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Bad Rhinoplasty by Dr. Uppal- asymmetric nose, breathing problems, uneven scar, runny nose etc

UPDATED FROM Ruth_a
1 year post

Who has Body Dysmorphia? Me or the surgeon? Do you guys see What I see?

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Ruth_a
$9,312
I thought I should share these 2 pictures of me 2 weeks after my second rhinoplasty. You would think that doctors take measurements or at least check if your nose is straight before they stitch it up and apply the splint, but think again. Things don't happen the way you think. I have paid £5400 for someone to mess up my nose and chuck my confidence in the bin.
I was always accused by Dr Uppal that I had Body Dysmorphia because I always complained about my nose results. I always refused this "easy label" that is used by most of the plastic surgeons when patients complain about their results. I don't have Body Dysmorphia. What I do have is a good pair of eyes that clearly see that the nose is not straight.
I so do regret having chosen Dr Uppal to perform the rhinoplasty on me. He is a hell of a salesman let me say it.
These photos were the breaking point to rush me to have a mini revision 1 month after my rhinoplasty. That was a huge mistake as now I have other type of problems ( scar tissue/discoloration to the skin).
Do not have a nose job, that is my advice to you guys out there!

Ruth_a's provider

Rajan Uppal, MBBS, FRCS

Rajan Uppal, MBBS, FRCS

Specialist Registered Plastic Surgeon

4.6 | 252 Reviews
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Ruth_a

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Replies (5)

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September 20, 2016
So he's a psychology major now? To rush to judgment that you have BDD is ridiculous. I agree with you, it's a convenient way for him to not have to take responsibility for his mistake.
September 20, 2016
September 20, 2016
It's absurd for a surgeon to try to scapegoat a patient like that. These issues are not in your imagination; they have had a very real effect on your life.
September 21, 2016
I think your profile is very attractive. I've had 3 rhinos (one at age 16, and 2 revisions over a span of about 45 years). I've never really been satified. Surgery is a gamble, not always resulting how we want it to. I have a similar uneven profile. I think scar tissue built up inside and I hated it so much I would cringe when I checked it out in the mirror. My surgeon injected a steroid, I think it was called kenalog. It really seems to be shrinking the uneven lump on my profile. I just wanted a straight profile, nothing fancy, but wound up with uneven nostrils and a less than desirable outcome. Ask a competent facial surgeon about this kenalog injection. I will go every year if I have to so my brain feels better about my face. I know exactly how you feel. You are still an attractive lady, so enjoy your husband and your new baby. You'll be so busy that hopefully your priorities will change to raising a healthy and happy child instead of focusing on your nose surgery. God Bless You and good luck with your new bundle of joy.
September 23, 2016
Thank you for this amazing review, very helpful and i hope you find peace or atleast a revision surgeon who can help you x
UPDATED FROM Ruth_a
1 year post

This was supposed to be a picture to share with family but I cannot.

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Ruth_a
This picture was taken when my baby was born. A moment of pure joy and happiness. I wanted to share this pic with my family and closest friends but I could not due to the appearance of my nose. It is very noticeable the scar tissue on my nose, this was done by Dr uppal when he was performing a mini revision with a pair of scissors. He wanted to release the skin from the cartilages but ended up damaging the epidermis which made the body to produce "glue" in order to protect the harvest that has occurred. This is called scar tissue and for people with thin skin like mine it is very visible to the naked eye. This photo reminds me of the failure of this revision rhinoplasty. I hope no one goes through something like this. It destroys one's happiness and confidence.

Replies (5)

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August 18, 2016
Well thanks for at least sharing it with us. It's a beautiful photo.
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August 23, 2016
Thanks [RS bleep]
August 18, 2016
I think you look gorgeous and radiant in this photo, and your skin on your nose is a very even colour and even. Have you looked into getting any treatment for the scar, I am left with a hypotrophic scar on my nose but it's very red and I have to cover it with make up.
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August 23, 2016
Hi. Now, I'm like you, I cannot leave the house without make up on. After the filler injection my nose bruised and 3 months later it is still very red/purple. So, I improved one thing but damaged another. I don't know what else to do really!!
August 22, 2016
Congratulations on your new baby. Take a break on your nose. Now focus on being a mom. Loving your baby and making new memories. I understand it's hard not to think of your nose... Believe me I really do understand but now you have a new gift. Enjoy your moments.
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August 23, 2016
Thank you. It is wonderful to have a baby yes and I am enjoying it but it is tough when you want to take pics but it is not that simple because the nose is out there for everyone to see. You cannot hide it.
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August 23, 2016
Is the scar you speak of on the tip, or rather right above the tip?
Why was he working with the outside of the nose?
Sorry I didn't understand that part completely.

I have a scar in that exact same area but it is from constant oil pooling in the same area for years (creating acne) because the underlying tip cartilages created a dip in the overlying skin.
Now I've got a hyper pigmented dent in the center of my messed up nose which is also, in turn, in the center of my face.
So I get how that can be like adding salt to an open wound.
It sucks..I feel you
I can't even address my scar until I get revision...what do you plan to do about yours? If anything?

I also have very thin skin (pale too) and I worry about even worse things happening to it when my next surgeon peels it back.
I have only had one surgery this far and it was closed.
There's so many things to worry about worth revision, it's unreal.
Never would have gotten this done if I even knew a fraction of what I do now.
August 23, 2016
Oh dear. Bless your soul...Congratulations on your beautiful baby. I can totally understand what you are going through...it is very sad to have beautiful moments and memories ruined by a failed rhinoplasty. I'm in the same situation as I've had failed rhinoplasty which left me with many complications that prevented me from seeking revision as it's just too risky.
UPDATED FROM Ruth_a
1 year post

18 months have passed - I'm trying to hang in there - it is tough

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Ruth_a
Hi guys, it's been a while since I din't update my review but I've been hands-full with my new baby and also having gone back to work.
So, over the past year I have had 4 steroid injections with Dr Uppal which made some improvement to decrease the scar tissue on my nose tip.
In February this year had a turbinate reduction surgery with an ENT Specialist to improve my breathing (the worst recovery I have ever had) and that improved only 10% of the airflow, so definitely not worth it.
In June I had a filler injection, once again with Dr Uppal, free of charge of course, and that seemed to work very well. The downside of it is that I am still bruised, so I can't leave the house without make up. It's pink/purple where the filler was injected.
Everything seemed to be going well up to this point. Dr Uppal had promised me to fix my nose until I was happy but he didn't keep that promise. After the filler injection he had his secretary sending me an email saying that the treatment was over and from now on I had to pay, and also he had the nerve to refer me to a psychologist. Once again he's trying to blame me with BDD for his bad results.
This only shows that they don't care. He just kicked me out of the door literally, and specially now that my nose was getting better even though it's still crooked. The little respect that I had left for Dr Uppal was crushed after the last consultation. They only care about profit, numbers and more clients to rip off. They promise you revision for free, consultations and injections but that is only until they want.
My advise for you out there that is thinking on having a rhinoplasty: think 30 times before you go under the knife. Try fillers first or PDO thread lift and have surgery only if you cannot really live with your nose. Don't forget that the outcome might not be what you had aimed and your money is gone once you book the surgery in. Also, the nose has a major function, you need a good airflow to be able to do sports, sleep well, eat, have sex, brush your teeth, etc. You only realise how much it is important until you don't have it. I feel embarrassed every time I have to eat with friends as my nose is dripping constantly. I wish I could go back to the old days of having a normal and functioning nose.
2 rhinoplasties have cost me £10.000 and took the joy, freedom and happiness that I once had which is priceless. I hope my story helps someone and this is the only the reason I am writing these reviews and post my pictures. We should always learn from other's mistakes.
Lastly, I would like to thank everyone that sent me messages of support. When you are feeling low and someone that doesn't know you tries to cheer you up, that is priceless. So, a big thank you to ALL of you out there that made me feel a bit better and helped cope through tough days. See you soon ;-)

Replies (5)

August 10, 2016
Hi dear, so sorry to hear how badly this surgeon treated you. Referring you to a psychologist is absolutely ridiculous! I can honestly say I think you have a very pretty face and I hope the nose thing doesn't take away your confidence completely. I do see the pain this caused you and it breaks my heart. All I can say is if you ever would decide on another revision, I can 100% recommend dr Ion. This man is so talented and caring. They are not all like dr Uppal. I too was devastated after my previous revision. Can't believe what a difference dr Ion made. Hang in there, there is still hope! My very best wishes ♥️
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August 10, 2016
Thank you very much. I've heard good things about Dr Ion. I'm glad he fixed your nose. I wish one day to fix mine as well.
[RS bleep]
January 19, 2017
Take legal action. Collect all proof you have, emails etc. I would advise anyone wanting to have comsetic surgery done to buy go pro cameras and have the surgeon film the entire procedure. HD cameras. The best ones so you can capture the fine detail. He can wear it on his head. Other surgeons have done it for videos they made. And if possible have someone else you trust in the room film it all too.
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January 24, 2017
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August 10, 2016
Great post and great advice. I couldn't agree with you more. Disappointing results can crush one's happiness and cause a whole host of other problems as well. As for your doctor trying to put the blame for your disappointment on his flawed work on your BDD is really low of him. Some human beings can be so cold. I'm reading a big fat book on BDD right now, written by one of the leading experts in the field. I'm no psychiatrist but what I'd say is most likely that you do NOT have BDD (because the problem you have with your nose is real, not just only capable of being perceived by you, but others can see it too--that pretty much rules out BDD, also the functional issues are seriously troubling you) but that you are dealing with something called 'situational depression', as anyone in your shoes would be. I know the struggle all too well. Best wishes. :)
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August 12, 2016
Thank you for your message. Yes, doctors have the "easy road" that is to blame BDD when a patient is not happy with the results. It is so much easier for them rather then assuming that they have messed up and that they will fix it free of charge no matter what. I agree with you, this is a "situational depression" because I will not be depressed once my nose is fixed, so very straight forward you would think, right??.... but the Doctor doesn't see it like that. He just sees that I am depressed, obsessed and I should see a Psychologist because my head is playing up. I just hope my post helps someone not to do the same mistake as me.
August 11, 2016
You look so similar to how look after revision rhinoplasty. I made the same stupid mistake too no idea what i was stepping into i hate my so called new look
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August 12, 2016
So, now we both have something to regret! We can only advise people not to do it.
August 13, 2016
Yes i agree. Its my biggest mistake in life. I had no idea really what i was stepping into.
August 26, 2016
Hi Ruth, I'm very sorry for your situation and can feel your pain as I also can't breath after having two rhinoplasties done. I was considering speaking with Dr Uppal and Dr Ion, but after reading your post I started taking my interest off Dr Uppal. Do you have any views on Dr Ion at all?
August 26, 2016
And just to mention having a doctor that is so self-confident at what he does that he doesn't even pay attention to your concerns is the worst!!! Wish you all the best :)
August 11, 2016
Great point about airflow and how quality of life goes down when it's compromised. I could breath well through my nose before my revision with an ENT/facial surgeon, but now at 6 months post my airflow is extremely limited. I hate breathing through my mouth all of the time. I hope people researching surgery carefully consider your advice.
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August 12, 2016
Indeed. More than trying to have a beautiful nose is to have a nose that functions well and do its job. I advise people to carefully weigh the downside of having a surgery that puts in danger the function of the nose. It is very hard to sleep, eat, run etc. A rhinoplasty is the most difficult and complex surgery therefore you should try to avoid doing it and if you are going ahead just choose a Facial Surgeon that has done a tone of rhinoplasties already. I hope this post helps someone.
August 13, 2016
I'm very sorry to hear about your results and can't imagine what you must be going through. I agree with the others - you have a very pretty face and I hope you are able to regain your confidence. I am still researching having a primary surgery done. I am undecided at this point because of what can go wrong. Can I ask if there is anything from this experience that you have learned about selecting a surgeon that you could share? Thank you.
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August 23, 2016
Yes, go for a Facial Plastic Surgeon that has done tones of rhinoplasties, at least 500. Do a lot of research. If it was today I would have gone to Dr Naderi or Dr Jose Barrera, both in America.