How often does Rhinoplasty go wrong?

Question

I have a slightly crooked nose that has two small bumps on either side of the bridge, I would like to have Rhinoplasty to get it straightened but I've heard some people say they don't like the way their nose looks after surgery, How often does Rhinoplasty go wrong? I've heard it's the most difficult type of surgery.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

I do agree that rhinoplasty is a
surgical procedure with a long learning curve, and many excellent surgeons do
not have extensive experience in rhinoplasty, which is very different than most
other cosmetic procedures. In an experienced and skilled surgeon's hands,
though, the chances of an operation going "wrong" with a result very
different than you expected should be very, very low. That being said, the
healing process involves multiple structures, and even in the most skilled
hands, a revision rate of about 10% should be expected, but these revisions
should be considered as refinements and not major makeovers. Your choice of
surgeon is extremely important. Review surgeons' credentials, experience, and
pre-op and post-op results to make sure your aesthetic matches that of your
surgeon, and be sure your surgeon can carefully listen to you and individualize
your result. Good luck in your search.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

I would say rarely.  In fact, I have not seen a nose that was not substantially better after a rhinoplasty that I have performed.  Sometimes patients cannot be satisfied despite maximal improvement.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Mark D. Wigod, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty is a challenging operation.  The best way to avoid " going wrong " is to not make the nose do something is was not meant to do.  That means making changes that make sense with a high likelihood of success and to have realistic expectations.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

your first step has to be to get multiple consultations with board-certified facial plastic surgeons and plastic surgeons.  This eventually want to focus her energy on people who clearly perform a lot of rhinoplasty and understand that perhaps being conservative would be better for a in order to ensure a more natural outcome.  Without more information I can be of more help to but there is always some risk of needing a revision or feeling like there are imperfections of the nose after your rhinoplasty.Chase Lay, MDDouble board-certified facial plastic surgeon

William B. Rosenblatt, MD · Answer

There is always a revision rate after a rhinoplasty. That doesn't mean it "went wrong". Minor changes can be corrected occasionally. The revision rate depends on the skill of the surgeon and the problem that they are confronted with. Severely twisted noses are the hardest. See an experienced rhinoplastic surgeon.

Jarrod Little, MD · Answer

Achieving the desired results with rhinoplasty depends on two things:  appropriate expectations and skill of your surgeon.  Not all patients can have the nose of their favorite hollywood celebrity.  Final results are not seen for 9-12 months after the procedure. Rhinoplasty is one of the most difficult cosmetic procedures.  Therefore, it is very important that you consult with a board-certified Plastic Surgeon, who has a particular interest in rhinoplasty.

David Alessi, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

The average revision rate for rhinoplasty in expert hand is about 10%.  This can be from a number of issues such as irregular scarring, trauma to the nose after the surgery, boney swelling (callous formation), etc.  Most revisions are minor.  In in-experienced hands, the revision rate can be as high as 50%.  Seek out a board-certified Facial Plastic surgeon.  Make sure all your wishes are understood and the doctor is listening to you.  Also, make sure there is good post-operative follow-up.  Many issues with aberrant healing can be treated with post-operative nasal massage.  Good luck!

How often does Rhinoplasty go wrong?

Answers (7)

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