CPT® Code 30435

A secondary rhinoplasty, commonly known as revision rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure aimed at correcting or improving the results of a previous rhinoplasty. This type of surgery is typically performed when the initial rhinoplasty did not achieve the desired aesthetic or functional outcomes. Prior to the operation, the physician conducts a thorough evaluation of the previous surgical results, which informs the surgical plan for the revision. The procedure can be executed using either a closed technique, where all incisions are made inside the nose, or an open technique, which involves an additional incision across the columella, the tissue that separates the nostrils. During the surgery, the physician carefully marks the skin of the nose, often using pre-operative photographs as a reference to guide the reshaping process. The goal is to enhance the overall appearance of the nose, ensuring that it aligns harmoniously with the facial features. In the context of CPT® Code 30435, the intermediate revision involves more complex bony work, including osteotomies, which are surgical procedures that involve cutting and reshaping the bone. This level of revision may require the use of cartilage grafts harvested from the patient's ear or rib to provide additional support and structure to the nose. The procedure is designed to address both aesthetic concerns and any functional issues that may have arisen from the initial surgery.