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POSTED UNDER Asian Rhinoplasty REVIEWS

Very Complicated Asian Rhinoplasty Revision (Goretex Removal and Rib Graft) and Can't Be Happier! - Melbourne, AU

ORIGINAL POST

I had my original Asian (close) rhinoplasty with...

CocaColaX
WORTH IT$12,931
I had my original Asian (close) rhinoplasty with gore-tex implant (bridge) and ear cartilage (tip) about 8 years ago from a famous Korean doctor. Never really happy with the results regarding the tip being far less defined than I would like it. Over the years, the Gore-Tex had shifted to one side and made my nose looked very deviated. The reason I had lived with it for so long is because I read horror stories about Gore-Tex implant removal and understand the huge risk associated with the procedure. However after seeing myself in many photos with cooked nose I decided I need to do something about it.
I live in Brisbane where choice of plastic surgeons isn't as great. I extended my search radius to the entire Australia and was determined to find the best surgeon in the country who will take out my 8yr old Gore-Tex implants/Ear cartilage and then build me a new and improved one. After doing loads of researches online, I found Dr Greensmith, who was famous for separating the conjoined twins. I contacted his clinic and booked a Skype consult, I was very impressed with his warm personality and his not so over promising approach regarding what he can do and can not do. He suggested using rib graft as new implants rather than re-use the ear cartilage as it is too soft for my Asian thick nose tip skin in order to build nice tip profile. We also discussed there might be needs to have my nostrils tucked in or adding a chin implants to enhance the overall look but he said will need to assess that in person. I was very happy with the consult and didn't want to waste any more time "interviewing" other surgeons to make the final decision.
His assistant Lee was really helpful getting all the paper work done quickly. I flew to Melbourne 2 weeks later for the surgery and met with Dr Greensmith in person the day prior. He was super nice and patient, answered all my questions. We designed the nose that I wanted in the 3D software. He also assessed my chin and nostrils and suggusted it wasn't necessary to have a permanent chin implants and the nostrils decision will be make AFTER the rib graft implant on the operating table. It is going to be open rhinoplasty and I was really concerned about scaring but Dr Greensmith promised him being a perfectionist, he will handle stitches with highest possible standard (and he definitely fulfilled this promise).
The operation went smoothly for about 4 hours, I didn't have lots of pain or bleeding immediately after I woke up. I stayed in hospital for one day and went back to my hotel for the remaining week. The pain on my rib weren't too bad I was able to walk around from day 3. There was no pain on my nose at all. I checked and photographed my nose every day, it did look quite ugly with all the splint, tapes and stitches.
On day 6, I went back to the clinic to get the splint/stitches removed by Andrew. The nose looked very straight so I was happy about that. However it looked really huge due to swelling. Andrew assured me that the swelling will go down in a few weeks’ time. I was a little worried about the swelling and having to go back to work on 2 days later. I thanked him and Lee and flew back to Brisbane on that day.
Upon return to Brisbane, it took me about 6 weeks for 70% of swelling to go down (I did the taping for about a week) and now 5 months after the surgery, my new nose looks awesome and so natural. It also become a little softer too compare to 5 months ago. I got loads of compliments with my new look and it has been life changing. The incision healed and aligned perfectly no scars or any evidence of my nose being cut open. I am really glad that I chose the best rhinoplasty surgeon in this country for my super complicated revision with removal of goretex implant and rib grafting. I will be attaching some before and after photos.

CocaColaX's provider

Andrew L. Greensmith, MBChB, FRACS

Andrew L. Greensmith, MBChB, FRACS

Specialist Plastic Surgeon

4.8 | 92 Reviews
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Replies (20)

October 28, 2016
Hi, I'm seeking revision as well but I am scared of the goretex removal and another botched rhinoplasty. What did he say about the removal of implant and di he have any complications with it? Thank you for your time. Your nose looks awesome btw! Exactly how I want mine.
October 29, 2016
Andrew was very honest during the skype consult. He said if there are infections with the gore-tex when he opens my nose up he wont be able to replace it with the rib graft on the same day. Will need to close it after Gore-Tex is out and wait for some weeks for the new implant. But the chances are slim if you have an infection and not aware of it. When I was in Melbourne the day before my surgery, he checked my nose again and from outside it appears no infection. All went well with my case. I researched for ages for the best doctor because of the complexity. I am going to upload a picture which you can see the actual Gore-Tex after Andrew took it out!
October 29, 2016
Thank you so much for getting back to me! Been researching all day.. Started to get a headache trying to find people who had similar experiences (removal of gore-Tex) and a successful 2nd revision. I was trying to find someone in my area but I will definitely look into going to him if I have no luck here. I really want to get it done so bad. I'm just so scared. My nose is worst then your previous.. I'd rather have your previous then my current.. I already had a bridge to begin with so I don't know why he convinced me to augment mine.. my fault for being so trustworthy to his opinion vs sticking to my guns. Wish me luck!
October 29, 2016
Best of the luck. The best surgeons are located in Sydney or Melbourne. Going interstate isn't so bad, my husband was in melbourne with me for 2 days over the weekend then I stayed in the hotel for 4 days until my stitches were removed on day 6 before flying home. Andrew is really amazing at what he does. My recommendation for you is to research extensively on surgeons' experience with Asian nose. Plus getting the Gore-Tex out isn't something that every rhinoplasty surgeons have performed on the daily basis in this country too...
October 29, 2016
Hi, just curious, who was this very famous korean surgeon? I plan on getting a rhinoplasty in korea soon, so i'd like to know who and what to avoid.
November 21, 2016
Hi there, i did nose job in korea three months ago but I really regret it now. I just want my original nose back. For me my old nose was best suited me now realized. It was huge mistake in my life. Please think about it carefully. Good luck.
March 4, 2017
Could u pls let me know which clinic u had it done in Korea before ?
November 21, 2016
Your new nose looks great! congrats!
November 21, 2016
Thank you for sharing your experience. I did nos job three months ago but I'm not happy for the results. I just want my original nose back. I feel deep depress because of my nose. If any one has experience about removed nose implant? I want to remove it but i scare after removed am i looks ugly? I Can't accept my nose. Please help me.
March 4, 2017
Ive just removed my nose implant about 3 months ago and I was planning to go Korea for the revision. Could u pls let me know which clinic or surgeon I should avoid in Korea . Which clinic u went before? You will be fine after the implant removed as will be back to normal or original nose . Could be look slightly higher than ur original nose :)
March 5, 2017
Hi maecool, thank you for replied me. I went to Korea? did it at ID hospital. The result is no bad only i cant accept it and it makes me depression. They shaved my nasal bone so if i remove it might be stay more flat and wide i guess. My original nose was perfect suite my face but now i feel my face looks strange when i smile my tip looks very wide. Why did you removed implant are you happy after that? Could you please share your experience with me? Thank you:)
January 10, 2017
I think your result looks amazing!!!! i have booked an appt with Andrew already. I was recently in Korea looking for a good nose surgeon, but I actually failed to find one with perfect before and after photos... I didn't end up doing my nose job in Korea... I would be interested to know which Korean surgeon did you nose?
January 11, 2017
lacie - i sent over a pm to ask about your experience in korea :)
UPDATED FROM CocaColaX
5 months post

Gore-Tex implant out of my nose...

CocaColaX
Gore-Tex implant out of my nose...

Replies (2)

October 29, 2016
Wow! So that's what it will look like! All I've seen is silicone removal. Thank you so much for sharing! I really appreciate it!! Oh, also wanted to ask if it was hard to remove because of the tissue ingrowth?
July 7, 2019
Frontal view pics of rib from front? Did he use dcf or solid rib ?
And he used rib in tip too??