Should I use the same surgeon for my Revision Rhinoplasty or a different surgeon?

Question

I received my first Rhinoplasty about 18 months ago, when I was 17. I put a lot of trust into my surgeon.. However, now that my nose has had 18 months to heal, I am not happy with the results. It is evident that I will need a Revision Rhinoplasty (my surgeon has even hinted towards that) but I don't know if I should put my trust back into him. He is willing to do it free of charge, which is the only thing making me want to stick with him. What should I do? Thank you!

Peter Callan, MBBS, FRACS, MBA · Answer

It's a great question and I understand your feelings.I do a lot of rhinoplasty.  It's my passion. And I think I do it well.  But I do have a revision rate of between 5-10%.  All rhinoplasty surgeons do revisions from time to time.  It's an exacting operation. The revision can be for cosmetic (appearance) or functional (breathing) issues. I personally do not charge for revisions and most surgeons do not.The main issue is that your surgeon has a plan and understands what needs to be done, and why he or she was unable to fully achieve it the first time. If your surgeon has a plan and it makes sense to you then stick with them.There is not a serious rhinoplasty surgeon alive who does not need to do revisions from time to time.  Usually they are relatively minor (although that does not make it easy).Experience helps a lot. I hope this helps.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It really depends upon the confidence you have in the original surgeon, not  the price.  If the original surgeon has extensive experience in rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty and you and your surgeon's expectations are the same, then stay with your  original surgeon.  If the patient and the surgeon and not the same page, then it is time to seek out a revision rhinoplasty specialist. Rhinoplasty and especially revision rhinoplasty are the hardest operations to do the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so experience really does matter.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

It is important to clarify expectations with your rhinoplasty surgeon. You should have a discussion regarding what you don't like about your nose and see if they think this is a concern that can be addressed by them. You need to feel absolutely comfortable with your surgeon. Obtaining a second opinion is always appropriate in these types of situations. Hope this helps and best of luck!

Andrew Kornstein, MD, FACS · Answer

I would suggest asking your surgeon exactly what he/she wants to accomplish, and if you are both seeing "eye to eye" then ask about his/her general operative planI would then get a second opinion from a local rhinoplasty expert.Then compare..............I hope this helpsBest of luck

Should I use the same surgeon for my Revision Rhinoplasty or a different surgeon?

Answers (4)