Possible Complications From Rhinoplasty

Like any surgery, Rhinoplasty can be associated with some rare complications. These complications include:

Red spots on your skin's surface: Sometimes nose surgery can be associated with trauma to the very fine blood vessels on the skin. These red spots or blotches are only temporary but in rare cases may be permanent. The fine red blood vessels appear as if they have burst and appear unsightly

Scarring ? Sometimes scars may become prominent after Rhinoplasty. When Rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose, the scars are not visible. When the skin incisions are placed just blow the nose, small scar may be noticeable in some individuals. When Rhinoplasty is performed from inside the nose ("Closed Rhinoplasty") the scars will be on the inside of the nose. Even though these scars are not visible, one may feel them while sneezing or blowing the nose.

Revision Rhinoplasty: Not everyone gets the perfect nose job the first time around. It is estimated that at least 10% of individuals who undergo a nose job later require a second surgery to correct the deficit. In the majority of individuals, this second surgery is a minor procedure.

Nose Bleeds: Bleeding from the nose is not uncommon after Rhinoplasty. Some individuals may have bleeding during the surgery and others may have it after the surgery. The bleeding may be minor or severe. Mild cases of nose bleeding usually spontaneously stop or may require some nose packing. Moderate and severe bleeding usually requires a nasal packing to stop the bleeding. In many cases, the individuals have to be admitted overnight for observation. If the bleeding during your surgery is significant, the surgeon may be required to use nasal packing to control it. Sometimes the bleeding may persists for up to 3-4 weeks after surgery

Sinus infection. In some cases, Rhinoplasty may be complicated by a sinus infection. The sinus infection will usually present 2-3 days after the surgery. The individual will complain of a runny nasal discharge, headaches, general malaise and pain. Most individuals require some type of antibiotics and pain control.

Nasal obstruction: In some rare cases where the Rhinoplasty is complicated, the septum or the nasal bones may deviate and produce nasal obstruction; you will notice after the surgery, that your breathing is louder and noisier. This usually requires repeat surgery to correct the problem.

Poor cosmesis: There are a few individuals who do not end up with a nose they desire. The tip of the nose may be too big or too small or there may be some other minor cosmetic defect. These minor cosmetic defects usually occur when one has had prior Rhinoplasty. Repeat surgery is usually required to correct these minor deficits.

Anesthetic reactions: Reactions from anesthesia may occur and are unpredictable.

Other rare complications of Rhinoplasty include:

- nose asymmetry

- depression of the nose

- discoloration

- infection

- keloids

- abnormal nerve sensation around the nose or numbness

- lose of smell

- nasal septum perforation

- excessive pain

- blood collection in the septum

- break down of the skin (skin necrosis) ? more common in smokers

- persistent nose swelling

The complications after a Rhinoplasty are rare and most are mild. However, sometimes permanent scars can occur. By selecting your surgeon with care, you can minimize the risk of complications.