With any surgery, there is always the risk of complications even if the surgeon is highly skilled. While most nose jobs are successful, it is worth being aware of the potential risks and complications before you go under the knife.
Nosebleeds
One of the more common issues after a rhinoplasty is nosebleeds, which can occur during the first week following surgery. Nosebleeds can usually be stopped with ice and applying pressure, but sometimes it may require gauze to be packed inside the nose. In very rare cases, a patient may require hospitalization or blood transfusions.
Infection
Infections following rhinoplasty are rare, but they can occur. This may cause redness and pain in the soft tissues around and inside the nose and face. If an infection occurs, it is usually treated with antibiotics.
Breathing Impairment
A more serious complication that can arise from rhinoplasty is an impairment in a person’s breathing. As most nose jobs involve making the nose smaller, it can reduce the function of the nose in terms of air circulation. In some cases, an impairment in breathing will manifest as snoring, difficulties with exercise, and sleeping problems.
Due to this potential risk, it’s worth vetting your surgeon to make sure they’re experienced and properly certified. If you live in Nevada, for example, it’s worth doing some research on rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, NV to find a qualified surgeon. Highly skilled plastic surgeons will have significant knowledge of nasal anatomy and physiology, allowing them to prevent complications like this from occurring.
Unsatisfactory Aesthetics
One of the most common complications following rhinoplasty is a dissatisfaction with the appearance of the nose. Even if the surgeon has done a good job, the patient may be unhappy with how it looks. In some cases, the nose may be over or under corrected, or it may result in unusual bumps, irregular bridges, or a deformed nasal tip. Nose jobs can also greatly alter a person’s face, so clients may not like their appearance even if the rhinoplasty is top notch.
Therefore, it’s important to ask the surgeon what their revision policy is before you even consider getting a nose job. Be sure to check what additional costs are involved, what the timelines are, and if there are things that the surgeon refuses to correct unless certain conditions are met.
Nasal Septum Perforation
The nasal septum is a wall that separates the left and right airways in the nose. During a rhinoplasty procedure, this wall can sometimes be perforated, leading to complications such as nasal pressure, bloody discharge, breathing difficulties, and a whistling nose while breathing. In rare cases, this can also lead to a potential collapse of the nose over time.
Abnormal Sensations
Surgery is an invasive procedure, which means that patients may experience unusual sensations around the area for several months. This includes temporary sensitivity, tenderness, numbness in the nasal skin, and in rare cases, a decrease in smell. While these symptoms usually subside after 3 to 6 months, it can be uncomfortable for the patient.
