CPT® Code 30450

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 of the secondary rhinoplasty is to enhance the nasal structure, which may involve reshaping the nasal tip to ensure it projects harmoniously from the dorsal bridge line. This may require the removal of cartilage or the placement of cartilage grafts, often sourced from the patient's ear or rib. The complexity of the procedure can vary significantly; in cases classified as major revisions, both nasal tip work and bony work are performed to achieve the desired results.