Should I go back to my original surgeon for my revision rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a nose job a little over a year ago and I'm not satisfied with the results. My nose looks better than it was originally but I don't think it's that symmetrical on both sides (I know we all have facial asymmetry's but this is pretty obvious) and there's other little things that bother me that I wanna fix. When I had my consultation I feel like I was not really sure what I wanted my nose to look like so I can't entirely blame the surgeon. do you recommend going back to the same surgeon?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello curiouskid12345 - Thanks for your question. If you have a good relationship with your surgeon, I always recommend that you speak with your original surgeon about revision. If you do not have a good relationship or the trust in your surgeon is gone, then seek revisional assistance elsewhere. Good luck, Dr. Shah

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

Your question is so important, and so commonly asked, that I made a tiny little essay to address it. Click on the "Web reference" link, just below my post, or go here:FacialSurgery.com/RealSelf/RealSelf_All_Treatments.htmlAbout half-way down that page is a section entitled "More plain talk: should you let your primary surgeon perform your revision?" Read that section, and I bet it will help a lot.

Julie Edween, DO · Answer

Curiouskid12345

If you had a positive experience and you trust your original surgeon, I suggest that you have your original surgeon evaluate the changes that you desire in your nose.  The original surgeon has first hand knowledge of details of what was addressed during surgery and will be able to give you a closer insight into outlining what changes are necessary to meet your desired goals.  If you have any reservations, or do not have confidence your original surgeons expertise, then I suggest you seek a second surgeons opinion.

Best of luck!

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty is harder than a primary rhinoplasty, so is very important to make sure your surgeon has lots of experience with the procedure. It's also important that you have confidence in your surgeon who can address the specific issues that you're interested in changing.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of your nose for breathing or appearance. Revision refers to operating on a nose that has had surgery previously. This increases the complexity due to the changed anatomy and scar.I would recommend returning to the original surgeon to any patient for any procedure, even if you don't want them to perform the surgery. They have all of your medical records, operative reports, and helpful information for the revision surgeon. They may be able to perform the revision or refer you to someone they trust.

Should I go back to my original surgeon for my revision rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)