When Can I Have a Revision Rhinoplasty? Should I Go Back to the Same Surgeon, or Find a Better One? (photo)

Usually patients are encouraged to wait a full 12 months before revision, in order to get a complete interpretation of the end result.  However I have reoperated on some of my own noses at 6 mos post op if I know I won't be happy at 12 months, or if things are clearly worth revision.  From the looks of your pictures, you probably would want to wait, because the tip has yet to show the full potential of the surgery.  The bridge does have one side higher than the other, but that is an easy fix for revision.  Stay patient on that matter, and your potential revision plan will be more precise.

As for your surgeon of choice, you need to follow your level of confidence.  Those of us who do a lot of rhinoplasty recognize that things don't always heal as we expect, and that nationally the revision rate is at least 5-10% of cases (some say up to 25%).  So revisions occur, and we have to address them from other surgeons as well as our own practice.  The key is to go with a surgeon that you trust.  The way to do that is get a couple of opinions, including that of your own surgeon.  It may turn out that your doc may be one of the best, but had one of those 5% outcomes, but stands behind their work to the point that you still trust him/her.  Most physicians don't recharge you for their own work (you will probably have to cover an OR and anesthesia fee).  

If you don't trust your own doc anymore, find a rhino specialist.  There are lots of good surgeons in Atlanta.

In the ideal circumstance, it makes most sense for a patient to have the original surgeon perform the revision surgery. For both the patient and surgeon, continuity in care and knowledge of what was done during the original surgery and what has transpired to date are intangibles. However, there are several other considerations. Is the original surgeon capable of performing the revision surgery. This depends on the complexity of the revision and the skill set and experience of the surgeon. You need to have a frank discussion with your surgeon. Another consideration is has there been a breakdown in the doctor-patient relationship-in particular has the patient lost confidence in the surgeon's ability? This is something that you need to answer. If you have lost confidence in your original surgeon, then you will have to do significant research to identify a surgeon that is adept at performing revision rhinoplasty. However, in most cases, it is best to wait at least a year prior to having revision rhinoplasty so that the swelling resolves in the nose and you are seeing what the final result is so that all deformities can be adequately addressed during revision surgery. Additionally, it takes about a year for scar tissue to mature and soften and revision surgery prior to this point can be technically difficult due to immature scar tissue. Having a revision by a different surgeon just 3 months after your original surgery sounds premature.

It is very important to wait one year before entertaining a revision rhinoplasty. Full healing must be complete, so it is best not to perform a revision rhinoplasty at 3 months after the procedure.