Question: I had rhinoplasty years ago and I’ve never been happy with the result. I have a photo of a nose I like. Could I get a revision rhinoplasty to make my nose look like the photo?
Answer: Revision rhinoplasty can be a complex procedure, but a satisfactory result is possible if the plastic surgeon is experienced and the patient has realistic expectations. It is sometimes useful to have an example of the goal result, although is should be understood that an exact replica is usually not possible. Another alternative is to consult with a plastic surgeon who uses photo-editing computer software to alter the actual patient’s photo. While this is also an approximation of the final result, it may more closely reflect how the patient will appear post-operatively, especially in combination with other facial features. The most important step is to discuss the goals with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.