A nose job (or rhinoplasty) is used to enhance the appearance or function of the nose. Results depend on numerous factors, including health and healing ability, but skill on the part of the facial plastic surgeon is an obvious element. That’s why it’s so important to choose a reputable, board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Sometimes, however, something goes wrong: Maybe you chose a “cheaper” surgeon not experienced in nose surgery. There are many reasons a patient may be dissatisfied with his or her look after the procedure, and it isn’t always due to surgical error. Some patients are more prone to scarring or may have not followed post-surgery instructions. Skin tone irregularities may have occurred. Weight gain, infection, or poor circulation can impact the appearance of the nose.

If you engage in habits such as smoking, drinking, drug use, or sun tanning, these lifestyle choices may have also caused problems. In other cases, patients may simply want to further perfect the symmetry of their nose.

No matter the reason, patients who are unhappy with the look of their nose after a previous surgery can consult with Dr. Stanley Jacobs about revision rhinoplasty in the Bay Area.

Why is this such a big deal? The nose stands out in the center of the face and is essential for facial harmony—as well as ease of breathing! The success rate for rhinoplasty is high, but if you aren’t satisfied with your one-time surgery, there is recourse available. First, before deciding on any procedure, be sure to talk to your facial plastic surgeon about his or her revision policy. In most cases, patients will have to pay for any additional surgery needed for revisions or complications, as these costs won’t be covered by their insurance company or surgeon.

Rhinoplasty is a very challenging and complex procedure, even for the best facial plastic surgeon. The surgery requires achieving visually appealing results while maintaining the nose’s functional abilities as an airway. Corrective surgery is not uncommon, but requires exceptional skill, as scar tissue from the previous surgery can hinder progress, cartilage grafts may be needed to replace tissue that was removed or altered, and nasal septum deviation may have occurred.

Note that it’s best to be patient and wait until you’ve fully healed from the initial rhinoplasty before undergoing a second surgery. The nose can take up to a year to “settle” after surgery, so what you look like in the days and weeks after your procedure is not necessarily what you will look like months down the road.

Still have concerns? Contact The Jacobs Center for Cosmetic Surgery to get answers. Call the San Francisco Bay Area office at 415.433.0303 or send a message online.