What Are the Chances That I'll Be Left with a Deformity, Botched Nose Job, or a Complication?

Question

Hey! I am considering getting a rhinoplasty, but some of the "Not Worth It" reviews have freaked me out a little. What are the chances that my doctor will mess up?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear Yololivia,

	
		Those botched jobs can come from improperly trained plastic surgeons that were not researched thoroughly prior to surgery
	
		You can start by looking at specific reviews for surgeons discussing how their rhinoplasty went and how they like their results
	
		From there, look at before and after photos to see a nose like yours
	
		Realself is a great place to start


	Best regards,

	Nima Shemirani

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The truth is that it is possible to find a surgeon whose skill prevents such "botched"  results.  Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results.

	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

In rhinoplasty, as with any surgery, there is always the potential for a complication. This risk can be reduced by doing your research and finding a board-certified, experienced, rhinoplasty specialist. In the right hands, the chances of your nose looking worse than before surgery are very, very minimal.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

No matter what there will always be negative comments about a procedure especially one that is as technical as a rhinoplasty. Select a plastic surgeon that you trust and has experience, educate yourself about the procedure and most likely your plastic surgeon will meet your expectations.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It is very important to find a surgeon who performed 100's rhinoplasties a year, and has done so for many years. Rhinoplasty is the hardest procedure to perform an entire field of cosmetic surgery and it is important to look to find a surgeon who can give you the best results. Look at the surgeon's before and after photo gallery, ratings, reviews, testimonials and board certifications and experience in rhinoplasty

Peter E. Johnson, MD · Answer

If you look at published numbers, the revision rate for rhinoplasty can be as high as 20%, or one in five. This number is high to us as we revise only a few, but as you go for consultation ask your potential surgeon what his odds are for getting it right, and what is rate of revision in his practice.

Robert Brobst, MD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your thoughts while considering rhinoplasty. Rhinoplasty is a complex operation that is best performed by a surgeon with excellent training and experience. As with all operations, complications do occur and revisions are required. However with an attention to detail, surgical knowledge and execution through experience, and proper aftercare the ability to reliably produce great results becomes the rule.  Finding a surgeon that is experienced in not only primary rhinoplasty, but also in revision rhinoplasty, will let you feel comfortable that your are in good hands and will be well taken care of. 

	As a patient, I look to family and close friends for their suggestions as I seek care for any condition.  The best plastic surgeons build their practices through word of mouth by taking great care of patients. If you can't get any recommendation this way, seek a referral from your local physician that has "insider knowledge", but doesn't necessarily do the surgery himself. Your primary care physician or local otolaryngologist that can tell you who he sends his really difficult rhinoplasty patients to,  will have "insider knowledge" and can be of great help. A final option is the internet or local magazines. Just remember, these are advertisements and the top results do not necessarily reflect the best surgeons. In any instance, below are some criteria to evaluate your surgeon after you narrow your search.  

	Your surgeons credentials should include fellowship training in Facial Plastic Surgery, Otolaryngology, or General Plastic Surgery.  Your surgeon should understand both the cosmetic and functional aspects of nasal surgery. Again, experience counts. Make sure that nasal surgery is a large focus of their practice.  Evaluation of the surgeon's before & after results can help you appreciate their aesthetic sense and make sure it matches your own. Digital imaging can and should be used to give you an idea of what your results may look like and make sure that you and your surgeon are of the same mind. Finally, you should like the surgeon that is going to operate on you. It is an honor for a patient to trust you with their care. You should get that impression from your surgeon.

	 I hope this helps. Take care.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The best way to avoid any personal unfortunate experiences is to consult with well trained, board certified surgeons who specialize in rhinoplasty surgery. For example, I just got an e-mail from a patient on the East Coast who found out that her surgeon rarely did this surgery after her bad result. Carefully review before and after pictures of patients who had noses similar to yours.

What Are the Chances That I'll Be Left with a Deformity, Botched Nose Job, or a Complication?

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