What is the price of secondary rhinoplasty in Tunisia?
The price of secondary rhinoplasty in Tunisia ranges from £2,300 to £3,400, compared with £4,500 to £10,800 in the UK. This all-inclusive rate covers general anaesthesia, cartilage grafts and your stay. Revision surgery takes longer than a primary rhinoplasty, which takes 45 minutes to 2 hours[1].
📊 Price table 2026
| Type of procedure | Price in Tunisia | Price in the UK |
|---|---|---|
| Standard revision (minor correction) | £2,300 - £3,200 | £6,500 - £9,000 |
| Complex revision (rib graft) | £3,200 - £4,700 | £8,500 - £13,500 |
| Secondary septorhinoplasty | £2,500 - £3,400 | £7,000 - £10,500 |
| Ultrasonic revision (Piezo) | £3,000 - £4,300 | £8,000 - £11,500 |
Whether any part of the operation is covered depends on your own circumstances, so check with your NHS trust or private insurer before you travel.
What is secondary rhinoplasty?
Secondary rhinoplasty, also called revision rhinoplasty, is a surgical procedure that aims to correct the results of a previous rhinoplasty.
There are many reasons why patients turn to secondary rhinoplasty. The most common are:
- Unsatisfactory results from the first procedure;
- Breathing problems caused by deformities of the nose;
- Or aesthetic goals that could not be achieved.
In other words, the aim is to correct the appearance or the function of the nose. Unfortunately these procedures are often more complex, because the first operation left internal scars and frequently reduced the cartilage available[2].
Who is secondary rhinoplasty for?
Secondary rhinoplasty is reconstructive surgery, available to anyone who has had a first rhinoplasty whose results fell short. Certain criteria must still be met, however:
To begin with, the primary rhinoplasty must have taken place at least 12 months earlier. If not, the surgeon may refuse to operate. A nose operation can take up to 12 months to heal completely, so operating over it before healing is finished would be impossible.
Patients must also be 18 or over. A serious health condition may, on the other hand, rule out further surgery.
Finally, secondary rhinoplasty is not always advisable for every patient, and it is essential to discuss your case with an experienced surgeon to determine whether this procedure is the best option for you.
Why choose Tunisia for rhinoplasty?
Tunisia clearly offers many advantages for cosmetic surgery.
A country where English is widely spoken
First, it is worth noting that Tunisia has a long tradition of welcoming international patients, and that English is widely understood in its private clinics. This means that communication with the surgeons and the care team is straightforward. That matters, because everyone needs to understand one another to ensure a result that lives up to expectations and matches what the patient asked for. The same goes for post-operative follow-up. Instructions must be understood and followed to the letter to avoid any complication.
Experienced plastic surgeons
Second, Tunisia has a great many experienced, properly trained aesthetic surgeons, and many of them trained in Europe. Health policy in Tunisia is also known to be strict, and the quality of care is often beyond reproach.
Modern infrastructure and state-of-the-art hospital centres
Finally, if Tunisia has become a favourite destination for cosmetic surgery in just a few years, there is a reason. Patients come from all over Europe to be operated on here, drawn in particular by its ultra-modern infrastructure and operating theatres equipped with cutting-edge medical equipment.
What are the benefits of secondary rhinoplasty?
Secondary rhinoplasty has many benefits.
Patients can get the nose they were expecting
First, secondary rhinoplasty corrects the appearance of the nose, with the aim of a more natural and harmonious result, within the limits set by the after-effects of the first operation. Patients can therefore regain a face they are happy with and the nose they wanted from the start.
Improves how the nose works
Beyond appearance, secondary rhinoplasty, which may be of an ethnic nature, also aims to restore the structure and shape of the nose so as to improve the flow of air, and therefore the patient’s breathing. This is unfortunately often what brings patients in for a consultation.
Restored self-confidence
Finally, a primary rhinoplasty that went wrong or fell short of expectations can leave patients traumatised. After all, the nose sits at the centre of the face and can quickly become a source of self-consciousness. Successful revision surgery can help the patient regain self-confidence.
How does the operation unfold?
The treatment pathway runs in 3 stages:
The first consultation
You are often asked to provide recent profile photographs as well as the medical notes from the first operation, so that the surgeon can prepare as well as possible. During the first consultation, the surgeon talks with the patient to discuss the problem. Specifically:
- What happened during the first procedure;
- Why the patient wants further surgery and is considering another operation;
- What the patient’s expectations and wishes are;
- Which solutions are feasible.
Good communication is essential for the plastic surgeon to understand the patient’s wishes perfectly. That is what allows them to assess what is possible and what is not, and to draw up a plan of action.
Conversely, the surgeon must know how to reassure the patient and communicate as clearly as possible, so that both sides are on the same page.
Some expectations unfortunately cannot always be met, and everything depends on the after-effects left by the first rhinoplasty.
The day of the operation
First of all, the patient is asked to attend the Tunisian cosmetic clinic of their choice for the operation. Secondary rhinoplasty can be performed under general anaesthesia (most commonly) or local anaesthesia, depending on how complex the surgery is. In either case, the anaesthetic removes pain during the procedure.
A specialist Tunisian surgeon carries out the operation and may be assisted by other specialists. Again, everything depends on the complexity and on the problem to be corrected.
A rhinoplasty takes generally between 45 minutes and 2 hours[1], although secondary rhinoplasty often takes a little longer, because some tissues were altered during the previous operation.
Finally, the operation is sometimes performed as day surgery, meaning the patient stays only a few hours at the health facility. Generally, however, the procedure requires one night in hospital afterwards, and patients are then free to go home.
The post-operative phase
After the operation a plaster cast is placed on the nose to hold it in place, and it is removed about a week later. A feeling of discomfort may occur and the face may swell or become a little more sensitive. This is normal. These after-effects gradually settle.
Bruising and swelling also frequently appear around the eyes and nose, but this is temporary and its duration varies a great deal from one patient to another[1]. The nose then gradually deflates until it reaches the intended result.
It is also advisable not to bend over during the first days after the operation, not to blow your nose forcefully, and not to expose the nose to the sun for several months. It is equally important to follow the instructions of the plastic surgeon regarding wound care and medication.
Precautions to take
Secondary rhinoplasty is sometimes a complex operation, and certain precautions must be taken before and after surgery.
Before the operation
To begin with, it is the surgeon’s duty to set out all the precautions to take before the operation. These generally include:
- Not eating or smoking before the procedure;
- Cleansing the face, shaving the beard or moustache, and so on;
- Taking no medication containing aspirin in the 10 days beforehand[1], and never stopping an anticoagulant treatment on your own.
After the operation
It generally takes between 6 months and a year before the nose settles into its final shape[1]. Patience is therefore required.
- The first days: rinsing the nasal passages is recommended to avoid nasal congestion. Patients can usually return to their daily activities the next day, without overdoing it. Returning to normal social and working life generally takes 10 to 20 days, depending on how pronounced the after-effects are[1].
- The first months: it is advisable not to take part in sporting activity, at the risk of raising blood pressure. Activities likely to cause knocks are also ruled out.
What are the risks of secondary rhinoplasty in Tunisia?
Zero risk does not exist. So secondary rhinoplasty can sometimes lead to a few complications, particularly linked to the anaesthetic or to the operation itself. Contour irregularities, infections, asymmetry of the nose, unsightly scars, progressive deformities.
Complications remain possible, and revision is more delicate than a first procedure. It is therefore important that patients are told about the possible side effects beforehand.
How much does secondary rhinoplasty cost in Tunisia?
It is a fact that rhinoplasty prices in Tunisia are very attractive and remain well below the rates charged in the UK. That is why many patients make the journey. The price ranges from £2,300 to £3,400 depending on the clinic chosen, the complexity of the operation and the surgeon’s experience.
Final word
Turning to secondary rhinoplasty in Tunisia is increasingly common. It is an appealing destination because of the very low cost of plastic surgery, and patients no longer hesitate to make the journey.
Struggling to choose the right clinic at the best price? Our UK coordinator helps you free of charge with the organisation of your operation in Tunisia. Ask us for a free quote.
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
What is the price of secondary rhinoplasty in Tunisia?
Expect £2,300 to £3,400 for a revision in Tunisia, against £4,500 to £10,800 in the UK. A revision with a rib graft costs £3,200 to £4,700. For a first procedure, see our page on rhinoplasty in Tunisia.
How many days should I stay in Tunisia after secondary rhinoplasty?
The splint is removed between day 5 and day 8 after the operation[1]. It is therefore best to plan a stay of around a week, so that the surgeon can remove it and check the nose before your return flight to the UK.
Is secondary rhinoplasty covered by insurance?
A purely cosmetic revision is not usually covered, while a functional rhinoseptoplasty that corrects a breathing problem may be covered in part. Whether any of it is funded depends on your own circumstances, so check with your NHS trust or private insurer beforehand. See our page on septorhinoplasty in Tunisia.
What risks does harvesting cartilage from a rib involve?
In a series of 91 revisions with cartilage grafting, the complication rate at the harvest site was 3.3%: pleural breach (1.1%) or thickened scar (2.2%). A Chinese series, to be interpreted with caution[4].
How do I choose a surgeon after a failed rhinoplasty?
Check that the practitioner is a registered plastic surgeon listed with the Tunisian national medical council, and that they regularly perform secondary rhinoplasties. Ask for photographs of revisions comparable to your own case.
Secondary rhinoplasty: Tunisia or Turkey?
In Turkey a secondary rhinoplasty costs £2,400 to £4,300, against £2,300 to £3,400 in Tunisia. The surgeon’s experience in revision matters more than the country. Compare with our page on secondary rhinoplasty in Turkey.
Does ultrasonic rhinoplasty reduce bruising?
A meta-analysis of 19 randomised trials on rhinoplasty (905 patients) found less swelling and bruising on day 2 and day 7 with piezosurgery, without lengthening the operation[5]. See our page on ultrasonic rhinoplasty in Tunisia.
Sources & References
- SOFCPRE, fiche d’information sur la rhinoplastie, reproduced by the plastic surgery department of Angers University Hospital. 2024. View source
- Mohan R, Shanmuga Krishnan RR, Rohrich RJ. Role of Fresh Frozen Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty. Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. 2019. View source
- Assurance Maladie. Traitement d’une déviation de la cloison nasale. 2025. View source
- Zheng R, Dong W, Han R, Xu Y, Fan F. A Modified Large-Cap Graft in East Asian Revision Rhinoplasty. Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. 2022. View source
- Armanfar S, Rasti Ardakani M, Vahidiataabadi M. Piezoelectric Versus Conventional Rhinoplasty: A GRADE-Assessed Systematic Review and Meta-analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Aesthetic Surgery Journal. 2026. View source
