POSTED UNDER Revision Rhinoplasty REVIEWS
Awful Experience - Sewell, NJ
ORIGINAL POST
I went to see Dr. Becker after having issues with...
tub06634October 24, 2016
I went to see Dr. Becker after having issues with breathing due to a few broken noses. Regardless, I had a surgery 6 years prior to fix some of the same issues. The doctor did a pretty good job, but I continually got bumped in the nose while playing sports. I didn't go back to my previous doctor because he was not very experienced in revision, but because he did a poor job. Regardless, prior to Dr. Becker's surgery I could not breathe from my left side due to a nose that was displaced and a slightly collapsed upper lateral cartilage. Luckily, you could not really tell it was crooked and it looked pretty good.Before surgery, I had an enormous amount of confidence and was told I was very attractive frequently.
At Dr. Beckers consultation, I asked for him to improve my breathing, straighten my nose, and take down 2 minor irregularities. He proposed that we SLIGHTLY deproject the tip and make it less bulbous. I agreed because he said this was not a very difficult thing to do and I did see what he meant, but was not losing sleep over it.Regardless, his confidence and credentials made him seem like the ideal guy for surgery, so I went with him.
The day surgery came, I asked Dr. Becker what he was doing during surgery because something in my gut was saying something is not right and I did not have this feeling during my previous surgery. He responded this way word for word, " exactly what we discussed". That was the start of an awful experience and surgery with Dr. Becker. I should have left the surgery center right there.
About 2 days after surgery, I finally looked at my face noticed my tip was even more crooked than before, but was hoping it was swelling. Next, I looked up my nose and saw that my upper lateral cartilage was still on the septum and not fixed. Therefore I already basically knew my surgery was for nothing because the main reason for it was to fix my breathing. Before surgery, I would slightly move my upper lateral cartilage off my septum and could breathe so much better. I showed the dr this prior to surgery too.
Regardless, I was still anticipating the cast coming off and seeing my minor irregularities fixed, because I remembered how happy I was after my cast came off last time. Let's say I had the complete opposite reaction this time. The second my cast came off I knew something was awfully wrong. Instantly, I noticed my nose was even more crooked, I had giant bumps in places I never had them, my tip was even more twisted, uneven nostrils,cartilage displaced, and fatter/wider nose then before. This time everything was now noticeable.
The Dr. said he had no issues during surgery and it was just swelling, but I knew something was wrong because my nose looked nothing like this during my last procedure and I had more done. Well, it is 9 months later and all of the issues before surgery are so worse and noticeable. Not only that, but I now have so many more issues and a much bigger nose. When I asked for the Dr's notes, I noticed all of his notes were basically made up. I honestly don't think this doctor really takes notes during his consultation and his post-op notes are completely made up. They all said that I was happy with my results. I was in shock when I saw that.
Yes, Dr. Becker is very polite and I liked him as a person. Additionally, I liked his confidence because I am in sales and confidence typically demonstrates you are good at what you do, but he didn't demonstrate that type of success with me. I would not recommend this man for a rhinoplasty due to my own personal experience. This man has taken a year out of my life away. I lost my confidence and never go out anymore. My smile is just downright awful and that used to be the most attractive portion of me.
I now need to have surgery again and hopefully the doctor can fix some of these issues that Dr. Becker created. It is funny that if you look at my "before" and "after", it looks like my "before" should be my "after".
P.S - The doctor was polite enough to give me a full refund tho. But at the end of the day, I wanted my nose to be fixed and my expectations were VERY achievable because they were so small, but instead I ended up with a disaster. I know that with him giving me a full refund, I probably shouldn't have written this because MOST doctors would not due that, but I felt the need too.
At Dr. Beckers consultation, I asked for him to improve my breathing, straighten my nose, and take down 2 minor irregularities. He proposed that we SLIGHTLY deproject the tip and make it less bulbous. I agreed because he said this was not a very difficult thing to do and I did see what he meant, but was not losing sleep over it.Regardless, his confidence and credentials made him seem like the ideal guy for surgery, so I went with him.
The day surgery came, I asked Dr. Becker what he was doing during surgery because something in my gut was saying something is not right and I did not have this feeling during my previous surgery. He responded this way word for word, " exactly what we discussed". That was the start of an awful experience and surgery with Dr. Becker. I should have left the surgery center right there.
About 2 days after surgery, I finally looked at my face noticed my tip was even more crooked than before, but was hoping it was swelling. Next, I looked up my nose and saw that my upper lateral cartilage was still on the septum and not fixed. Therefore I already basically knew my surgery was for nothing because the main reason for it was to fix my breathing. Before surgery, I would slightly move my upper lateral cartilage off my septum and could breathe so much better. I showed the dr this prior to surgery too.
Regardless, I was still anticipating the cast coming off and seeing my minor irregularities fixed, because I remembered how happy I was after my cast came off last time. Let's say I had the complete opposite reaction this time. The second my cast came off I knew something was awfully wrong. Instantly, I noticed my nose was even more crooked, I had giant bumps in places I never had them, my tip was even more twisted, uneven nostrils,cartilage displaced, and fatter/wider nose then before. This time everything was now noticeable.
The Dr. said he had no issues during surgery and it was just swelling, but I knew something was wrong because my nose looked nothing like this during my last procedure and I had more done. Well, it is 9 months later and all of the issues before surgery are so worse and noticeable. Not only that, but I now have so many more issues and a much bigger nose. When I asked for the Dr's notes, I noticed all of his notes were basically made up. I honestly don't think this doctor really takes notes during his consultation and his post-op notes are completely made up. They all said that I was happy with my results. I was in shock when I saw that.
Yes, Dr. Becker is very polite and I liked him as a person. Additionally, I liked his confidence because I am in sales and confidence typically demonstrates you are good at what you do, but he didn't demonstrate that type of success with me. I would not recommend this man for a rhinoplasty due to my own personal experience. This man has taken a year out of my life away. I lost my confidence and never go out anymore. My smile is just downright awful and that used to be the most attractive portion of me.
I now need to have surgery again and hopefully the doctor can fix some of these issues that Dr. Becker created. It is funny that if you look at my "before" and "after", it looks like my "before" should be my "after".
P.S - The doctor was polite enough to give me a full refund tho. But at the end of the day, I wanted my nose to be fixed and my expectations were VERY achievable because they were so small, but instead I ended up with a disaster. I know that with him giving me a full refund, I probably shouldn't have written this because MOST doctors would not due that, but I felt the need too.
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Replies (22)
October 27, 2016
Sorry to see what you've gone through. Trust me when I say, "I know how you feel." I went from having a narrow bridge and a wide, boxy tip to a wide bridge and a narrow, pointy tip. My nasal cartilage is not in positions it ought to be in--doesn't resemble normal human nasal anatomy. Very bummed but determined to get past this horrible experience. Rooting for you man! Keep your head up--even though I know more often than not it's hard to do!
October 27, 2016
i hope you find someone to help you. i supposedly went to the best and came out with a short nose without a columella. it's so depressing. i used to be pretty and now just sort of look--meh. I'm known for my style and the people i know think i chose this! it's embarrassing and i hope you can get help. i'm glad you got your money back. I did as well. he shortened my tip close to 6 mm without my permission. these people are ridiculous!
October 27, 2016
sorry! i was at work and literally felt so sad for you but I was driving and literally had no time to write! i said omg because i can't believe these doctors! you still are a handsome man but they take liberties that aren't fair to us. please don't take it like that. i feel so sad for you.
October 28, 2016
For what it's worth, I still think you are an extremely handsome man... but I do know the frustration in going through something like that and not getting the result you want- it does seem very unfair that the surgeon will not own up to his inability to give you what you asked and paid for. Also, I'm not an expert but I was wondering (and hoping) that maybe since yours is a revision there might still be residual swelling in the tip that may still go down? I've heard it sometimes takes over a year!
October 28, 2016
Thank you for the comment, but this is far worse than just an issue with the tip. This guy has very little to no artistic talent. My right cartilage sticks out, my nostrils are different sizes, tip droops, huge bump in in the middle of my nose, etc etc ... it has been over 9 months, so hopefully I can get a revision in January. It is sad that something that was suppose to be so subtle destroyed my nose. I am not the first person this guy has done this too. He also suggested me to see someone who had to flee NYC to Texas for a similiar reason. Always do your research
October 28, 2016
Why don't you look into Kassir . He's in the NJ/NY area and is one of the best .
October 31, 2016
I just looked into him. Although my info states I am from "New York", I am actually from the Philadelphia area. I just thought that area, with it being rather closer, could get more responses. Either way, New York is only 2 hours max and am looking to schedule a consolation with him too.
I actually consulted with Robert Kotler from LA on Fri. He told me that he could improve my situation dramatically, but thinks it is best to get someone within driving distance due to all the work that I will need post-op. Ironically, Becker didn't do a single thing post-op, which makes everything even more baffling. The three consultation I have had since him have all stated that steroid injections will be needed post surgery to deal with swelling/scar tissue.
Another doctor that I have an appointment with Eric Joesph in NJ. He looks pretty good too.
Thank you for all your help tho. I appreciate it and any more feedback would be great. Either way, I will stay in touch with you and let you know who I go with and how it goes. Excited to fix this issue and hopefully breathe better.
I actually consulted with Robert Kotler from LA on Fri. He told me that he could improve my situation dramatically, but thinks it is best to get someone within driving distance due to all the work that I will need post-op. Ironically, Becker didn't do a single thing post-op, which makes everything even more baffling. The three consultation I have had since him have all stated that steroid injections will be needed post surgery to deal with swelling/scar tissue.
Another doctor that I have an appointment with Eric Joesph in NJ. He looks pretty good too.
Thank you for all your help tho. I appreciate it and any more feedback would be great. Either way, I will stay in touch with you and let you know who I go with and how it goes. Excited to fix this issue and hopefully breathe better.
UPDATED FROM tub06634
Put a batten graft in an uneeded spot.
tub06634November 9, 2016
I wanted to update this post because I forgot to add a huge issue that was done that was not needed nor agreed upon for surgery. After showing the doctor that my issue with breathing was related to a minor collasspe in my upper lateral cartliage and/or could have just been corrected by straightening my nose, he still put a batten graft on the left side of my nose tip that was clearly not collasped nor needed nor agreed upon. Even my pictures show no collaspe before and they are posted on the site. I now see in his notes he put I had a modified coddle collasspe but I 100% know I told him that the test did not work and showed him what the issue was, but confirmed with my other 3 doctors that I consulted with that I did state that the coddle test did not work, but somehow Dr. Becker didn't note it? Even before surgery I showed him my issue and he simply said "were doing everything we talked about", but NOTHING WAS DONE that was talked about and only made SO MUCH WORSE. I told him if I am having this surgery, it can not alter the shape of my nose or make it any bigger. I wanted it the same or smaller or I wouldnt have it. He confirmed that nothing would change, but the nose tip be less bulbous and that is what the image he showed me would look like. Post surgery, I have a wider, more bulbous tip with my middle valut carliage showing out of my skin on the right side. This man ruined my nose. PLease do your research before selectin this doctor. I NOW have found many issues like mine with him
Replies (9)
November 10, 2016
Sometimes these guys just collect the money, do the job, go home and enjoy life. The thing is, when they screw up it truly ruins lives. I'm in the same boat. My nose is jacked and I'm going to have to go through a very risky revision to try to get it looking normal again. :/
November 10, 2016
I just wonder why in the world he would suggest deprojecting the tip, and making it less "Bulbous" . Your nose was not long (overprojected) nor was it overrotated or bulbous. What is wrong with this guy? He should have never proposed anything cosmetic . Especially, when you just came in for breathing problems. That's the problem . When surgeons do this , it's when they make a HUGE mistake . If the patient says nothing , don't propose anything . Just do what they came in for unless they mention something . Keep your mouth shut. Most people don't understand that a slight change can totally warp the way you view yourself, and sometimes not for the good . Clearly , this is not the case here . He obviously did more than minor , but the point is they should never propose changes when the patient Didn't come in for that.
August 1, 2018
I know this is an old thread but I’m wondering if you had a revision after Becker’s surgery?
Becker did my original rhinoplasty. I have issues with supra tip edema which responds temporarily to cortisone injections but eventually comes back. He attributes this to excess cartilage that should have been shaved down during the surgery. Sounds like your issues may be a little different. Although he did use grafts with me also.
Wondering what other surgeons have said about Becker’s work and what they would have done differently??
November 7, 2018
I did have a revision and the doctor didn't attempt to really work on anything we discussed, besides clean up some of the scar tissue. He legit didn't even attempt to fix anything, because the operative report is very black and white. Fortunately, the nose does look a LITTLE better, but my tip is still super droopy and my entire nose is still crooked(cant breathe at all). The worst part is that I feel my cartilage and bone completed disconnected and crooked all day while I cant breathe from it. My issues might be complex, but a simple improvement was 100% attainable. I told my last doctor and showed him prior to my revision that if I lift the right side of my tip, it doesn't look droopy and its allows me to breathe better while making my nose look straighter and more normal. Regardless, I knew something was up because I had a very "difficult" revision that only took 2.5hrs, but usually they take 4hrs+. Something obviously doesn't make sense and gave me an outlook that most of these guys are just in it for the money. My previous career was in sales and some of these doctors make some of the scummiest sales guys, look like good people.
Nobody knows what Becker could have done differently because his operating report looks completely different from the end product. My nose was suppose to look almost identical post surgery to the point that we didn't even have an "after"photo... He was just supposed to help improve my breathing out of my left nostril.
Nobody knows what Becker could have done differently because his operating report looks completely different from the end product. My nose was suppose to look almost identical post surgery to the point that we didn't even have an "after"photo... He was just supposed to help improve my breathing out of my left nostril.
December 16, 2016
I feel truly sorry for you. Dr.Becker has a pretty good reputation and if you look at his website, the information he provides is amazing. But yes, he is the one to blame. You should do a Skype consultation with Dr. Guyuron, Dr. Kridel, Dr. Davis or Dr. Rohrich. Personally, those are my fave guys. Their results are excellent and they are very well versed in the different techniques required for such a revision. Good luck man, you are still good looking though.
December 16, 2016
Dr. Becker is a brilliant man with the verbal portion of how a nose works and how to fix it, but that does not mean you are good during the hands-on procedure. He fixed nothing and created a whole array of problems. He is a very good man, but my experience was awful. I am looking at other doctors around the PA/NJ area. I think I am going with Jonathan Pontell
June 25, 2017
Go to nyc ...for a dr..I have to spend more money due to to dr becker he lies about what he will do and decides to remove a tip of my nose if he had told me he would do this I would of left but he would rather have me pay 8000 in vain
March 24, 2017
Ugh, I had batten grafts in both sides of my tip and they were useless and bulky. Had them removed on Wednesday and am happier already! I am sorry for what you've been through. Off to read the rest of your review now!
June 25, 2017
My before picture looks like should be an after one . Dr becker should stop practicing or take classes anyone who goes to him is asking for years of aggravation no joke
UPDATED FROM tub06634
Revision on Wednesday
tub06634March 17, 2017
Last year I had a complete horror revision for a doctor that was suppose to touch up my nose and improve breathing. Not only did he not improve a single thing, but he made my nose fatter,wider,more crooked, hanging, and I lost my tip. It was suppose to be a simple touch up surgery and it completely changed my life for the worse.
I went from one of the happiest people to a person that never goes out. Surgeons had no idea how my nose came out the way it did with such little that was suppose to be done. No doctor have been able to say they can completely fix all of the issues this doctor caused.. hopefully we get some type of improvement..
I went from one of the happiest people to a person that never goes out. Surgeons had no idea how my nose came out the way it did with such little that was suppose to be done. No doctor have been able to say they can completely fix all of the issues this doctor caused.. hopefully we get some type of improvement..
Replies (32)
March 17, 2017
Are you going back to him for revision??
March 18, 2017
Do you think I am crazy? Haha. I am going to Jonathan Pontell. I should have went with him the last time.
March 20, 2017
Oh good :-) I just really don't think that the same surgeon can fix his mistakes . People always end up with the same nose afterward .
March 21, 2017
I fully agree. Also, I wanted such minor changes last time and to be able to breathe. It looks completely different and way worse. Can't take that chance again.
April 24, 2017
Have you had your revision with Pontell yet? I met with Pontell once before but decided to go with another doc for the septoplasty. I'm debating whether or not to have a second consult with him. I had a similar experience with my first operation (which was a septoplasty that was not supposed to change the shape of my nose at all). It's been 2 months and I've been told to wait for swelling to subside in another 4 months, but my nose is not getting any better and I'll probably need to have this fixed soon.
March 17, 2017
for what it is worth, I actually like your after better than your before, maybe that's because I need my nose made wider :) But I definitely wouldn't be afraid to go out in public!!!
I believe I am using Jonathan Pontell. Hear anything about him?
My nose is twice as bulbous, twice as wide, and twice as crooked. It is so sad, especially because I am in a very competitive field in sales and appearance is a big portion of it. Additionally, my social life has suffered. The girls I was seeing prior all left me within 2 months after surgery because they weren't attracted to me anymore. I used to be able to go out and meet girls almost every night. I haven't picked up one girl in 9 months. It is so depressing and I don't even go out anymore, because there is no thrill. This surgery ruined me completely and now another surgeon has so many more issues to fix that I feel it is impossible. Additionally, I had an ex that I dated for 6 years before last year come back to try and work things out, but she just wasn't attracted to me anymore. Stated something was different, when she was utterly obsessed with my looks prior. I know that sounds like I made out because looks are not everything, but you do need that physical attraction in a relationship.
Before this surgery, I was happy with my nose but wanted to breathe better. I had a surgery back in 09' that went pretty well, but the surgeon just did not have the experience for a revision or I would have went back to him.
I knew what was the issue with my breathing because I could put a q tip in my nose and move the upper lateral cartilage off of my deviated septum in my nose and breathe better. That is what needed to be fixed and it seemed like a simple fix. Also, if I opted for surgery, I wanted my twisted tip corrected, but it was not very noticeable, so I wasn't going to get surgery for just that issue.
Overall, what I want accomplished out of this surgery after I opted for it was for the doctor to eliminate a minor bump, fix the twisted tip, help me breathe better. He proposed that we also deproject the tip and make it a little bit less bulbous. The morphed picture looked identical to my nose with the tip raised very slightly and a bit less bulbous, while looking more refined. He said it was easy to do, so obviously I said why not. It appeared that he was very qualified, although I now see many other patients had similar issues with this doctor.
The report states he used a ethmoid bone as a batten graft for the left lateral crus, but I never needed a graft in that area and he never put one where it should have went. Additionally, it says he deprojected my tip and took out cartilage, but it looks like the opposite. My tip droops, uneven nostrils, wider and my bulbous tip. Additionally, it states he took out an irregularity on the right side, but never touched the minor bump on the middle of my nose.
Even with what the report states, it doesn't add up. Everything he put does not add up and he stated the survey could not have gone better. Even after the cast came off, he said the same thing. I mean, my reaction when the cast came off was just terrifying. My issues weren't because of swelling. I had bumps in areas that I never had them before. You just knew it went terrible, but the doctor still says he did a great job.
I honestly have no idea what to do as my entire life has fallen apart. I legit was on top of the world before it. This surgery was suppose to be so minor and has turned out into a disaster.