An article by Dr. Joyce Regalado

^{What Happens When Expectations Don’t Match Reality?}

A few months ago, my friend Lisa underwent rhinoplasty. She was ecstatic—she had spent months researching, consulting with her surgeon, and envisioning her dream nose. But just weeks after surgery, she called me in tears. “I’ve been botched,” she said, convinced something had gone terribly wrong. Her nose looked swollen, slightly asymmetrical, and unfamiliar. She immediately started researching revision surgeons.

But as the weeks passed, the swelling subsided, her nose refined, and the asymmetry balanced out. By the six-month mark, Lisa admitted she might have overreacted. She realized she hadn’t been prepared for the healing process or the patience it required. This situation is more common than you think—many mistake dissatisfaction for a botched procedure when, in reality, they simply need time to adjust.

What Defines a Botched Rhinoplasty?

A botched rhinoplasty isn’t just about disliking the results—it means something genuinely went wrong.

• The nose appears noticeably crooked or asymmetrical beyond normal healing swelling.
• Breathing difficulties arise post-surgery.
• Structural collapse occurs due to inadequate support.
• The nasal implant becomes visible through the skin.
• Infections or slow healing lead to complications requiring further medical attention.

These issues indicate that the surgery wasn’t executed properly, and in many cases, a revision surgery is necessary—which means additional procedures, costs, and emotional distress.

How Does Dissatisfaction Differ from a True Surgical Error?

Being unsatisfied with your rhinoplasty results is different from being botched.

• The nose may be smaller or less dramatic than expected.
• Residual swelling may cause uncertainty about the final shape.
• The result may be subtle, leading to perceived disappointment.
• The nose may look fine to others but feel unfamiliar to the patient.

Rhinoplasty can take up to a year to fully heal, with the final shape settling gradually. Often, dissatisfaction stems from unrealistic expectations rather than surgical failure.

How Do Expectations Shape Satisfaction?

Expectations play a major role in how satisfied a patient feels about their new nose.

• The best rhinoplasty results maintain facial harmony rather than completely transforming the face.
• Thick skin, past nasal trauma, or structural issues can limit achievable changes.
• Social media and celebrity comparisons can create unrealistic standards.

Many patients experience an emotional adjustment period where the change feels foreign before it becomes a natural part of their identity.

What Should You Do If You’re Unhappy with Your Results?

The first step is to talk to your surgeon. A skilled professional will walk you through the healing process and help determine if your concerns are temporary or require intervention.

• Patience is key—swelling takes months to fully subside.
• Minor imperfections may be corrected with fillers.
• Revision surgery should only be considered after a full year and with an experienced surgeon.

How Can You Prevent Disappointment?

To increase the chances of a satisfying outcome:

• Choose an experienced surgeon with a track record in Asian rhinoplasty.
• Set realistic goals that complement your facial features.
• Understand the healing timeline and post-surgical expectations.
• Prepare for the psychological adjustment to a new appearance.

Final Thoughts

A botched rhinoplasty is a genuine surgical failure, while dissatisfaction is often a matter of expectations, healing time, or personal perception. By setting realistic goals, choosing a skilled surgeon, and exercising patience, patients are more likely to feel happy and confident in their results. If you or someone you know is struggling with post-surgical concerns, take a step back and assess whether it’s a medical issue or simply an adjustment period. The more informed and prepared you are before the procedure, the more likely you are to love your results.me.