Common Mistakes in Facial Plastic Surgery

While we spend the month of October scaring ourselves with make-believe ghouls, ghosts and monsters, there is something truly horrific about botched facial plastic surgery.

Luckily, it is not a common occurrence – medical journals estimate about seven percent of rhinoplasties (commonly referred to as a nose job) require revisional surgery (another, corrective surgery). Meanwhile, about one percent of facelift surgeries produce serious complications. These are not frightening statistics, but they should give anyone who is thinking about having facial plastic surgery a pause to make sure they select the right facial plastic surgeon.

The good news is that, if you do your homework and find the right plastic surgeon, you will almost guarantee yourself success and a facial plastics procedure that delivers the results you want and allows your inner beauty to shine.

So, what are some things to look out for and be aware of? What are some of the common mistakes in facial plastic surgery? And what is the “homework” that will help guarantee your success?

Let’s look at some of those answers below:

Nose job complications

There is a good reason why rhinoplasties sometimes produce less than desirable results. It is one of the most difficult cosmetic surgeries, and that’s because the nose contains so many complicated and moving parts. So, if you’re considering a nose job, make sure that you choose a skilled and experienced surgeon with a proven track record like Dr. Garlich – preferably one who is double-board certified in Otolaryngology (ENT) as well as Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. The reason for this is that ENT surgeons understand more than just how the nose looks – they also know how it functions and how best to ensure that any plastic surgery procedure serves the main function of the nose: breathing.

Unfortunately, not everyone takes the time to undergo this process. Sometimes people rush to correct what they say as an imperfect or flawed nose, and thus end up with results that other surgeons end up having to correct. Commonly these revisions are due to:

Misshapen nose tip
Aggressive facial plastic surgeons can produce a nasal tip that becomes distorted and lacking in support. This often occurs when someone removes too much cartilage around the tip, as they look to define or narrow it. Beware, if too much cartilage is removed in this area, the tip will actually start to collapse over time. This can also go the other way, however. And, if you have a bump that is removed, it may actually end up making the tip more pronounced. And any procedure that involves sculpting the tip is extraordinarily complex and requires an amazing amount of both skill and experience.
Nose valve collapse
The nasal valve is the narrowest internal part of the nose. If it becomes overly narrowed or blocked, it is referred to as a nasal valve collapse. And this can happen either nearer the tip thanks to a blockage just past the nostril, or cartilage that has been removed in the upper part of the nose – usually to remove a bump – can also make this happen (and is the more common occurrence). This eventuality can actually be quite detrimental to the patient’s health, as it produces poor breathing.
A scooped-out bridge
One of the most common rhinoplasty mistakes occurs after routine reduction – usually if there was, originally, a bump on the bridge of the nose that was shaved too much. This result can be especially unpleasing for certain men, as it may produce a more effeminate look.
Open roof deformity
The bones in your nose can be compromised – especially when reducing a bump. In fact, an aggressive surgeon can leave you with a permanent internal opening in the roof of the bridge. The result is a bridge that looks strangely flat.
Pollybeak deformity
This happens when the nasal area just above the tip is too full – giving the appearance of a parrot’s beak. This can result when a surgeon fails to reduce sufficient cartilage in the area above your tip. Or, if you have thick skin and an aggressive surgeon that takes out a lot of the cartilage, the skin then may not contract and flatten as it should, instead filling in with scar tissue. A third results when a surgeon fails to provide enough support to the nasal tip. Eventually, this makes the nose droop.
Knuckling
If too much nasal cartilage around the nostrils is removed, it loses its natural elasticity. The cartilage will then bend and twist under the weight of the skin. The weak points in the skin will then bump or knuckle, (referred to as a bossae).
Twisted nose
This unfortunate result can happen anywhere from the nasal bones to the middle third of the nose and down to the tip. Producing a perfectly straight nose extraordinarily difficult – and is even harder to do in revision rhinoplasty. You can even end up with crooked nasal bones if a pre-existing crooked bridge is not corrected properly. It can also happen with the cartilage in your nose. And if this occurs during revision rhinoplasty you may even require cartilage grafts to correct – these are taken from either your septum, ear, or rib.

As you can see it is EXTREMELY important to retain the services of a facial plastic surgeon. Again, keep in mind that these botched nose jobs are not that common overall, but they do happen. Therefore, you would be wise to vet any and all potential surgeons that you are considering. Also, if you’ve been part of a nightmarish facial plastic surgery – Dr. Garlich has completed a number of corrections following an unsuccessful first surgery.

There are also other factors you can take into account when determining your facial plastic surgeon and procedure – things that will only help increase your odds of obtaining the procedure that perfectly suits you.

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Let’s look at some of those factors:

How to choose the right facial plastic surgeon

Choose an experienced surgeon
Do not rush your choice of surgeon. Evaluate their training, credentials, and patient history. An afternoon of internet research can be helpful, but you also have to be wary of this, and consider context. The American Board of Plastic Surgeons also offers information on specific surgeon’s credentials. You should also talk to the surgeon and get a feel for their manner and their hopes and expectations for you and what you would like to achieve. Select the surgeon that offers both experience and a manner that fits your personality.
Don’t look for cut-rate service
There are a lot of things that you can and should shop around to find the lowest prices and best bargain – surgery (especially plastic surgery) should not be one of those. That is because plastic surgery requires so much talent, skill, and expertise that you can expect it to require fair value. That does not mean that the most expensive option is the best, but it certainly means that you should not just automatically go for the cheapest option either. And if you notice an offer that is significantly lower, be wary. Be smart and weigh all options.
Prep for the possibility of scars
No matter how talented your surgeon and the tools at their disposal, there is a chance that the surgery will produce some scarring – and it may only be temporary. It is surgery after all. The good news is that a talented surgeon will know how to diminish or even hide them – behind your hairline for instance. And the likelihood is that no one except for you will even notice. But you should also prepare yourself just in case.
Do not leave out any important information
When the surgeon asks you about your medical and personal history, be frank and tell them about any substance use or other habits such as smoking. This is not about personal judgement but about determining what procedure will be best for you – or if it would be detrimental than helpful. Some lifestyle choices make surgery – of any kind – dangerous to your health. So, it is very important that your doctor both asks detailed questions about your health and that you provide detailed answers.
Make sure you’re having surgery for the right reason
Facial plastic surgery is not about looking “perfect” or attaining some ideal. It should only be used for improving your health and correcting issues. It’s definitely OK to want to let your inner beauty shine and to pursue that goal. But there is a fine line for many procedures, and a good surgeon will only encourage you to pursue that outcome if it is in your best interest.
Prepare for potential complications
There is risk in everything. And even though plastic surgeons take immense care and precaution, there is still a slight chance that complications could arise from surgery. Again, it’s surgery. This should not dissuade you from pursuing a procedure, but it should get you to understand that there is a reason a surgeon will provide you with a list of precautions both and pre- and post-surgery. Follow those guidelines to the letter, and you will only decrease the already low risk of complications.

At Garlich Facial Plastics we understand how difficult it can be to make the decision to seek facial plastic surgery. We also know how to put you at ease and help you find the treatment that will achieve the results you seek.

Dr. Paul Garlich – the only board certified, fellowship trained facial plastic surgeon in Gainesville, GA, and also a trained ENT surgeon – and his staff want you to understand that the truest definition of face value is the knowledge that your face serves as a window into your healthy self. So, whether you are considering surgical, or any of our non-surgical procedures, please contact us today. We are happy to answer any questions you may have. We are here to help you magnify that inner beauty you feel.