Rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery may seem like a minor nose reshaping procedure. However, it is a delicate surgery as it involves balancing the strategic relationship of the nose with other features of the face.
The surgery should ideally be performed by a highly qualified and expert plastic surgeon to mitigate the risks and avoid the need for revision surgery in the future.
During the pre-op consultation process, a committed surgeon will discuss the potential risks and side effects associated with a nose surgery with the patient to enable them to make a well-informed choice. Board certified plastic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD provides rhinoplasty to patients in West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA , and other cities and suburbs in this part of the country.
Potential Complications
Rhinoplasty generally involves some temporary side-effects that resolve by themselves some days after the procedure. However, in exceptional cases, one or more of the below-mentioned complications are possible:
- Bacterial infection in the incision site during or post-procedure
- Adverse response to general anesthesia or lidocaine local anesthetic
- Problems in breathing through the nostrils
- Chronic nosebleeds
- Perforations in the septum
- Fluid accumulation beneath the skin in the incision sites
- Burst blood vessels
- Unanticipated scarring after open nose surgery
- Issues related to the nasal skin or disintegration of skin from bandaging or from grafting materials being exposed through thin skin, primarily if the surgeon has used synthetic implants
- Inflammation within the nose causing nasal blockage
- Asymmetrical nasal shape
- Possibility of revision rhinoplasty
Mitigation of Risks
The patient should select a well-qualified and experienced plastic surgeon to minimize rhinoplasty risks. Plastic surgeons certified by the board typically follow best practices and quality standards, are up to date with the most innovative surgical techniques, pursue ongoing education and training, and adopt the latest safety protocols.
In addition, the patient should be willing to follow the surgeon’s pre and post-op guidelines diligently. This will mitigate the risks and lead to a safer and shorter recovery period. If the surgeon and patient share a relationship based on trust and transparency, it will favorably impact the results of the nose surgery.
The patient should be open to sharing their smoking and drinking behaviors as well as providing information on the meds, vitamins and herbal supplements that they currently use. This will help the surgeon provide instructions to make the procedure safer.
Scarring Risks
The risk of scarring is present in any surgery, including rhinoplasty. But if the surgeon uses the closed rhinoplasty technique, the scarring will occur only inside the nostrils and will not be noticeable from outside.
If a salient and accomplished plastic surgeon uses the open rhinoplasty technique, they would still make incisions in a manner that causes minimal conspicuous scarring.
Risk of Unsatisfactory Outcomes
In rare circumstances, the patient may feel that the results of the rhinoplasty are unsatisfactory or may suffer from functional issues such as problems breathing through the nostrils. These types of patients may require a revision rhinoplasty surgery to address these problems.
Astute cosmetic surgeon Roger Tsai, MD receives patients from West Hollywood, Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.
For more information on cosmetic plastic surgery procedures and treatments by Beverly Hills board certified plastic surgeon, Roger Tsai, MD please click here or call us at 310.276.1190. Taking patients from Beverly Hills, Los Angeles, West Hollywood, Orange County, Southern California and other surrounding cities.