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.
