Not Satisfied with my Rhinoplasty - Should Surgeon Perform Revision Free as Partially His Fault?

asked 1 year ago by Islandgirl17 in Merritt Island, FL
Latest answer by Robert Kotler, MD
Question viewed 618 times
Tags: female, scar tissue, swelling, uneven, unhappy

I am not happy with my rhinoplasty and I believe that my surgeon did not give me what we spoke about. My nostrils are uneven because the left one still looks swollen and has no definition, where the right nostril turned out fine and fell into it proper position. So they are disproportioned. And I feel that he should perform a quick revision surgery and fix these minor issues for free. Is this something that the doctor should do because he messed up and there is noticable scar tissue too. HELP!

9 answers to Not Satisfied with my Rhinoplasty - Should Surgeon Perform Revision Free as Partially His Fault?

Revision Nasal Surgery

Rhinoplasty is a complicated operation and there are always subtle differences in the nose. I cannot give you much of an opinion without photos, but small problems might be related to preexisting asymmetries or can be a result of the surgery. Also, small surgical adjustments made during the nasal surgery can adversely affect other areas of the nose, and sometimes the surgeon must stop to prevent the creation of other problems with the procedure. If this is related to your surgery -... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Unhappy with rhinoplasty results

Dear Islandgirl17, I am sorry to hear that you have a disappointing result from your rhinoplasty. It is hard to deal with a result that doesn't leave you happy after going through the whole process involved with surgery. I believe that your line of reasoning that the doctor should perform the revision procedure for no cost is one that, on the surface, makes a lot of sense. After all, it is the model that all of us have come to expect from other businesses and... more

P. Daniel Ward, MD
Salt Lake City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Was there a discussion concerning fees for rev rhinoplasty before surgery?

Hi Islandgirl17; Most plastic surgery practices have a policy regarding "touch up" or revision rhinoplasty. It may have been that that discussion took place, or you were given some written information about that, so I would definitely go back and check with you plastic surgeon's business office. Ask to speak to the business manager. Don't forget, any cosmetic plastic surgeon wants to be proud of your results and to have you be a happy patient... more

Robert Kotler, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Free revision rhinoplasty

Most surgeons will discount their own revisions - especially if they feel that they could have/should have done better. Not all surgeons own their surgery centers which limits their ability to discount operating room and anesthesia fees.

Sam Naficy, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

seattleface.com

Revision Rhinoplasty due to dissatisfaction of Rhinoplasty

Dear IslandGirl, I am sorry to hear that you are dissatisfied with your Rhinoplasty surgery. It is difficult to really have a good grasp on your exact problems without a physical examination or photograph. Correction of nostril asymmetry may require more then a "quick revision" Make sure you do not have revision rhinoplasty until all of the swelling is gone from your tip. This can take up to a full year for completely resolve. The ultimate goal in surgery is to have a happy patient and I... more

Michael Elam, MD
Orange County Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty dissatisfaction

Every office operates differently. You should check with your doctor's office. Rhinoplasty is a very difficult operation that has a high dissatisfaction rate as opposed to other procedures, possibly because it is viewed all day long. Usually a facility fee is required for revisions.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Not Satisfied with Rhinoplaty

I'm sorry your not satisfied with your result; my comments are based on what you describe without seeing you before or after surgery and knowing what was done during that rhinoplasty. Whether or not there is any fee for the revision depends on your agreement with your surgeon and what what goals and expectations were discussed pre-op. Rhinoplasty is a very challenging operation; your surgeon may or may not have "messed up". I suggest you have a constructive conversation with... more

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Nearly all Revision Rhinoplasty surgery is complex, not quick and simple.

I read your concern. I'm sorry you did not have a favorable experience after your rhinoplasty surgery. Correction of nostril asymmetry may require an open approach and cartilage grafting. If your nostril is swollen, you shoud try not to undergo another surgery until all of your swelling has subsided. In my practice, I prefer to offer a non-surgical rhinoplasty with Injectable Fillers whenever possible and keep additional surgery as a last resort. I hope this helps... more

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

Not happy with Rhinoplasty

Hi, If you feel that you had a bad result from the first rhinoplasty, you should consult with another surgeon or two. I don't think it would be a good idea to look for a "quick revision " by the same surgeon. The things you mentioned are not minor and may require more than a quick revision. If it where something small, most surgeons would do the revision at no or very little cost to you. Best, Dr.S.