Plastic surgeries, especially rhinoplasty treatments, have been known to go wrong for many reasons. Sometimes it can be because of mistakes made by the surgeon. It can also be because the patients do not do their research properly before going through the procedure and so, are unsatisfied with the results.

Rhinoplasty (more popularly known as “nose job” or nose surgery) is a plastic surgery procedure for correcting and reconstructing the nose, as well as improving the nose aesthetically and functionally. It can change the size, shape, or structure of the nose. It is an incredibly popular treatment and hundreds of people have undergone rhinoplasty surgery. But it is a very tricky surgical procedure, and it is important to get it right the first time. Most of the time, if the primary surgery goes wrong, it can be fixed by revision surgery. Revision rhinoplasty is an extremely complex procedure because once nasal anatomy is changed, it is very hard to re-correct. That’s why it is important to make sure that the surgeon you have selected is qualified and experienced. To learn more about rhinoplasty, how it is done, what to do before and after the procedure, and whether or not you are an ideal candidate for the procedure, click here.

Having a skilled rhinoplasty surgeon will increase the chances of a successful procedure, but the results of the procedure also depend on factors like your health, genes, or lifestyle habits. Not following post-surgery instructions also affects the results of the procedure. In this guide, we will discuss common rhinoplasty issues that could come up post-surgery.

How Can A Rhinoplasty Go Wrong?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most complicated cosmetic surgical procedures, and it takes years of training, skill, and expertise to perform it correctly. Patients are often dissatisfied with the primary rhinoplasty and have to go for revision rhinoplasty. Here are some complications that arise after a rhinoplasty:

Pollybeak Deformity:- Pollybeak deformity (also known as supratip deformity) is the most common cause for revision rhinoplasties. Over-enthusiastic and inexperienced surgeons sometimes fill the little dip above the tip of the nose a little too much. This gives the nose a rounded look, similar to the beak of a parrot.
Over-Extended Nose Tip:- This is another common mistake made by inexperienced surgeons. Over-extended nose tip (also called “Pinnochio nose”) is when the patient’s nose sticks out excessively, most often because there is too much cartilage supporting the tip.
Knuckling:- Knuckling or tip bossae occurs when the cartilage on the sides of the nose is over-cut, causing it to lose its springiness. This leads to twisted distorted cartilage that creates knuckles or bossae, which are lumpy and unsightly. This is a correctable issue, but most surgeons only provide short-term relief to their patients by cutting more of the cartilage. In time, this makes the cartilage weaker. The ideal solution is to replace the lost cartilage and restore the shape of the nose while also keeping it strong for the future.
Nasal Valve Collapse:- The nasal valve is the narrowest part of the nasal airway, located in the middle to lower part of the nose. Nasal valve collapse is also a common issue of “rhinoplasty gone wrong.” It can make it hard for the patient to breathe. Nasal valve collapse often requires a second or even third corrective surgery to fix. A good rhinoplasty surgeon can not only avoid this terrible scenario but can also fix it through corrective surgery for disappointed patients.
Distorted Tip:- There are many reasons why the tip of the nose may end up distorted after a rhinoplasty. The surgeon may remove too much cartilage during the procedure, because of which the nose may collapse. It is also possible that the nostrils may become too narrow and will look “pinched.” This can be avoided by choosing an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.

Other Possible Risks Of Rhinoplasty:

Like any major surgery, rhinoplasty carries risks like:

Rhinoplasty also has possible risks like:

How To Prevent These Issues?

The ultimate result of the surgery depends on many factors. Candidates with clear complexions, healthy immune systems, strong healing capacities, and the right genes are more likely to have a more satisfying outcome. It is also essential to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully, both before and after the surgery. But the most important thing is to have realistic expectations.

There is no “one size fits all” with noses. The nose should suit the proportions of the face and blend harmoniously with other facial features. Just because a specific style of nose suits someone, does not mean that the same style will suit you. An experienced surgeon will hear you out and make sure to explain to you the best way to get the results you need. So, it is important to research carefully and select a fully trained and experienced surgeon who will ensure that you understand the possible results and the potential risks and complications. If you want to know how to choose the right surgeon for you in India, click here.

Dr. Ashish Davalbhakta is the Chief Plastic Surgeon and Managing Director at Advanced Aesthetics. He has trained internationally, in the US and the UK. He is board-certified and has 20 years of experience as a plastic surgeon. He will provide you with the best treatment and ensure that you will be satisfied with the results. To book a consultation with him, contact him at [email protected].