A bad nose job can change your life. Obsessing over what went wrong, depression and figuring out what to do next can occupy your mind.
When a rhinoplasty doesn’t go the way you expected, you may even blame yourself.
It’s a hard thing to go through, but don’t worry, you do have options. Here are a few things to do and to consider when you’re not happy with a nose job.
The Healing Process
Healing is a tough time for some rhinoplasty patients.
You’re anxious to see how your new nose will appear, but can’t see past the initial bruising and swelling. But, it’s important to understand the healing process takes time and that swelling will go down.
The time it takes to heal varies from one person to the next. In fact, the recovery window your surgeon gives you may not be exact to the day or minute.
In some instances, it may take a little longer than predicted. In most cases, you can just wait it out, but if you have concerns, contact your rhinoplasty surgeon.
The type of procedure also affects rhinoplasty recovery time. A closed rhinoplasty procedure can heal in as little as 2 weeks, while open rhinoplasty may take 3 to 4 weeks.
Expectation Versus Reality
Every rhinoplasty surgeon wants you to get the nose you desire, but it’s not always possible.
Complications with the structure of your nose and how your body heals can limit the possibilities.
Before your rhinoplasty, your surgeon will try to present you with what you can expect in your results. Make sure you understand how these results might differ from your initial hopes before proceeding.
As well, understand that there is a difference between a “botched” procedure and “altered expectations.”
The cartilage and internal structure of your nose aren’t fully revealed until the actual surgery. As such, even a top facial plastic surgeon may end up with different results than initially discussed.
Post-rhinoplasty, the surgeon will discuss what differences you might expect when the bandages come off.
It’s important to keep an open dialogue with your facial plastic surgeon.
How to Communicate With Your Current Doctor
Be open and honest about your feelings and expectations. The right doctor will want to work with you to help make it right. Discuss how it differs from your expectation and what went “wrong” or what limiting factors prevented it from coming out as you hoped.
Most doctors will be empathetic and share your desire to fix the situation. No one gets into the business to give someone a bad nose job!
Use this discussion a way to determine if you’re comfortable working with the same surgeon, or want to look for a revision rhinoplasty surgeon elsewhere.
How to Communicate to Your Next Doctor
Choosing a revision rhinoplasty surgeon is even more important than picking the first doctor.
Although there is no set number for how many times you can get revision rhinoplasty each one is more limited, more difficult, and carries greater risk. In short, you want to get revisions right the first time.
As you search through different options, the experience is a key factor for choosing your next surgeon.
Find doctors with experience in revision, second, and even third rhinoplasties. Explore their before and after photos to see if they have worked on similar situations to yours and delivered the kind of results you want.
Too Little Taken Off Your Nose
If your nose heals and you find that the surgeon took too little off your nose, you’re in a good position for revision. It’s always easier to take a little more off than to add a little more on.
If your rhinoplasty surgeon was a little too conservative, you still have the cartilage there to adjust the nose in a second surgery.
Too Much Taken Off Your Nose
What happens if too much was taken off your nose? This is a more complicated resolution than too little taken off. Your next rhinoplasty surgeon will need to do grafts to add to your nose.
The grafts can be done by using cartilage from your ear, septal cartilage, or even your ribs. Grafting has a longer recovery process, and the swelling can even take years to fully heal.
When to Make the Decision?
Deciding whether or not to get revision rhinoplasty is an important choice. Try and determine whether your dissatisfaction is from the results being different from your expectations, or due to not liking the nose job itself.
The first consideration here is to make sure you’ve given enough healing time to see what it looks like, fully recovered. Once it heals, try living with your new nose and see if you like the results, now that you know what to expect.
If you’re still unhappy with your nose, it’s time to look into your revision rhinoplasty options.
Schedule a Revision Rhinoplasty Consultation
If you are considering revision rhinoplasty in Toronto, contact Dr. Richard Rival. He is a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon specializing in rhinoplasty. Dr. Rival will help you understand the realistic options and potential outcomes of your secondary rhinoplasty procedure.
Book a revision rhinoplasty consultation in Toronto.