Failed Rhinoplasty
People who are unhappy with the shape of their nose or who have health problems caused by structural deformities of the nose may undergo rhinoplasty. This operation is performed by a specialist in plastic, reconstructive and aesthetic surgery under appropriate operating theatre conditions.
However, as with any surgical procedure, unwanted results may occur after rhinoplasty. A failed rhinoplasty means that the appearance does not meet the patient's expectations or that functional problems such as difficulty breathing occur.
The causes of unwanted results can vary: insufficiently detailed assessment of the facial structure before surgery, the extent of the intervention during surgery, complications such as infection and individual differences in the healing process are among them. Not following the doctor's recommendations after surgery can also affect the result negatively.
If you are not happy with the appearance of your nose or notice a new problem, you should first contact your doctor to find out what course should be followed. Following your doctor's recommendations after surgery is an important part of the recovery process.
Rhinoplasty, together with the periods before and after surgery, is a long process; correcting an unwanted result also takes time. That is why it is important not to rush the decision to have surgery and to obtain detailed information.
Causes of a Failed Rhinoplasty
There can be many reasons why rhinoplasty does not give the expected result, and the reason differs for each patient. The main causes are as follows:
- A knock to the nose during the recovery period can distort its appearance.
- Smoking and alcohol can have a negative effect on healing.
- Not following the care instructions given by the doctor and not taking the recommended medication can cause problems.
- The person's skin type and health condition can affect the healing process.
In people with thick skin, it may be more difficult for the result to meet expectations in terms of shape; thick skin makes changes in the underlying structure less visible from the outside. For this reason, it is important to discuss expectations in detail with these patients before surgery.
A desired nose shape that does not suit the patient's facial structure can also lead to dissatisfaction. A nose shape you have seen and liked on someone else may not always suit your face; it is therefore worth taking your doctor's assessment into account.
Removing more bone and cartilage than necessary also poses a risk; in this case, drooping or collapse of the nasal tip may occur. Trauma to the nose after surgery is another cause of unwanted results.
How Can a Failed Rhinoplasty Be Recognised?
When making an assessment, the complaints for which the patient had surgery are considered first. For example, if the aim of the operation was to make breathing through the nose easier and the problem persists after healing is complete, the expected functional result has not been achieved. If the breathing problem continues, a new assessment and, if necessary, a new operation may be considered.
Problems with shape are also among unexpected results. Examples include nostrils that are excessively wide or markedly narrow and a drooping nasal tip.
Removing more tissue than necessary from the nasal bridge can also lead to deformity. An excessively upturned nasal tip is another undesirable outcome; in this case the inside of the nostrils is visible from the front. A nose that looks too small or too large for the face can also cause dissatisfaction.
Such problems can cause both physical and emotional distress. Following your doctor's recommendations during recovery and making the decision to have surgery without haste and with full information helps to reduce these risks.
How Can a Failed Rhinoplasty Be Corrected?
If you face such a situation, you should first talk to the doctor who performed your operation. It is important not to miss your follow-up appointments and to inform your doctor about all the problems you are experiencing.
You should try to reach a joint decision with your doctor on what to do. If this is not possible, getting an opinion from another doctor is also an option.
If the cause of dissatisfaction is a problem that can be corrected surgically, revision rhinoplasty may be planned. Before revision surgery, the nose must first heal completely; this is usually 9 months to 1 year after the first operation.
Revision surgery aims to correct the existing problems in the structure of the nose. However, revision surgery is also a surgical procedure and its result cannot be guaranteed; rarely, a further intervention may be needed.
Revision operations are more difficult than the first operation because they are performed on tissues that have already been operated on. It is therefore important to work with a surgeon experienced in revision rhinoplasty. Revision surgery can make the necessary corrections to the nasal tip and other areas.
The main problems that revision surgery aims to correct are:
- Shape deformities such as a saddle nose or a nasal hump,
- Functional problems such as difficulty breathing,
- A pointed or asymmetrical nasal tip,
- Irregularities in the cartilage and disproportion between the nostrils.
The operation aims to achieve an appearance that suits the natural facial structure. The patient's expectations are also taken into account; doctor and patient discuss all the details before surgery, and the doctor informs the patient about the possible results.
Recovery after revision surgery may take longer than after the first operation. To repair a damaged nasal structure, cartilage sometimes needs to be taken from other parts of the body, such as the ear or rib; this can cause swelling to last longer.
Swelling and bruising after surgery are normal; bruising usually disappears within one to two weeks. The new shape of the nose begins to show at the end of the first month and becomes clearer in the third month. However, it takes about a year for the nose to reach its new appearance completely.
What Should You Pay Attention to So That Rhinoplasty Does Not Fail?
Some details should be considered to reduce the risk of unwanted results. First of all, it is important that the patient is examined thoroughly by the doctor and that the facial structure is assessed in detail. It is also important that the surgeon has the necessary competence and experience for the operation.
The intended nose shape and expectations should be discussed in detail with the doctor before surgery. It is worth taking your doctor's assessment into account regarding the nose shape that suits your face.
It is important not to miss follow-up appointments after surgery. Pain, discomfort, swelling and bruising are normal after surgery, and mild swelling can last for months. However, if you notice increasing pain, fever, discharge, delayed wound healing or any unexpected change, you should contact your doctor without delay.
Your doctor will inform you about what to pay attention to after rhinoplasty. The following recommendations are usually given:
- Do not smoke after surgery.
- Keep your head raised and avoid situations that could injure your nose.
- Do not use medication or supplements that can increase bleeding (for example aspirin) without consulting your doctor; if you take medication regularly, inform your doctor before surgery.
- Do not do any sport for at least 10 days, and avoid strenuous sports for two months.
- Take care not to get the splint wet.
- Your doctor will tell you how long you should stop wearing glasses.
- Take the medication prescribed by your doctor without interruption.
- Regular sleep and a healthy diet support recovery.
Following these recommendations reduces the risk of unwanted results. Minor imperfections after rhinoplasty are generally considered normal, and because recovery is long, the final appearance is not reached immediately.
The final result of the nose usually appears after a year, when healing is complete. You should therefore not rush to conclude that there is a problem. When you attend follow-up appointments at the times set by your doctor, it can be assessed whether the current situation requires revision surgery. For more information about rhinoplasty, you can visit the related page.
Author: Op. Dr. Yücel Sarıaltın