Septorhinoplasty did not go as planned, looking for insight and clear answers.

I had an open septo-rhinoplasty 2 mo. ago. It was supposed to be a minor closed tip revision. Many things did not go as planned. I was told that my septum was, "fractured" and cartilage was also harvested from my ear. This was a primary rhinoplasty. I am beyond mortified! I did not have a deviated septum and I do not recall trauma to my nose. Under what conditions would this happen? What could really have gone wrong? I have been unable to get good clear answers. Honesty please :(

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by CoffeeQueen

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Septorhinoplasty

First, it is difficult to understand how a planned closed tip plasty turned into an open septo rhinoplasty. Perhaps you didnt quite explain what the doctor told you, or.....you werent told everything you should have been told. Septal fracture/obstruction is not that difficult to diagnose before the surgery and can be planned for appropriately. Certainly, harvesting of ear cartilage is something that should be discussed prior to surgery as one of the possible things that might be used. At any... more

Andrew Pichler, MD

1 review

Sacramento Facial Plastic Surgeon

facedr.com

Septorhinoplasty didn't go as planned and would like honest answers.

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO, your best course of action is to have a clear and honest discussion with your Rhinoplasty surgeon. He/she is the only one, from any of us here, that performed your Rhinoplasty and knows why and how a closed tip-plasty turned into an open Septorhinoplasty with an ear graft. Your Rhinoplasty surgeon went through a series of decision making steps during your Rhinoplasty and that's what you should ask to be shared... more

Deviations...from the surgical plan

Most rhinoplasty surgeons can tell you prior to surgery if the nose will or will not require an open approach. However, unexpected findings do occur intra-operatively that may require a change in the operative plan. Don't be too critical of your surgeon. see video

Septal fracture

Encountering an unexpected septal fracture is not all that uncommon. However, i don't see why that should prevent using your septal cartilage as a graf unless the just wasn't enough. Wait longer for the results and then decide if things are amiss/

David A. Bray, Sr., MD

6 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drbray.com

Septorhinoplasty what happened?

People often have minor traumas in childhood that they are not aware of being significant that can affect the interior integrity of the septum. Also sometimes when a large hump is removed it uncovers a deviation not appreciated before or leaves a septum not strong enough to support the nose. There are a number of situations that could explain the change in operative plan without things "going wrong". I guess the question now is how is your result? If it is good then I would be... more