Severe Retraction, Breathing Issues, and Poor Aftercare After Surgery With Dr. Guyuron

I’m sharing my experience as a former patient of Dr. Bahman Guyuron in the hope that it helps others make fully informed decisions.

This was a revision rhinoplasty following trauma to my nose and a deviated septum. In hindsight, there were several red flags I wish I had recognized earlier. The doctor did not require an in-person consultation before scheduling surgery, and at my pre-op appointment, he unexpectedly suggested shaving down my chin — something I had never mentioned or felt self-conscious about. That comment made me uncomfortable and, looking back, I see it as an early sign that our communication and aesthetic priorities weren’t aligned.

During my pre-surgical discussions, there was little detailed conversation about what I wanted for my nose. I trusted his expertise, but the result was not at all what I expected: my nose was made smaller and less projected, and the nostrils remained uneven and became severely retracted on both sides. The tip looked overly pinched and unnatural, and my breathing problems actually worsened. A later CT scan confirmed that my septum was still deviated, even though I was told it had been corrected.

About seven weeks after surgery, I sustained a minor sports accident. However, I had been cleared to resume contact sports at six weeks — guidance I later learned was inconsistent with what most top surgeons recommend (usually at least three months). I believe that advice, along with the structural weakening from excessive reduction, contributed to the outcome.

I also found the aftercare minimal. I was instructed to remove my cast myself and received very little postoperative follow-up. When I tried to express my concerns afterward, I felt dismissed. My attempts to discuss a possible revision or refund were ignored.

Eventually, I underwent a complex six-hour reconstructive procedure with another specialist, which fully rebuilt my nose using rib cartilage. That surgeon and his team provided exemplary care and restored both function and appearance.

While I’m grateful that my story has a positive ending, I strongly encourage anyone considering surgery with Dr. Guyuron to do extensive research, seek multiple consultations, and ensure you have clear, detailed communication and postoperative guidance. I wish I had.