Nose is collapsed - am I wrong for requesting a refund?

Question

I had rhinoplasty done in January of 2022 since then I’ve been having issues and I’ve been back and forth with the surgeon. I have been to several ENT however, I could not find one to take my case until yesterday. After the exam and other things were done he said my nose is pretty much copplased!!! I will need a complicated surgery to fix the upper valve of my nose and also stints put in. I reached to the surgeon and he refused to even acknowledge or get on the phone.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Yeah that’s typical of plastic surgeons. I suggest you start by writing a letter and requesting a refund. Many surgeons will give a full or partial refund so they don’t have to deal with it anymore.

Gianfranco Frojo, MD · Answer

It is not uncommon for a result to be unanticipated or unexpected that is not on par with what the patient was hoping for in rhinoplasty. I would recommend writing a letter, calling or seeing the original surgeon to discuss your concerns. Any legitimate American Board of Plastic Surgery certified surgeon would be concerned about a potentially unhappy patient. I would recommend reaching out to the office manager also if that does not work.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

That said, it's impossible to determine what actually happened without seeing your before and after photos and without a more explicit description of the issues that you are having. Please feel free to re-ask your question with before and after photos and please opine about what issues you are having since your surgery was performed in January of 2022. Thank you. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.Your nose can collapse after a rhinoplasty surgery (most of the time it is one of the nostrils). It is one of the risks, and this depends on your skin mostly.Anyway, your surgeon should accept to perform your revision at a lower cost since you are already its patient. It depends on their rules, each surgeon have their own rules.
Best regards!

Mustafa Bagli, MD · Answer

Firstly I'm sorry to hear about your post op complications. Nasal valve collapse is a known riskafter rhinopslaty ,even for experienced suergeons.In undeisred aesthetic result or complications situation I believe your focus should be on how to solve this problem.
I can understand your frustration and will for a refund, the complexities of nasal surgery and individual healing processes can lead to unpredictable outcomes. It's unfortunate that communication with your initial surgeon has been challenging, but the priority should be on seeking a solution to improve both the function and appearance of your nose.
I recommend consulting with a specialist in revision rhinoplasty and nasal reconstruction to explore your options for correction. Additionally, consider gathering all relevant medical records and imaging for your new surgeon's review.
While the issue of a refund is complex and varies by practice, your main focus should ideally be on your recovery and finding the best path forward for your health.
Best wishes,
Dr. Mustafa Bagli, ENT and Rhinoplasty Surgeon

Thomas Spalla, MD · Answer

That sounds like a very difficult problem, and one I've seen many times. If your surgeon won't see you, that's a big red flag. Nasal valve collapse is an unfortunate complication in reduction rhinoplasty, and a situation that often warrants revision surgery. Try and have a frank discussion with your primary surgeon to determine the cause and potential means to fix this situation. If you don't feel comfortable with this surgeon performing a revision, which is perfectly acceptable, seek another reputable rhinoplasty surgeon with experience performing revision cases.

Jeffrey C. Hamm, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Hi and welcome to our forum!
There is inherent risk of nasal collapse following rhinoplasty. If discovered early in the postoperative period, it can be treated successfully. Otherwise, nasal collapse requires later reconstruction. Depending upon the nature of the collapse, different procedures are available. The nasal valves are located at the junction of the nasal septum and the nasal bones. If the angle between the septum at midline and the lateral nostril wall is too narrow, there will be an external deformity, nasal airway obstruction or a combination of both. I do not feel that this represents malpractice, but rather an unfavorable outcome.
Freely discuss this issue with your surgeon, if possible.
Best wishes...

Nose is collapsed - am I wrong for requesting a refund?

Answers (7)

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