Do I go back for a 3rd revision or see another doctor? (Photos)

Question

I got a rhinoplasty 2 years ago. Results were disastrous and had a graft in my left side that broke off and was just floating in the skin. Doctor agreed for a revision and I expressed other concerns regarding breathing and super disproportionate shape. He went back in to fix it and took an ear graft. 2 months post operation and it still looks terrible… what do I do? Go back for a third revision or see another doctor? Legal action? I don’t see myself in the mirror and am seriously depressed now.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your photograph, you will benefit from a revision. The decision making process of going to your original surgeon versus a new surgeon can be complicated. Here is some general advice when trying to make this decision for your revision.   I highly recommend that my patients focus much more on real longterm before and after photographs rather than 3D imaging.   I encounter so many patients in my practice who see me for revision rhinoplasty who previously had surgery elsewhere who feel like they were mislead into surgery by surgeons who relied heavily on 3D imaging without adequate real before and after pictures to back it up.  Photoshop is easy but real surgery is very different.

I always recommend that you carefully evaluate your surgeon’s online before and after gallery on their website for both quality and quantity of results. Make sure that there are hundreds of real before and after pictures which demonstrate long-term follow up results. If your surgeon is posting mostly on table results without real long-term follow up results, that is usually a major red flag.  If a surgeon is posting mostly just splint removal day videos without longterm follow-up pictures, that can also be a red flag.   Long-term results are much more meaningful than on table results or 1 week post-op results.  With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I'm sorry you're having a rough time after two surgeries. I think you would feel better after getting a second opinion of your condition. Consider getting a copy of your operative reports to bring to your consultations. If you have severe functional and cosmetic issues, revision surgery may certainly be considered. We prefer using cadaver rib cartilage from the musculoskeletal tissue foundation MTF, here in New Jersey, for nasal tip and valve reconstruction. Wishing you all the best moving forward. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Do I go back for a 3rd revision or see another doctor? (Photos)

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Do I go back for a 3rd revision or see another doctor? (Photos)

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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.