On October 23rd of 2024, I underwent a primary rhinoplasty with Kirk Lozada for aesthetic purposes only. The goals were to refine my nose tip, gently smooth my bridge, and slightly decrease the projection as well as the base of my nose. I did not need nor give written consent to a septoplasty and possible turbinate resection which was performed during my surgery. None of my surgical goals were achieved despite Kirk Lozda’s assertion that they were. I now have the following issues:
• Severely deviated septum
• Nasal valve collapse
• Difficulty breathing
• Constant pain and discomfort
• Permanent sutures placed led to suspected abscesses and frequent irritation
• My nose became twisted and asymmetrical although it was originally straight
• Excessively narrowed, unnatural slit-like nostrils
• Overrotated nose leading to excessive nostril show and the appearance of significantly longer philtrum
• Recessed columella on one side
• Over-projected nose
• Soft triangle notching
• Excessive visible scarring
In addition, a septal extension graft was used during my surgery which I was not given informed verbal, or written consent for beforehand. This graft created constant pain and discomfort, accompanied by the sensation that something foreign was in my nose at all times making all lip movement (smiling, kissing, speaking) feel tight and uncomfortable. My nose tip was made to be permanently rock hard which has been challenging to live with. For perspective, it is the same firmness as a knuckle, or elbow - this will never soften. A substantial portion of septum was harvested to create this graft which was not discussed prior to surgery.
My experience isn’t only negative due to poor aesthetic outcome, but also the dismissive nature of this individual’s communication, immense unprofessionalism, and misinformation provided. He would even dismiss that my nose was leaning despite his own office photos demonstrating this very clearly. While Kirk Lozada’s inexperience might have been forgivable from an aesthetic standpoint considering he has only been practicing rhinoplasty on his own starting mid 2020, the lack of accountability is not. Although it is difficult for me, I have included photos to demonstrate my multitude of issues. These issues cannot all be passed off as poor healing. Surgical technique and skill, or possible lack thereof, were the main factors.
Kirk Lozada seemed incredibly kind and attentive prior to surgery, but this diminished when complications presented. In hindsight, it is my belief he accepted a case he didn’t care if he did or did not have the skillset for, and then proceeded to take liberties during surgery which I specified I was uncomfortable with preoperatively. Ultimately, I spent $36k+ elsewhere on my complex revision in the hopes of restoring my ability to breathe, alleviating my constant pain, and attempting to resolve some of the deformities which arose as a result of my primary rhinoplasty. Needless to say, I felt deeply violated by this experience.