I want to get a revision but not by my original surgeon. What should I do?

It is not uncommon for a patient to lose confidence in their original surgeon when considering revision rhinoplasty. You can always request a copy of your operative note and photos. It may take a few days to get, but your surgeon is obligated to give them to you. As for revision surgery, don't be surprised if your next surgeon, who should be a revision rhinoplasty expert, tells you that you need to wait a full year before revision surgery. That's how long it takes for the nose to fully heal and settle to get the best result from revision rhinoplasty.

You may obtain a copy of your pre-operative, operative, and post-operative notes and photographs by requesting them from the practice.  While you may request these be forwarded to another physician, it's always helpful to keep a copy for yourself and bring them to a consultation.  Reviewing your "before" photos yourself may also prove and eye-opening experience to see how far you've come; it's common for people to forget what they looked like preoperatively.Most rhinoplasty surgeons feel that a nose requires a year to a year and a half to settle down post-rhinoplasty.  Depending on your concerns and exam findings, you may be advised to wait resolution of post-operative swelling, undergo steroid injections or other non-surgical treatments, or consider revision surgery.  If you don't want to continue treatment with your original rhinoplasty surgeon, you may certainly seek out a second or third opinion.  If you were my patient, I would appreciate a note or conversation regarding your experience and specific reasons for seeking care elsewhere; this is not required but can often prove very helpful to a practice.  Best of luck!

First of all, continue with your surgeon -- your nose needs a year to mature and have the swelling go down. Try to get a copy of the operative report and your pre op photos, at some point get a second  opinion -- dont' be surprised if the next surgeon charges for a consultation. See what another doctor says. They may have yo0u wait -- dont' be surprised.

Hi,  It is not uncommon to want to get another opinion after any cosmetic surgery if a patient feels that they are not headed in the right direction.    If you are sure you do not want to go back to the original surgeon, then all you need to do is pick up your records your p.s. office or have them sent to you.  You can also have them sent to the next surgeon but it is great to have records in hand.  It is true that 6 months after a nasoplasty is not long enough to reoperate, generally speaking, but you certainly can get an accurate assessment of where you are going and the options another surgeon might suggest.  Do not hesitate to get more than one other opinion esp. if there is a complex issue you have with your nose.  Good luck with your search.  NEVER feel obliged to stay in an office with a doctor in whom you have lost trust.            Steven M. Lynch, M.D.             Albany, New York

If you are not happy with your surgeon, then you can go to another surgeon for evaluation. You can also request your medical records from your surgeon.  Best of luck.

Hello Sjd12345. Thank you for your question.Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.I think having an open discussion with your surgeon is important.  You have the right to all your medical record by LAW. I would recommend seeking out a facial plastic surgeon who specializes in revision rhinoplasty to ensure you have an excellent chance of getting the result you hope for. Best of luck, Dr. S

Revision rhinoplasty is a very challenging procedure. I recommend you wait at least 6 months. You should seek out someone with expertise in revision work.You can request your records from your primary surgeon or ask your new surgeon to request them for you. Your photos are part of your record so just be specific about what you want - however, I do think it is a good idea go back to your primary surgeon for a discussion just so they know there were issues.There are surgeons that are dual trained and board certified in both plastic surgery and Otorhinolaryngology. 

You're free to seek a second opinion with another surgeon. Seek a rhinoplasty expert who chooses to focus their practice on nasal surgery as revision rhinoplasty is the most complex and challenging aesthetic procedure. You don't want a one stop plastic surgery shop to perform revision rhinoplasty for you. You can ask your plastic surgeon to provide a copy of your medical record. This is a frequent request and you should not feel uncomfortable asking for a copy of your record. Ideally, bring this with you to your consultation. Most surgeons will recommend waiting another six months before considering a revision procedure. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

I would agree with the other reviewer. I normally recommend waiting at least a year before performing a revision. If you are very uncomfortable with the original surgeon, then go get another opinion from a board certified plastic surgeon in your area. 

At 6 months postop, you likely still have some element of swelling in the nose. Most surgeons will recommend waiting about a year before considering a revision. I think it would be helpful to discuss your concerns with your original rhinoplasty surgeon to get their opinion about your nose.  If you don't feel that your concerns are being acknowledged, then it is always a good idea to get a second opinion. If you decide to do that, there should be no issue with the office releasing your records, including your operative report. Best of luck to you.