Is It Bad to Have Too Many Rhinoplasty Surgeries?

Question

I have already had two. The first was strictly for a deviated septum. The second was for aesthetics but it went really bad. I need to get it fixed. Is it going to be a problem?

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

There is no absolute maximum number of rhinoplasties that you can get as long as the skin is healthy.  If you are still unhappy after multiple rhinoplasties you must consider a couple of possibilities:
	1. Are your goals realistic
	2. Are you choosing the best possible surgeon for your procedures

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

All revision rhinoplasty surgeries are difficult, and less predictable than primary Rhinoplasty surgeries. If you're dissatisfied by the appearance of your nose, you should consult a specialist familliar with the proper use of Injectable Fillers for nasal enhancement. These non-surgical procedures work well for reducing irregularities provided your nose isn't too large. Feel free to email your photos along with a description, and I'll be happy to share my thoughts with you. You should leave a third nose job as a last resort whenever feasible.

	I hope this is helpful for you.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD · Answer

In reality, this is only your second cosmetic surgery and that is reasonable. However, the answer to your question is: yes, you can have too many surgeries. As more and more scar tissue is created, the normal tissue planes become obliterated and healing may be complicated.

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

The general dictum in revision rhinoplasty is that every time the nose is operated on it gets more and more difficult to make significant improvements. However, each person needs to be evaluated as an individual. The potential results really depend on what your nose looks like now, how much structure remains and what is necessary to get it better looking. I find that for most revision rhinoplasty patients, noses can be improved. The amount of improvement really depends on factors that need to be determined at the time of a consultation. Because of the potential complexity, you should seek out a revision rhinoplasty specialist for an opinion.

Peter A. Aldea, MD · Answer

Each time one gets operated on, the blood supply to the skin and internal structures changes and scar tissue gets deposited. While there is no set "safe number" of cosmetic operations beyond which bad things happen, all ethical plastic surgeons would tell you that it is best to "get it right' the first time around rather than try to get it with a second, third or fourth operation. each operations raises the rate of complications and patient unhappiness.

	Dr. Aldea

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is certainly acceptable to undergo a revision rhinoplasty surgery. Your septoplasty for a deviated septum did not affect any of the nasal structures itself. It is not a problem and it is certainly acceptable to proceed. Make sure you look for a rhinoplasty surgeon who has performed thousands of rhinoplasties and is very comfortable with difficult revision rhinoplasty surgery.

Lee Kleiman, MD · Answer

My best advice is to seek a surgeon who is experienced with revision rhinoplasty. Scarring, deformities, the ability to harvest cartilage grafts is always variable and requires on the spot decisions. In most cases the "first" revision is less complex than deformities from multiple surgeries, however this is also dependant on the extent of the previous procedures. Do your homework!

Jason Litner, MD · Answer

Sorry to hear that you are in need of a revision. There is no absolute number in terms of how many rhinoplasties are safe. The answer is really very specific to each individual and depends on what was done during your previous surgery. We have seen patients who've had only one previous surgery in which the nasal skin was severely damaged which presents real problems for a potential revision. We have seen other patients, on the other hand, who've had 3 or 4 operations but were in much better condition as far as revision prospects were concerned. In almost all cases, a revision in the hands of an experienced revision specialist can make substantial improvements. Talk to a few doctors to get a feeling for what makes sense to you.

	All the best.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty can be difficult because the skin envelope can become very delicate over time.  Be careful.

Edward J. Domanskis, MD (in memoriam) · Answer

A septoplasty does not do anything for the outside appearance of the nose. You can have a revision of your outside but you should wait at least 9months to one year for all the swelling to go down to see exactly what you want done. Then, find an expert plastic surgeon and go to consult with him. Watch my video.

Is It Bad to Have Too Many Rhinoplasty Surgeries?

Answers (11)

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