Reviewer
Google
A few years ago, I consulted Dr. Shah about my chin, thinking it was too pronounced. I later learned the real issue was a recessed mouth, something that should be addressed by a maxillofacial surgeon. During the consultation, Dr. Shah insisted that if he reduced my chin, I’d also need a rhinoplasty and submental liposuction to “smooth” my profile. I was neither overweight nor concerned about my nose, so his suggestions surprised me.
Although I originally went in only to discuss my chin, Dr. Shah’s persuasive manner convinced me to agree to all three procedures. In hindsight, his approach felt more like a salesman’s pitch than a surgeon’s guidance.
My only nasal concern for the surgery was a small hump on the bridge, but after the first rhinoplasty, I was left with a noticeable new bump on the left side of the bridge and a bulbous tip. When I raised these issues, Dr. Shah brushed them off as “common” side effects he had never mentioned beforehand and which would've made me decide against the surgeries.
After a year of meticulous care and post-op visits by me, he recommended a revision in-office to rasp down the new bridge bump and to refine the tip. I clearly stated that I wanted to maintain the width and shape of my nose overall and just wanted to remove the bump he created, as well as refine the tip. He seemed annoyed with me at the reminder that I never had these issues prior to surgery and that I didn't bring any reference photos of what I wanted. I provided some photos emphasizing that I wanted a “square” look to the tip of my nose rather than a narrow or “diamond” shape and that I wanted to keep the width of my nose the same as it suited my face.
Unfortunately, the outcome of the revision rhinoplasty was disastrous. After two surgeries with Dr. Shah, I was left with:
• A narrow, crooked nose that tilts to one side
• A collapsed nasal valve (confirmed by three ENTs)
• A hanging columella I never had before
• An over-rasped bridge and uneven nostrils
When the cast was removed, the staff avoided giving me a mirror or taking after photos as they did after my initial surgery as it was obvious something had gone wrong. I was devastated and broke down in tears after looking in the mirror when I got home and didn't recognize myself. The mark of a skilled surgeon is that you still look like yourself and I certainly do not. Despite my growing concerns, I continued to attend all follow-ups, hoping things would improve.
Later, several other surgeons and ENTs confirmed the structural and aesthetic issues and advised that I obtain Dr. Shah’s operative notes so they could understand what was done. When I reviewed them, I was shocked to find he had written that I wanted a narrower nose which was completely untrue, as I had repeatedly said the opposite. He refused to take responsibility but offered to “fix” it for free, saying that other surgeons would charge me $10,000 to correct his work. You couldn’t pay me to let Dr. Shah touch my nose again.
Before these surgeries, I had a nose I never thought twice about as it was something that suited me and felt natural. Now, years later, I continue to struggle to look in the mirror and avoid taking photos altogether. It’s heartbreaking to not recognize yourself anymore.
In my experience, Dr. Shah prioritizes volume over quality, performing numerous surgeries a day instead of taking the time such delicate work requires. Rhinoplasty demands precision and humility, all qualities I did not experience under his care.
I’m sharing my story to caution others: research thoroughly and consult multiple board-certified ENT or facial plastic surgeons before deciding. Don’t be swayed by charisma and unsolicited stories about his success with other patients. Trust skill, empathy, and transparency instead of arrogance.
(Before and after photos were taken by Dr. Shah in his office; my face appears sunburned in the “after” image.)
