Rhinoplasty Complications

Cost | Recovery | Complications | Nose Job Guide

A rhinoplasty or nose job is a surgical procedure to improve the appearance and/or breathing through the nose. Anytime a patient undergoes a procedure, there are risks involved. I believe every patient should have a thorough knowledge of the possible complications before undergoing a nose job. While complications rarely occur, it is important that you choose a rhinoplasty expert who is experienced and trained to handle any situation. The best way to ensure the best outcome is to choose the right surgeon. As a Charlotte based rhinoplasty expert, I am going to describe the common complications of a nose job and techniques I take to limit them.

Time for Swelling to Resolve After a Rhinoplasty

General Complications of Undergoing Surgery

There are possible complications that are associated with undergoing surgery. Anytime a patient has surgery, there is a risk of bleeding, infection, scarring, or side effects from anesthesia. To ensure that a patient does not have a bleeding problem I take the following precautions:

1. Patients undergo lab work to ensure their blood clots properly
2. Medication is used during surgery to prevent bleeding
3. Patients are made aware of foods, supplements, and medications to avoid 2 weeks prior to a rhinoplasty
4. Patients are required to ice their nose before surgery to slow the blood flow to the nose

To prevent infection during surgery, patients:

1. Place antibiotic ointment in their nose a few days before surgery
2. Take antibiotics before and after surgery
3. Are aware of sterile techniques used

Prevention of scarring is obtained by:

1. Meticulous surgical technique by an expert rhinoplasty surgeon
2. Proper wound care after surgery
3. Use of medical grade scar cream starting 2 weeks after surgery

Patients are commonly anxious and nervous to undergo anesthesia. Anesthesia for a rhinoplasty is exceedingly safe, and I have a great team of anesthesiologists placing my patients asleep. First, I only use facilities that have board certified anesthesiologists and that are properly staffed and equipped to handle any situation. All of my rhinoplasties in Charlotte are performed at either an accredited outpatient surgery center or accredited hospitals. The anesthesia required to undergo a rhinoplasty is different from anesthesia required to undergo a procedure of the bone, heart, or belly. The anesthesia for surgery on bones, heart, or belly required deep anesthesia and strong medications. Anesthesia for surgery on the nose is very light compared to anesthesia on other areas of the body because the discomfort associated with undergoing a rhinoplasty is low.

Rhinoplasty Complications

Possible complications of a rhinoplasty include:

1. Temporary or permanent discoloration or pigment changes of the nose and eyelids
2. Abnormal narrowing of the nostrils
3. Irregularity in shape or appearance of the nose
4. Impaired nasal airway resulting in difficulty with breathing
5. Temporary or prolonged problems with nasal drainage
6. Allergic skin response to surgical tapes or splint applied to nose
7. Sinus obstruction
8. Septal perforation possibly requiring surgical placement of grafts or septal buttons for correction
9. Irregularities or bumps
10. Drooping nasal tip
11. Elevation of the nasal tip
12. Asymmetries in the nose

As a nose job expert in Charlotte, I take every step and precaution possible to ensure my patients have the best outcomes possible. I will not leave the operating room until I am pleased with the result. I believe my training in Beverly Hills and my experience give my patients the best chance to have a successful result.

There is a chance that patients undergoing a nose job may need to undergo and additional touch up procedures. After the nose has healed for 1 year, if there is an area that both the doctor and patient agree would benefit from a touch-up, then the procedure may be undertaken. I do not charge a surgeon’s fee for a touch-up procedure, but patients may be responsible for fees to the surgery center or anesthesia.

While complications do occur after a rhinoplasty treatment, I take every precaution possible to prevent them. If a complication arises, I am in close contact with my patient and take every means possible to remedy the issue. The best advice I can tell patients to avoid a complication after a rhinoplasty are:

1. Choose your surgeon wisely
2. Follow all of your instructions from the surgeon
3. If you have a question or concern after surgery, call your surgeon

If you are interested in exploring more about rhinoplasty in Charlotte, please call our office at (704) 842-3644 or fill out the contact form on our website.

Next, read our Nose Job Guide.