Model, not actual patient.

Rhinoplasty is a fairly safe cosmetic surgery procedure, as long as it is performed by a fully trained and experienced surgeon. However, it is critical for the patient to be aware of the typical risks and complications that are associated with any surgical procedure, including rhinoplasty.

Patients should know about the risks at the consultation stage in order to make a well-considered decision. The surgeon will educate the patient on risks and safety precautions. Following surgeon’s instructions at every stage can minimize the risks.

Potential Complications

Side effects following rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery procedure are usually minor and temporary. However, in exceptional cases, one or more of the following complications may occur:

• Bacterial infection during or after the nose surgery
• Poor reaction to general anesthesia or lidocaine
• Difficulty in breathing through the nostrils
• Chronic nosebleeds
• Numbness in the incision areas that does not improve with time
• Perforations in the septum
• Fluid collection under the skin
• Burst blood vessels
• Unfavorable scarring in case of open rhinoplasty
• Asymmetrical shape of the nose
• Possibility of revision nose surgery

Risk Reduction

The selection of the plastic surgeon will be the single most important factor that will contribute to the final results and impact the risk profile in rhinoplasty. Dedicated and board certified surgeons receive ongoing training, adopt advanced surgical techniques, and follow the latest safety protocols to minimize the risks.

They usually manage to meet the delicate balance between the fundamental limitations of the face and nose and the patient’s cosmetic goals. At the same time, the patient’s own commitment to diligently adhere to all pre- and post-surgical instructions will make a key difference to the final outcome. The surgeon’s guidelines will be designed to improve patient safety and promote early healing.

A relationship of openness and trust between the surgeon and patient is critical to the success of rhinoplasty surgery. The patient should have the confidence to share vital information about their current or past medical issues, prescription and non-prescription drugs and supplements, and the habit of smoking, alcohol, and narcotics, if any.

Scarring Risks

The potential of scarring exists in virtually every form of cosmetic surgery. However, in case of closed rhinoplasty, the incisions will be made inside the nostrils, and no scarring will be visible on the outside. But in case of open rhinoplasty, an additional incision will be made across the columella, which may result in a small scar.

Risk of Unsatisfactory Aesthetics

An unsatisfactory aesthetic outcome may occur if the communication between the surgeon and patient was not adequate, or due to a surgical error. In any case, rhinoplasty results take about one year to establish fully, and the patient should allow that much time to determine whether they want a revision procedure.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

Read Reviews:

Model, not actual patient.

Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery procedure will involve different surgical techniques, depending on whether the patient wants to increase or decrease the nose size, or the specific reshaping of the nasal tip, bridge, and nostrils. However, the primary steps in the rhinoplasty procedure will largely remain the same in each case.

The nose surgeon will explain about the various steps in the procedure, and address all related questions that the patient may have. Some degree of pre-surgery anxiety is natural, and the surgeon will provide reassuring answers to relieve the patient of any anxiety.

Consultation Process

Pre-operative consultation is the first important step in the rhinoplasty procedure. The surgeon will educate the patient about the procedure, address their doubts and concerns, establish a good rapport with the patient, and determine candidacy by examining the nasal and facial anatomy and assessing the patient’s health history and personal aesthetic goals.

If any diagnostic tests are necessary, these may be order at this stage. Any current or past sinus or nasal breathing concerns, and the quality and thickness of the nose skin will also be evaluated. The consultation may include a review of rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery before and after photos to help the patient to develop realistic expectations.

Surgical Planning

Based on the information collected during a comprehensive consultation process, the nose surgeon will prepare a rhinoplasty plan that is tailored to meet the patient’s unique needs. The plan will create a conservative balance between the patient’s cosmetic needs and expectations and their natural nasal structure and facial anatomy.

During the planning stage, the surgeon will engage with the patient to determine the type of nose changes required and whether an open or closed rhinoplasty will be performed. The choice of anesthesia, the location of incisions, and the choice of surgical venue will also be determined.

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia

The surgeon may perform rhinoplasty using light general anesthesia or local anesthesia with IV sedation. The procedure may be performed by an anesthesiologist or a registered anesthetist nurse, who will remain present throughout the surgery. The patient must be declared fit for general anesthesia before the surgery is scheduled.

Surgery

Open or closed rhinoplasty technique may be used, depending on the degree of nasal correction required. Tissue from the nose area may be removed, added or modified as part of the surgery. Grafting or synthetic implants may be used in some cases. Open rhinoplasty will be more substantive, but it will leave a minor scar in the columella. Closed rhinoplasty can performed from inside the nostrils, and will leave no external scarring.

Wound Closure

The surgeon will carefully close the incisions with absorbable or removable sutures following rhinoplasty surgery. Most patients can return home the same day. Nasal packing may be applied initially to provide support for the nose. Recovery instructions will be given to the patient before they leave.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

Read Reviews:

Model, not actual patient.

Recovery in an intricate cosmetic surgery procedure such as rhinoplasty should be taken seriously by the patient. They should carefully note the surgeon’s post-operative instructions and follow them for a safer and faster recovery. Results of rhinoplasty will establish gradually throughout the recovery process, and the final shape of the nose may firm up over several months.

Planning for Recovery

The patient should take certain steps in advance for the post-surgical recovery phase. This will allow them to focus completely on recovery and remain free of any stress. The following steps can help the patient to have a more comfortable recovery after rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery:

• Arrange for transportation to return home the same day after rhinoplasty.
• Have someone to stay with the patient for the first two to three days or hire a caretaker’s services.
• Apply for leave for at least one week from work and another week with limited physical activity.
• Keep a supply of cold compresses ready at home to be used in the first two days after nose surgery to minimize swelling.
• Complete any major tasks at home or work before the surgery in order to have a restful and stress-free recovery.

Care Instructions

How diligently a patient adheres to the surgeon’s care instructions during the recovery phase will have an impact on the overall outcome and the pace of recovery. Patients can also reduce discomfort during recovery by following these tips:

• Take plenty of rest in the first week, but perform short walks at home to promote the blood flow.
• Use pain medications as prescribed, stay hydrated, and increase the intake of lean proteins in the diet.
• Use cold compresses in the first two days to reduce swelling.
• Do not blow the nose in the first few days until incisions begin to heal.
• Keep the head elevated and use several pillows while resting or sleeping.
• Do not smoke during the recovery process and avoid vigorous activities and heavy lifting of weights.

First Few Weeks

Mild headache, nosebleeds, bruising, and swelling are expected in the first few days, which can be managed with pain medications. If severe pain, fever, excessive swelling or other symptoms are noticed, the patient should contact the surgeon. The surgeon will usually review the progress at the end of first week, and may remove sutures and nasal packing at this time.

Bruising will subside by second week, but mild swelling will remain for several weeks. Most patients can return to their normal routine or go back to work after the first week. Vigorous exercises should be avoided for three to four weeks.

To schedule a consultation with Board Certified Dallas Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Farah Khan please call 469-437-5426 or click here to contact us.

Read Reviews: