Is revision rhinoplasty more costly than primary rhinoplasty?
Yes it usually is and there are a number of reasons for this. The first and often biggest is the increased operative time necessary. Revision rhinoplasty often entails slow dissection through scarred tissue which takes much longer then in a non operated nose. In initial surgery reshaping of cartilage is often what needs to be done. In revision surgery it is often not possible to reshape the remnants of cartilage and the surgeon often has to create and build entire new structures. This also at times requires harvesting of grafts from distant areas (ear, rib). Both of these issues can significantly increase operating room and anesthesia time which is an expense that is not under the control of or determined by the surgeon. The second reason is also somewhat related to the first in that surgeon expertise and experience to execute what is required is higher and with that comes some increased cost for the level of service.