The Risks and Dangers of Rhinoplasty

The Risks and Dangers of Rhinoplasty

Rhinoplasty refers to cosmetic or corrective surgery of the nose. Most people undergo rhinoplasty to alter the way their nose looks or is structured. It is also conducted to repair or restore a person’s nose that may have been disfigured due to an accident or complications from previous surgeries.

However, as is the case with all forms of surgery, there is the potential for risks and side effects. Even the most successful rhinoplastic operations may lead to some complications. Here is a look at some of the risks and side effects of rhinoplasy.

Risks Faced When Undergoing Rhinoplasty

The risks may be divided into two main categories: risks faced when undergoing any type of surgery and the risks faced when getting nose surgery specifically.

General Risks of Surgery:

• Extensive bleeding
• Infection
• Hematoma (a condition where blood clots underneath the layers of skin)
• Negative reaction to anesthesia

Risks Specific to Rhinoplasty:

• Holes/perforations in the septum (walls separating the nostrils)
• Nosebleeds
• Scarring
• Swelling of the operated area
• Permanent nerve damage
• Damages to the small blood vessels
• Corrections that require a follow-up surgery

Important Risks to Take Note Of

Perforations in the septum are very crucial to notify and follow-up on for treatment. A hole in the septum or dividing wall of the nostrils can and will lead to the nose eventually collapsing, leading to further disfigurement.

Swelling is also not to be taken lightly because it may cause difficulty breathing.

Side Effects of Rhinoplasty

Besides the potential risks that could threaten a patient’s life when undergoing nose surgery, there are also several short-term side effects that may alter a person’s comfort afterwards. Here is a look at the more common side effects:

• Pain – every surgery involves some level of pain and rhinoplasty is no different, especially since it does involve the alteration of the bones and cartilage of the nose. Luckily enough, over the counter medications may be enough to deal with the pain. Patients more sensitive to pain may be given stronger medication prescriptions by the doctor.
• Swelling – swelling is both a risk (when it starts complicating the patient’s health) and a side effect. Most swelling will subside within two weeks following the operation but some areas might not completely subside until after several months.
• Bruising – it is not uncommon for some patients to experience bruising following rhinoplasty. Most commonly the bruises appear around the eyes and normally last for ten to fifteen days. Bruising needs to be monitored carefully.

There is also a level of scarring. Most rhinoplasty operations involve incisions on the inside so the very fine, barely noticeable scars are well hidden. External incisions are quite rare but even those are not easy to spot.

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Source:

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