a more delicate operation than a first rhinoplasty: it requires experience, tailored planning and realistic expectations, which are defined together with the surgeon during the consultation.
When is revision rhinoplasty considered?
Revision rhinoplasty can be considered when, some time after the first operation, aesthetic problems, functional problems or both remain. The most common situations include:
- a nose that is still crooked or asymmetric
- a residual hump or, on the contrary, an over-lowered bridge (the so-called saddle nose)
- a drooping, too narrow, too bulky or irregular tip
- asymmetric or retracted nostrils
- proportions out of balance with the rest of the face
- breathing problems that appeared or worsened after the operation
It is generally recommended to wait at least 12 months after the first operation: before then, residual swelling does not allow an accurate assessment of the result.
Why it is a more complex operation
In revision rhinoplasty the surgeon works on a nose where bones and cartilage have already been modified, often with scar tissue. In some cases less cartilage is available, because it was used or removed during the first operation.
To rebuild the support of the nose, cartilage grafts may be needed, preferably taken from the nasal septum or, when this is not enough, from the ear or the rib. The open technique is the most commonly used, as it gives a full view of the structures to be corrected.
| Aspect | First rhinoplasty | Revision rhinoplasty |
|---|---|---|
| Nasal structures | Intact | Already modified, possible scar tissue |
| Available cartilage | Usually sufficient | Sometimes reduced, grafts may be needed |
| Planning | Tailored, standard | More in-depth, starting from the first operation |
| Post-operative swelling | Subsides within a few months | May last longer |
The consultation: what is needed for a proper assessment
The first assessment can be done remotely. To help the surgeon understand what was done and how to proceed, it is useful to send:
- photos of your nose before and after the first operation, from the front and in profile
- any available medical records and, if possible, the surgical report
- a description of what you are not happy with and of any breathing difficulties
At the clinic the surgeon examines the shape, structure and function of the nose, explains which corrections are realistically possible and chooses the most suitable technique. Pre-operative tests and the anaesthetic assessment follow the clinical protocol.
Recovery after revision rhinoplasty
Recovery is similar to that of a first rhinoplasty, but swelling tends to last longer, because the tissues have already been operated on.
| Period | What to expect |
|---|---|
| First week | Rest, splint in place, swelling and bruising; the splint is usually removed around day 7 |
| First month | Gradual return to daily activities; avoid sports and strain as instructed by the surgeon |
| First months | The nose takes shape progressively, the tip stays swollen for longer |
| After one year or more | The result settles completely |
Post-operative check-ups are included and can continue remotely after you return home.
How much does revision rhinoplasty cost in Albania?
The price depends on the complexity of the case: the extent of the corrections, whether cartilage grafts are needed, the functional part and the type of anaesthesia. For this reason the cost is defined only after assessing your nose and the documentation of the first operation.
Costs in Albania are generally lower than in Italy and Western Europe. At Dermolife the first consultation is free, including online, and the quote includes the operation, the planned stay at the clinic and post-operative care.
How long should you stay in Tirana?
We recommend planning a stay of about 7-8 days, for the pre-operative tests, the operation and the check-up with splint removal before flying home. Follow-up then continues remotely.
→ Discover rhinoplasty in Albania → Discover septorhinoplasty
Our Italian plastic surgeons in Tirana
The Dermolife team includes Italian and European plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeons, including Dr. Matteo Cimmino and Dr. Raniero Orsini, who is also specialised in maxillofacial surgery. Each case is assessed by the professional best suited to the procedure.
Throughout the whole journey, from the first consultation to the post-operative check-ups, patients have a dedicated point of contact and a medical reference person.
Where is the Dermolife clinic in Tirana?
Dermolife is located in central Tirana and is organised to look after patients travelling from abroad, with medical assistance throughout their stay.
The clinic is open Monday to Saturday, from 08:00 to 20:00, and is closed on Sundays.
Frequently asked questions about revision rhinoplasty in Albania
It is an operation performed on a nose that has already been operated on, when aesthetic or functional issues remain after a first rhinoplasty. It is also called secondary rhinoplasty.
It is generally recommended to wait at least 12 months after the first operation, so that swelling subsides and the tissues settle. Only then can the result be assessed accurately and a correction planned.
The surgeon works on structures that have already been modified, often with scar tissue and less cartilage available. This is why the operation requires an in-depth assessment and, sometimes, cartilage grafts to rebuild the support of the nose.
When grafts are needed, cartilage is preferably taken from the nasal septum. If this is not enough, because it was already used in the first operation, the surgeon may consider other sites, such as the ear or, in more complex cases, the rib.
Yes. If breathing difficulties appeared after rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty can include a functional correction, for example of the nasal septum or the nasal valves, after a specific assessment.
The splint is usually removed after about one week, but swelling tends to last longer than after a first operation. The final result can take more than a year to settle completely.
Photos of your nose before and after the first operation, any available medical records and, if possible, the surgical report are useful. They help the surgeon understand what was changed and how to proceed.