Nose Surgery - Rhinoplasty Complications

Minor Complications

A minor complication has little risk to the patient's life. The causes for minor complications include unpredictable factors such as a patient's wound healing ability, failure to follow instructions, or just bad luck such as an unexpected allergic reaction to a drug.

Unrealistic Expectations

Unrealistic expectations are the most frequent source of disappointing results. If a patient has unrealistic expectations before surgery, then it is almost impossible for the surgeon to achieve results that will make the patient happy. Patients must honestly state their hopes and expectations to the surgeon. It is realistic to expect a significant improvement, but it is unrealistic to expect perfect results.

Scars: The scars that follow a rhinoplasty are not readily visible. The scars initially look pink but over the next six months they will fade to a pale white colour. However, they are not invisible and can become prominent and unsightly.

Numbness: After the operation, the nasal skin will feel numb but usually this improves after six months or so.

Seroma and haematoma : In rare cases body fluid (seroma) or blood clots can build up underneath the skin. Often we will need to treat this, sometimes using just a needle and syringe, or by a small second operation.

Infection and Wound breakdown: There is a remote risk of infection of the wound, which may lead to breakdown of the area, and may necessitate further treatment, including additional minor surgery. This is much more likely in smokers, which is why you should stop smoking at least ten days before and after the operation.

Rare and Severe Complications

Anaesthesia

Complications due to anaesthesia are rare. Both local anaesthesia (LA) and general anaesthesia (GA) have associated risks.

Other Complications

Other serious although extremely rare complications include: Allergic drug reactions, aspiration pneumonia, cardiac arrest and potentially fatal cardiac arrhythmias, brain damage due to lack of oxygen under GA, and seizures.