Rhinoplasty, more commonly known as a nose job, describes plastic surgery done on the nose. It can be reconstructive or functional, which means the surgery is done to correct an injury or defect. Common examples of reconstructive rhinoplasty include repairing a broken nose, removing nasal polyps, or straightening a deviated septum. Cosmetic or aesthetic rhinoplasty, on the other hand, is done to improve the appearance of the nose. The surgeon may reduce the size of the nose, remove a hump from the bridge of the nose, or make the tip less bulbous.
What Complications Can Occur?
Aesthetic rhinoplasty is one of the more common cosmetic procedures and thus has a good track record. Even so, things can go wrong. Complications of rhinoplasty can include the following:
• Reactions to the anesthesia
• Infection
• Swelling and discolored skin
• Poor wound healing
• Scarring
• Trouble breathing
• Hematoma
• Burst blood vessels
• Chronic nosebleeds
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic results
One rare complication is a hole in the septum, more formally known as nasal septal perforation. This complication, unfortunately, cannot always be repaired through more surgery.
The chances of something going wrong increase if the patient undergoes revision or secondary rhinoplasty to fix problems caused by a previous rhinoplasty. In a secondary rhinoplasty, the surgeon will be working on a nose that has already been damaged by the earlier operation. It may have less cartilage or bone for the surgeon to work with. There will also be more scarring, and the skin will be less elastic.
Who Is a Good Candidate for Rhinoplasty?
The ideal candidate for both functional and aesthetic rhinoplasty will be a healthy adult with realistic expectations. Teenagers can undergo the procedure, but the surgeon will make certain that their nose has stopped growing first.
Smokers need to stop smoking at least two weeks before the procedure, and they need to remain tobacco-free for at least two more weeks after the surgery. Smoking slows healing and increases the risks of complications like reactions to the anesthesia, infection and skin death.
Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, lung disease, arthritis, hypertension and high cholesterol all increase the risk of complications.
How Can a Patient Reduce the Likelihood of Complications?
There are two main ways a rhinoplasty patient can reduce the chances of complications: improve their own health and pick the right surgeon.
The patient should examine and improve their diet several weeks before the surgery. Good nutrition will also promote healing. The surgeon may recommend supplements like Vitamin C or Vitamin A. The patient should also avoid certain supplements like Vitamin E, gingko or ginseng, for they can increase the risk of complications. Similarly, the patient should avoid taking certain medications like blood-thinners or aspirin. They should discuss any medications they take with their surgeon in case they need a safer alternative.
The patient should check to make certain that their doctor has been certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgeons. Such certification indicates that the surgeon follows safety protocols and has kept up with the latest advances in technology and techniques. The patient should also choose a surgeon who specializes in reshaping faces and has a lot of experience.
Complications are rare with cosmetic procedures like aesthetic rhinoplasty, but they do happen. Based in Birmingham, AL, CosmetAssure lets you focus on the results by covering any complications that may occur during your elective procedure. Contact us today to learn more or find a participating surgeon near you.