Previous rhinoplasty or trauma to the nose may sometimes cause nose deformities, or worsen breathing problems. These can be corrected with a revision procedure.

There are a quite a few different types of procedures to correct deformities caused by previous rhinoplasty or trauma. The type of surgery used depends on the type of deformity. Following are some common types of revision.

Breathing problems secondary to nasal collapse
Usually, the problem here is from a lack of cartilage support, so that the airway collapses with inspiration (inward breathing). If you have difficulty breathing, look at yourself in the mirror as you attempt to breathe through your nose. Does the nose actually collapse inward? Take your fingers and pull your cheek away from your nose. Does this help you breathe better? If so, small cartilage grafts called "spreader grafts" may help strengthen your inner vault and prevent the collapse, akin to building a stronger roof for your nasal airway.

Overresected dorsum
A cute "ski-slope" nose used to be popular, but many now dislike the appearance as it looks more like a surgical nose, and can give you an elfin appearance. Cartilage can be added to the nose to create a more proportioned nose.

Hanging columella
Even normal noses may have a hanging columella, or low cartilage in between the nostrils. Correction of this depends on what makes the area low, either septal cartilage which pushes it downwards or simply excess skin in the area.

Alar retraction
If the lower cartilage of the nose is overly trimmed, the rim of the nose may retract. This makes the inside of the nose more visible, and gives the nose a post-surgical appearance. Correction of a mild deformity involves placing small cartilage grafts into the nostril rim. The correction of a major deformity involves taking skin and cartilage form the ear to fill the defect.

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