Understand your rhinoplasty risks

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Understand your rhinoplasty risks

Posted Monday, July 19, 2010

Because the nose is the central feature of the face, even the most minor adjustment by a skilled surgeon can have a profound and beautiful impact on the face's overall appearance. Rhinoplasty has come a long way in recent decades, but like all surgery, there are post-op risks unique to the procedure.

Nosebleeds or ruptures of the small blood vessels in the nose can occur occasionally. These can be corrected with a laser or sclerotherapy once healing is complete. A small amount of bleeding is normal for several days after surgery. (If you are concerned, call your surgeon.)

Although restoring the nose's function is often part of rhinoplasty, breathing problems are possible after surgery, especially when the nose is made smaller. If problems persist after all swelling dissipates, a secondary rhinoplasty procedure may be necessary.

Additionally, numbness in the tip is possible. This usually subsides within a few months, but there is a remote chance it may not go away.

Tags: blood vessels, laser, nose job, post-op, post-surgery, procedure, rhinoplasty, sclerotherapy, surgery

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Moiaussi said...
I had a rhinoplasty 25 years ago by a board-certified cosmetic surgeon recommended by one of my outstanding physicians. The visible incisions made to make my nostrils a bit smaller never healed smoothly, so they are obvious. Worse still, my septum is now very deviated to the point that I have only 20% use of one nostril, and it is noticeable when looking at my nose from below. I went back to have one incision re-cut (oh my gosh that hurt, it was just like Jack Nicholson in my favorite movie, "Chinatown"), but there was no improvement.

My surgeon died a while later, even though he was young and in good health, so I could not have him fix it.

Posted July 19, 2010 7:03 PM

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Dr. Michael A. Epstein | Plastic Surgeon
Rhinoplasty surgery, more than any other plastic surgical procedure, defines what we as Plastic Surgeons are. The most intimate relationship between function and aesthetics is found when performing rhinoplasty surgery. Although, we are primarily tending to the external appearance of the nose and its aesthetic proportions to surrounding facial features, we cannot ignore the internal and functional aspects of what the nose's purpose is for. It is true that with many rhinoplasties, the nose is made smaller and more narrow. Therefore the internal aspects of the nasal airway may become positioned closer together, which in turn may adversely affect airflow. There are other functional aspects to the nose, like smell, humidifying, and warming of the air which all need to be addressed prior to rhinoplasty surgery.

Posted July 20, 2010 2:30 PM

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Dr. David W. Kim | Facial Plastic Surgeon
Rhinoplasty is one of the most commonly sought cosmetic procedures with good reason. Surgery can make striking and permanent improvements to one's appearance as well as to one's breathing. And although the surgery is truly one of millimeters, there are a number of problems which can result if complications occur.

The most common risks are bleeding or infection, though these tend to be short lived, easily treated, and do not compromise the long term outcome of the surgery.

More permanent problems have to do with undesired changes that affect the shape of the nose. Rhinoplasty in essence is an operation which alters the shape of the nose through a variety of techniques. In general the cartilage and bone which makes up the framework of the nose is changed and the skin redrapes over this altered structure. Of course the changes ideally will lead to desired improvement in external shape and internal function (breathing), but the surgery may lead to undersired changes.

These problems may range from small irregularities or asymmetries of the nose. Sometimes these may be so minute that they do are not noticeable or barealy apparent. Bigger problems may be the result of areas of the nose becoming less stable and pinching or weakening. This can lead to more obviousl contour irregualities and/or breathing problems.

Fortunately, revision rhinoplasty can correct these problems, though the surgery may be more complicated in some cases. The best option of course is to avoid the problems to begin with. The best way to do that is to seek treatment from a qualified board certified surgeon, preferrably one who specializes in rhinoplasty.

Posted August 4, 2010 4:12 PM

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Dr. David W. Kim: Facial Plastic Surgeon

Having authored over 50 scientific papers, articles and chapters in medical literature, Dr. David W. Kim, the former Chief of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at the University of California, San Francisco, is a name recognized around the world—for challenging the classical views of beauty. Teaching facial plastic surgery for six years, Dr. Kim possesses inherent communication and motivation skills, which translate well into educating patients.

Visit Dr. Kim's NewBeauty profile.

Dr. Michael A. Epstein: Plastic Surgeon

Dr. Michael A. Epstein, with offices on Chicago’s North Shore, knows what cosmetic surgery can do for a person’s self esteem. From the initial consultation to the postoperative visit, he and his staff strive to create a truly beautiful experience for each and every patient. A recipient of Castle Connolly’s “Top Doctor” award for plastic surgery, Dr. Epstein is an active member of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons and the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. He has been a featured guest on numerous television programs and quoted in dozens of newspapers and magazines nationwide.

Visit Dr. Epstein's NewBeauty profile.

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