3rd rhinoplasty - Can my nose be fixed? (photo)

Question

I have scheduled a 3rd revision rhinoplasty in Turkey in a couple of weeks. I am honestly terrified about whether it's going to be okay. At my first rhinoplasty I had a hump on the bridge of my nose. The result wasn't to my liking, it wasn't symmetrical so I had another surgery. This time the doctor inserted cartilage in the tip of my nose, because he wanted to add projection to my nose. This became a problem though because the cartilage is visible and it makes my nose longer and when I smile, it looks horrible. And the cherry on top of the cake: a dent started showing. I felt so bad about my nose and it really looks bad. My sons friend told him: your moms nose looks like a witches. This really hurt my feelings and makes me so insecure. Can you please tell me if my nose can be normal again, without any risks of cartilage showing through again, like it did the last time. I have asked the surgeon I have an appointment with and he is confident he can fix it, but I am still so scared. Can you doctors please advise me about this matter? Thanks so much!

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question and the photos.
I'm sorry for what you have had to go through, now looking at your third rhinoplasty. I know it takes alot to make the decision to have a rhinoplasty in the first place, and for it to not go the way you expected can be extremely frustrating. 
The good news, at least from what I can see on the photos, is I think the areas of concern can absolutely be addressed with a revision rhinoplasty. However, and probably as you have already seen, it does take longer for things to heal after subsequent surgeries as the swelling can persist sometimes for up to 18-24 months after a revision rhinoplasty. I think the most important thing is that you have a plastic surgeon that specializes in rhinoplasty that you feel you can trust and have confidence in. 
I hope this helps and wish you the best of luck! Kyle Kimura, MD

Guray Yesiladali, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

It’s completely understandable to feel anxious before a third revision &mdash; especially after two unsatisfying outcomes. But please know that you are not alone, and your situation is far from hopeless.
A skilled aesthetic and reconstructive rhinoplasty surgeon can achieve excellent results even in far more complex cases &mdash; including trauma patients with severe cartilage and tissue loss.
Surgical techniques, grafting materials, and technology have advanced significantly in recent years. With the right planning and hands, the visibility of cartilage, over-projection, or collapse can often be successfully corrected.
That said, in complex revision cases:
Your mental well-being is just as important as the surgery itself. Feeling emotionally supported and trusting your surgeon will make a big difference in how you experience the recovery process.
Be very selective in choosing your surgeon. Make sure they have extensive experience in revision rhinoplasty, not just primary cases.
Don’t hesitate to ask to see before–after photos of similar cases or to request clear explanations of what will be done differently this time.
You absolutely deserve to feel confident in your appearance again &mdash; and with the right approach, this is very much within reach.
&mdash; Güray Yeşiladalı, MD

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.
As far as I can see from your photos when choosing your doctor, be sure to look at his previous studies and ask similar nose samples. Your nose can become much better than it is now with a revision surgery, but since this is your 3rd operation, it is useful to be very careful when choosing, I recommend you to do good research.
Best Regards!

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

The profile view shows a nose that is just far too long, and yes there are other bumps on the lower bridge that make the dent in the middle.

It looks very much as though this is all due to the cartilage framework of your nose, and some significant improvements should be possible in a revision. You really need to see some morphs -- some computer generated modifications, generated by the surgeon -- of what the goal for your nose is. Otherwise, you're heading into an unknown operation. You won't know what the surgeon is planning to do. Morphs are crucial for any operation, even a first-time procedure, but they're just much much more important given your nose's current state.

You must check out your doctor. The country Turkey doesn't operate on your nose, one human being operates on your nose, and you need to make yourself comfortable that he knows exactly what you want and that he has the skill to accomplish that.

Suleyman Koken, MD · Answer

Hi, and thank you for sharing your experience in such an honest way.
It’s completely understandable that you’re feeling anxious, especially after going through more than one surgery without getting the result you hoped for. Based on what you’ve described and photos, especially the visible cartilage, the elongation of your nose, and the dent that appeared later, I believe there are a few things that can be done to improve both the function and appearance of your nose.
In your case, I would recommend a tip plasty to reduce the overprojection and improve the rotation of the tip (which currently seems a bit low). If needed, we may consider taking a cartilage graft from the rib, this is often necessary in revision cases where previous grafts are insufficient or compromised.
As for the indentation (dimple) on the bridge, this can often be corrected with a soft tissue graft, typically taken from the scalp. This helps to fill the hollow area and restore a smoother nasal contour.
Of course, as with any revision, there are always risks, but with careful planning and the right approach, I do believe your nose can be reshaped in a way that feels more natural and harmonious with your face.
Wishing you the best with your upcoming procedure.
Warm regards,Dr. Süleyman KökenPlastic & Aesthetic Surgeon Izmir, Turkey

3rd rhinoplasty - Can my nose be fixed? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: No offense, but you've had a very poor rhinoplasty ...

Answer: No offense, but you've had a very poor rhinoplasty ...

Answer: Tip plasty and soft tissue grafting may help achieve a more natural look

Answer: Tip plasty and soft tissue grafting may help achieve a more natural look

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3rd rhinoplasty - Can my nose be fixed? (photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: No offense, but you've had a very poor rhinoplasty ...

Answer: No offense, but you've had a very poor rhinoplasty ...

Answer: Tip plasty and soft tissue grafting may help achieve a more natural look

Answer: Tip plasty and soft tissue grafting may help achieve a more natural look

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.