Why do some nose job surgeries turn out looking unnatural?

     Thorough analysis of each patient's nose, good communication between doctor and patient, comprehensive surgical planning, and meticulous surgical technique are all important to achieve the ideal result for your rhinoplasty. It is also important for patients to understand what is, or is not, reasonable in terms of expectations for rhinoplasty results. For instance, patients with very thick skin cannot achieve a tiny button-nose result from rhinoplasty. But dramatic yet natural results are achievable for almost all patients.     There are patients who have unnatural or surgical looking rhinoplasties. Having a surgical result is generally avoidable. Some specific characteristics of unnatural looking rhinoplasties are unfortunately common. These include:1. an over-resected, harshly scooped-out bridge;2. a pinched, collapsed, pointy nasal tip;3. large, flaring, retracted nostrils;4. asymmetry;5. irregularities of the bridge or tip.     Such deformities can be predictable and may be avoided in most cases with careful planning and surgical technique. It is important to remember, however, that approximately 15% of rhinoplasties will require revision (subsequent surgery) even with optimal planning and technique. The unpredictable nature of healing, cartilage "memory," and other factors contribute to the revision rate.These are important issues. Find a board certified plastic surgeon who has a special interest in rhinoplasty, who listens to your goals, and explains his or her surgical plan in clear, sensible terms to you. Good luck, good question.

The unnatural rhinoplasty result is the product of having fixed ideas about a pretty nose, using the same nose on every face rather than creating a nose that match the face and is in harmony with the rest of the face, what we routinely teach. Rhinoplasty is the most challenging plastic surgery procedure since it require utmost finesse, experience and it is extremely unforgiving. In the expert hands the rhinoplasty results look very natural and in the websites of seasoned surgeons the noses do not look alike since there not many faces that look alike. Every nose is different. 

Hi Nicci,Rhinoplasty is the most difficult of all plastic surgeries.  It is very important to choose your rhinoplasty surgeon most carefully to avoid an unnatural appearance.  Rhinoplasty requires the skill and experience of an excellent surgeon combined with the artistic vision of a true sculptor.  Each rhinoplasty should be individualized to meet the needs of the patient.  In your case, a subtle rhinoplasty can help you achieve your nasal aesthetic goals without the worry of an unnatural appearance.  Good luck and be well.Michael Persky, MDEncino, CA

There are many variables to go into the rhinoplasty procedure, such as the surgeon's expertise, pre-existing anatomy, the healing process of contraction of the three-dimensional structure of cartilage, bone and skin on the nose. Experience really matters a lot, so choose your surgeon wisely

I believe the most important factor is the surgeon. He needs to understand the concerns/goals of the patient and then assess the anatomy and tissues of the patient to determine how likely it is that the desired result is obtained. There are certainly patients who are looking for extreme or 'unnatural' changes to their noses but in my experience they are in a small minority. Virtually all patients are looking for 'Natural' results. A consult with a surgeon is imperative to start to get a 'reality check' on what can be accomplished for you. Look for a surgeon with experience who appears to understand what you want and provides you with what appears to be a reasonable course of action. See several other surgeons as well to compare and to get educated. You should be able to finally commit to a surgeon whom you trust to do an excellent job for you.  Best of Luck   Dr Harrell

There are many possible causes. Let me make some suggestions to avoid this problem. First, select an experienced rhinoplasty specialist. Don't shop price; the most expensive is not necessarily the best, but don't let price be your only parameter.. Some patients ask for unnatural changes but it is the surgeon's responsibility to educate them. Find a surgeon who shows you multiple examples of natural results in patients who have noses like yours.