Should I Trust the Same Surgeon to Do Revision Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had my first rhinoplasty almost exactly a year ago and started to notice some flaws at about a few weeks to a month after the procedure. As swelling has gone down it has, of course, gotten worse. I did notice in pictures that I had a minor imperfection before the surgery but now it is very noticeable in the tip of my nose. My doctor has offered to do a revision without the surgical costs because he wasn't satisfied with the results either. I'm confused as to what to do.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

This answer requires a judgement by the patient. There are many questions to be answered which influence your final decision. Do you still have a good relationship with the surgeon? Do you sense the surgeon feels confident? Is your surgeon a locally recognized revision expert? Are the areas to improve due to poor technique or due to the healing process? Please notice I haven't mentioned money. This is often a factor, but shouldn't be. Like most surgeries, your best chance is your first. So if your second surgery also fails, your chance of finally getting the nose your want, or even will be satisfied with, is usually low by this point. Therefore although your first surgeon will usually reduce or wave his/her fee, as much as it's difficult, don't allow this to influence your decision.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Definitely get a second opinion from a revision rhinoplasty experienced surgeon. Your tip is I adequately supported and asymmetrical etc. all of these can be reversed to give you a very attractive nose.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concern and reviewed your photos:

	You appear to have a droopy tip, and your lower bridge just above your tip is too high. Some might refer to this as a "polybeak". Your tip is also asymmetrical on your front view.

	Revision Rhinoplasty is never easy, and is arguably the most challenging facial plastic surgical procedure. So in that regard, get a second opinion from a reputable rhinoplasty surgeon.

	All the best.

	Dr. Joseph

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Tough noses sometimes need revision. Most surgeons report a 5-15% revision rate. As for who to do it, that is up to you.  A second opinion may be worth looking into.

Vincent P. Marin, MD, FACS · Answer

From your photos, it does appear that you had a challenging nose, but there is still significant reshaping to be performed on your nose. Revision rhinoplasty is one of the most challenging surgeries performed by plastic surgeons, and you should ensure that your doctor has significant experience in this. It is possible that you will need additional cartialge grafts as well to get the best result. See several surgeons to get a better feel for the next procedure before you decide.

Best of luck,

Vincent Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Best of luck,

Vincent Marin, MD
	San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Should I Trust the Same Surgeon to Do Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)