Doing Revision Rhinoplasty on Patients whose mental health has severely deteriorated as a result of a botched Surgery?

Question

Hello, I am 22 years old and I had an unnecessary septo rhinoplasty at age 17 that has completely turned my life upside down and left me with several cosmetic issues as well as a breathing issue. This operation has completely devastated me, my life, and my family. Will a doctor turn me away if I begin to cry or am on meds for depression even if they think they can help me? Do I have to worry that my hope for a normal nose is gone because of how upset I am? Please be honest. Thank you.

Richard Mark Winters, MD · Answer

It is always troubling to see wounded souls.... those of us who cut our teeth in complex reconstructive surgery (and still make it part of our practices) are not strangers to the devastating effects that trauma, cancer, etc. can have on patients form and function..... the psychological effects of disappointing let alone disasterous elective and/or cosmetic surgery are in a category unto themselves...like complex issues, there is a wide range of emotions and responses amongst patients.... It is imperative for the revision/reconstructive surgeon to be able to both objectively evaluate the deformity, accurately assess the potential for improvement and compassionately determine whether or not the patient is a good candidate.... Although many patients are fragile, they must wrap their hearts and minds around any additional surgery's potential to improve their condition and any risks involvedWhile there certainly are land mines out there for surgeons including narcissists and patients with bonafide psychiatric disorders, the vast majority of patients with challenges ARE good candidates for revision rhinoplasty.... even if they require a bit more consideration and attention than others.... this all amounts to a process that will require effort on your (and perhaps your family's) part...You need a thorough evaluation and a well thought out plan....you will need to gain the confidence that your surgeon has the skills and aesthetic judgment to fix your problem....17/20 'experts' are either fibbing or don't know any better....you will need to see several doctors to become convinced...find out who OR nurses and doctors go to and who their family/friends go to.... do your homework and be sure that your revision rhinoplasty surgeon has:1. many years of rhinoplasty practice experience2. judgment and techniques that have evolved over time3. a practice focused on rhinoplasty 4. a willingness to do difficult, secondary and reconstructive cases5. an interest in teaching others how to evaluate and do rhinoplasty properly6. a willingness to share rhinoplasty resume, photos and patient experiences with prospective patientsgood luck...I hope this helps

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your questions and photos. I am sorry to hear that you and your family have been so devastated by having undergone rhinoplasty, complicated by poor outcome for breathing and appearance. I understand your concerns. The fact that you are on medication for depression and are seeking answers on what to do, suggests that you are on the right path to emotional and physical recovery. Based on your photos, I believe that you would benefit from a well done functional and cosmetic revision rhinoplasty. Patients seeking revision rhinoplasty are often emotional, anxious and depressed having to contemplate more surgery. While it is impossible to generalize how any one doctor may feel about taking your case or turning you away, I suspect that you will find many experienced, reputable physicians who are highly regarded for their empathy and compassion toward patients seeking recommendations for a revision rhinoplasty. Check out a potential doctors' reviews, credentials, Board Certifications, patients revision rhinoplasty photos and websites before scheduling your first visit. You may want to consider multiple physicians for their opinions, demeanor and "bedside" manner. Choose someone that you and your family feel the most comfortable with. Best of luck on finding the right path forward and try to remain positive. Hope this answer helps.

Doing Revision Rhinoplasty on Patients whose mental health has severely deteriorated as a result of a botched Surgery?

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Doing Revision Rhinoplasty on Patients whose mental health has severely deteriorated as a result of a botched Surgery?

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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