What percentage of nose jobs go wrong?
According to the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery (AAFPRS), rhinoplasty is the most common cosmetic surgery performed each year in the United States. This is no surprise given the nose’s prominent position in daily life. This front and center status of the nose combined with its critical breathing function and delicate anatomy also render rhinoplasty one of the most revised cosmetic procedures.
Published revision rates for rhinoplasty range from 5% for tip rhinoplasty to 15.5% for complex revision rhinoplasty. A history of previous nasal operation or fracture, lack of anatomical correction of an underlying nasal or septal deformity, and postoperative complications like infection are all associated with increase revision rates. Failure to optimally address the nasal tip at the time of a primary rhinoplasty has also been associated with a higher level of dissatisfaction.
In order to minimize the potential need for revision surgery, patients should seek providers who do these surgeries routinely and who ideally have expert understanding of both the internal and external anatomy and function of the nose.
As a double-board certified ENT and Facial Plastic Surgeon, rhinoplasty is one of my favorite operations to do. I find the complexity and nuance of this procedure to be exhilarating and I revel in the potentially life-changing effects the procedure can have for my patients. With thorough pre-operative analysis, realistic expectations, good communication between the surgeon and patient, and the skills of a qualified facial plastic surgeon, rhinoplasty leads to a successful outcome in the overwhelming majority of patients.
1 Keith C. Neaman, MD, Adam K. Boettcher, MD, Viet H. Do, MD, Corlyne Mulder, MD, Marissa Baca, BS, John D. Renucci, MD, Douglas L. VanderWoude, MD, Cosmetic Rhinoplasty: Revision Rates Revisited, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 33, Issue 1, January 2013, Pages 31–37, https://doi.org/10.1177/1090820X12469221
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