Rhinoplasty is considered to a safe cosmetic surgery procedure with rare long-term complications. However, like any other surgery, rhinoplasty will carry certain inherent risks. Patients should have clear information about risks and safety in order to make an informed decision about the procedure.
The surgeon will discuss the potentials risks and explain to the patient how to monitor the progress during post-surgical healing and contact them in case of any abnormal symptoms. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.
Potential Complications
As long as the rhinoplasty procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the risks and complications are minimized. However, the patient should be aware of the following potential complications that are associated rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery:
- Infection during or after the surgery
- Poor reaction to general anesthesia or lidocaine
- Numbness in the incision areas
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Difficulty in breathing
- A perforated septum
- Hematoma or collection of fluid beneath the skin
- Burst blood vessels
- Unfavorable scarring
- Undesirable cosmetic results, including asymmetry
- Possibility of revision surgery
Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
How to Reduce the Risks?
The most important decision a patient will take in their rhinoplasty procedure will be the choice of surgeon. An outstanding surgeon who is committed to maintaining high safety standards and protocols, will be able to minimize the chances of infection, perforation, and other risks. Experienced surgeons are usually able to meet the delicate balance between the patient’s aesthetic aspirations and their basic facial and nasal structure.
Secondly, the patient should be committed to following all the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. These guidelines are not only meant to help to minimize pain and discomfort, but they will also promote faster healing and improve patient safety.
Lastly, the patient should have free and frank communication with the surgeon throughout the rhinoplasty process. They should be transparent about any current or past medical issues, current medications and herbal supplements, and the habit of smoking, alcohol and drugs, or any other pertinent concerns.
Risk of Scarring
In nearly every form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, the possibility of scarring cannot be eliminated. However, if closed rhinoplasty is performed, the incisions will be made inside the nostrils.
Therefore, no external visible scarring will occur. In case of open rhinoplasty, an additional incision will be made across the columella, which may leave a small scar. But this scar is usually inconspicuous due to its size and location.
Risk of Dissatisfaction
Despite the best efforts of a rhinoplasty surgeon, a few patients may still be dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the surgery. It could happen due to a surgical error, poor communication between the surgeon and patient, or unrealistic expectations on the patient’s part. In any case, final results will take up to a year to establish, and the patient should allow full time for the final outcome to show up.
For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.
