I'm not satisfied with my rhinoplasty, should my surgeon perform a revision for free as it's partially his fault?

It is difficult to give you a definitive answer without evaluating you in person or at least seeing photographs. If it is less than one year since your surgery, you still have healing to do. You cannot yet evaluate your final results or consider a revision yet.

After one year, if you are still unhappy, you can discuss a revision with your facial plastic surgeon. However, some of your dissatisfaction may be related to your own healing process and anatomy – rather than surgical error – and may not be fixable. One caveat: if your unsatisfactory results are actually due to the surgeon's error, as you suggest, a “free” revision might not be a bargain, as revision rhinoplasty demands even more expertise than the first rhinoplasty.



While I understand your frustration and your wish to avoid spending more money, if you are truly unhappy with your results after you have healed, then maybe you need to work with a different facial plastic surgeon who already has expertise in revision rhinoplasty.You need someone with superb skills. But first, give yourself that year to heal. I hope this helps.

 In our practice, we feel that it's important for patients to obtain their goal of achieving the nose that they desire. Some patients do require a minor touchup revision rhinoplasty. In our practice, we charge only for the anesthesia fee,  which is approximately $200 for our own touch-ups  for a revision rhinoplasty.  The industry standard is to charge for the operating room and anesthesia fee.

Hi Islandgirl17;

Most plastic surgery practices have a policy regarding "touch up" or revision rhinoplasty.  It may have been that that discussion took place, or you were given some written information about that, so I would definitely go back and check with you plastic surgeon's business office.  Ask to speak to the business manager. 

Don't forget, any cosmetic plastic surgeon wants to be proud of your results and to have you be a happy patient. 

Sometimes, as I am sure you understand, things just do not go well.  Even in the hands of the most specialized and experienced surgeons, sometimes Nature throws us a curve ball.  We know that some percentage of patients will need a touch up and are attune to addressing that issue with the patient, ideally, before the original procedure.  It is not too late to have a frank discussion with the doctor to ask what will be done and whether or not there will be a cost.  Sometimes the surgeon will charge a minimal amount.  Remember, there is also the issue of charges for the outpatient surgery center, doctor's office, or hospital, plus fees for an anesthesiologist.  Those are charged separately generally, or "rolled into" the overall fee.  But, that facility, and additional anesthesiologist's fees have to be considered if there is going to be another trip back to the operating room. 

Incidentally, it is best to go in with a positive attitude without being too accusatory.  It will make the discussion go much smoother. 

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS
Facial Plastic Surgeon
Author, SECRETS OF A BEVERLY HILLS COSMETIC SURGEON
Author, THE ESSENTIAL COSMETIC SURGERY COMPANION