What is the Satisfaction Rate of Patients Who Undergo Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty satisfaction is quite high in the sense that patients will say they are glad that they had the operation.  However, these patients tend to be a bit more persnickety and recognize minor problems and complain about them more.  Perhaps this is because they look directly at the nose when they look in the mirror.

 

Hello,

  You have asked a very provocative question.  Satisfaction after surgery is equally dependent on the person having surgery as it is the surgeon performing the surgery.

  For primary cosmetic rhinoplasty every nose should look better after surgery then it did before surgery.  Period.  For some patients a small improvement in shape and size is worthwhile.  For other patients, a large improvement can be failure if it reaches anything less then perfection.  Whether or not a patient is happy with their results can largely be affected by preoperative expectations.  It is very important to discuss with your surgeon what can and cannot be accomplished with surgery.  When expectations are appropriately set before surgery, most rhinoplasty patients are happy with their results. 

  Revision rates for the occasional rhinoplasty surgeon will typically be quoted to be around 15%.  Even the best rhinoplasty surgeons will have a revision rate of around 5%.  The reasons vary, but can be little things like subtle asymmetries or calcium deposits that developed during the recovery period.  The percentage of complete redos should be low for an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Hope this helps.

Rhinoplasty (nose job) is my favorite procedure because I find that my patients are the happiest after receiving a nose job.  This procedure involves a small alteration to your physical anatomy, but the results are huge.  Your face can look softer and more refined.  And when you like the way you look it affects the way you feel. 

I'd say, including a rare case, I find that Rhinoplasty has a 99% satisfaction rate.  I personally find Rhinoplasty revisions to be rare.  Make sure to really communicate your desired look to your plastic surgeon to avoid having to have an additional surgery in order to achieve the look you desire.  And choose a plastic surgeon that specializes in Rhinoplasty- nose job surgery that has tons of experience. It is helpful to use their before and after photo gallery to find examples of the look you desire (and also what you don't want).  -Dr. Salzhauer

This is a great question.  Surgical rhinoplasty can be challenging for many reasons.  Patients often want changes that are significant, but not necessarily obvious.  Striking this balance can be particularly elusive with rhinoplasty surgery.

A major advancement for the field and for individuals not 100% happy with the appearance of their noses, is the use of dermafillers for non-surgical nasal modifications. 

I find most changes can be performed very well with fillers and most patients are very happy with both the modifications and the absence of a visit to the operating room.

Good luck in your search for information!

This question may not have a "correct" answer since it really depends on a patients expectations. Most patients are happy with their original rhinoplasty but we know that 10% to 15% need to be revised for various reasons. However, in patients who have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (a condition where minor imperfections cause distress out of proportion to the imperfection), revision are very unlikely to help, and may cause more frustration.