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• Incidence and Rate of Complications
• Smoking
• Scarring

The specific risks and suitability of this procedure for any given patients can only be determined at the time of consultation. As with all surgical procedures, however, there is some degree of risk. In general, minor complications which do not affect the outcome of the procedure do occur occasionally, and major complications tend to be an unusual occurrence. Some risks include an adverse reaction to anesthesia, nosebleeds, infection, numbness of the skin, and small bursting of blood vessels on the surface of the skin. There are certain factors which may put you at an increased risk for complications. Be sure to advise your doctor if you smoke, are on any medications, have a family history of blood clots, or if you have liver or lung disease, diabetes, or poor circulation. You can reduce your risks by selecting a qualified plastic surgeon, and by carefully following his or her instructions both before and after surgery. A more thorough listing of possible complications is as follows:

• Abnormal Shape – An abnormal shape following surgery can be due to several factors. An error may have occurred during surgery, or there may be a problem with the splint, thus keeping it from properly supporting the new framework and allowing the nose to pull to one side. If the patient does not keep their head elevated sufficiently, or is sleeping solely on one side, this may be to blame as well. This can usually be corrected by secondary surgery, often with the use of an implant.
• Airway Obstruction
• Anesthesia Reaction
• Asymmetry
• Bleeding – Bleeding can occur for up to four weeks following surgery, and nasal packing may be required to control the bleeding. To minimize bleeding, it is important that the patient not blow or pick the nose.
• Burst Blood Vessels – Though a rare occurrence, it is possible for small burst blood vessels to appear on the surface of the skin as tiny red spots which may be permanent.
• Depressions of the Skin
• Discoloration of the Skin
• Extrusion of Implants
• Infection – Though the risk of infection is very low, less than 1% in fact, some signs may include redness, swelling, pain, and warmth.
• Internal Scar/Adhesions
• Keloid (heavy scar)
• Loss Of Smell
• Loss Of Structural Support
• Nerve Damage
• Numbness
• Pain
• Perforation Of Septum
• Permanent Numbness – Less than 1% risk
• Reactions to Medications
• Septal Hematoma – A collection of blood between the nasal mucosa and the cartilaginous septum.
• Sinusitis – Sinusitis is readily treated with antibiotics and other medications which shrink the nasal lining.
• Skin Irregularities
• Skin Necrosis – Or skin death, which is far more likely to occur with smokers.
• Slow Healing
• Swelling
• Toxic Shock Syndrome – Symptoms of toxic shock syndrome may include the appearance of a sunburn-like rash, fever, diarrhea, and vomiting. The risk is very low, only .016%, but the mortality rate of those with toxic shock is 11%.
• Wound Infection – Though the use of an implant increases the chance of infection, the risk is still less than 2%. Most infections can be treated with antibiotics and drainage.
• Visible Scar

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Incidence and Rate of Complications:

For an important article by S. Valentine Fernandes concerning the incidence and rate of complications associated with rhinoplasty, click here.

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A Note On Smoking-Associated Risks:

If you’re a smoker, it’s particularly important that you stop smoking for at least two weeks before and after surgery. Because smoking significantly reduces your body’s circulation and vascularity, smokers generally heal slower and increase their risk of other complications such as necrosis (skin death), scarring, and skin loss.

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Scarring:

Surgical scars are permanent. If you have closed rhinoplasty, the incisions will be confined to the inside of the nose, thus leaving no visible scars. For open rhinoplasty, however, you will have a small scar between the nostrils on the underside of the nose which is generally not apparent under normal observation.

Click here to continue with What to Expect After Rhinoplasty Surgery.

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