Rhinoplasty Outcome

Q: Dr. Eppley, I´m a patient who would like to have a rhinoplasty with you in your clinic. I have a big hump and also a big tip. I will make photos this week to send you, In the meantime I would like to know, Is that procedure very hard to perform? Should I worry that my nose won´t look natural after the first procedure?Is it usual to have more than one procedure?

A: Thank you for your inquiry. How difficult your rhinoplasty is and what that potential outcome may be will await the receipt of your pictures and my analysis of them. Seeing the magnitude of the nasal shape changes that are needed and what the thickness of your skin is goes a long way in determining how successful rhinoplasty surgery can be.

While the technical aspect of many rhinoplasty surgeries are not ‘difficult’, the outcomes of such efforts are not always completely predictable due to how the overlying skin contracts over the reshaped osteocartilaginous framework.

Rhinoplasty has well known risks of potential aesthetic issues that may require a subsequent revisional procedure. The usual stated risks is around 15%. Whether your surgery has a higher for lower risk of revisal surgery would depend on what type of shape changes you are seeking.  

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana