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Rhinoplasty is a widely practiced cosmetic procedure, and at Berkeley Square Medical, we bring unparalleled expertise to every nose surgery. With over 30 years of experience and a remarkable record of completing 8,950 rhinoplasty procedures and counting, our clinic ensures the highest standards of care. While rhinoplasty is generally safe, certain complications can arise, especially in patients with underlying health conditions or those who smoke.
For instance, there is a potential risk of developing sleep apnea post-surgery, along with other complications such as bleeding and infection at the incision site.
In this article, we will discuss steps you can take to minimise these risks and ensure a smooth and complication-free surgery.
Before scheduling your surgery, you will meet your surgeon and discuss your goals. You will also go over the risks associated with surgery and how to reduce them, as well as what you should do before your procedure. Make sure to ask any questions or voice any concerns that may have arisen from reading this article!
These are some of the documents you should bring with you to the consultation:
Excessive bleeding can occur during the procedure due to a number of reasons, including a lack of blood clotting. If this happens, you may be given medication to prevent excessive bleeding or stop it completely.
Some of the things that can predispose you to heavy bleeding are taking aspirin and other blood thinners, having a history of heavy menstrual periods or taking birth control pills.
It is also important to tell your doctor if you have had nose bleeds before in order to be prepared for possible complications due to excessively sensitive nasal tissue.
Swelling of the nose and surrounding areas is a very common occurrence after rhinoplasty surgery. This is a natural response to the surgical manipulation of tissues, as the body directs increased blood flow and fluids to the area to facilitate healing. Initially, the swelling can be quite pronounced, often peaking within the first few days post-surgery. During this period, patients might notice significant changes in the shape and size of their nose, which can be unsettling but is entirely normal.
As the healing process progresses, the swelling will gradually diminish. Most of the noticeable swelling should subside within the first two weeks, allowing the new contours of the nose to begin to emerge. However, it’s important to understand that residual swelling, especially at the tip of the nose, can persist for several months. In some cases, it may take up to a year for all the swelling to fully resolve and for the final results of the surgery to become apparent.
Infection around the area of the operation is rare and usually only occurs when there is a break in the skin.
If you develop redness, swelling, or discomfort around the area of your surgery it’s important to contact your doctor immediately who might prescribe an antibiotic to help prevent infection.
If you think that something has gone wrong with your rhinoplasty operation seek medical attention quickly because without treatment recovery can be difficult if not impossible.
Breathing difficulties after a nose operation can be caused by swelling or scar tissue and can be relieved with a nasal decongestant.
If you notice that your nose is congested after surgery, use a saline spray to clear the water from your sinuses and avoid blowing your nose for 24 hours.
You might find it difficult to breathe through one side of your nose following rhinoplasty because cartilage has been removed during the operation; this will improve automatically over time as tissues heal but in the meantime, you may need to breathe out of both nostrils until one becomes less swollen than it’s counterpart.
The nasal bones may not match perfectly due to scar tissue or swelling post-surgery affecting one side more than the other, which can lead to a crooked nose appearance that does not align with your natural features and makes it difficult for you to breathe comfortably through one nostril in particular.
Anticipate this complication if your surgeon plans on making significant changes involving bone structure (excessively narrowing the bony pyramid). It’s possible that there will be some asymmetry even after rhinoplasty surgery is successful.
Another type of temporary asymmetry could be that your nostrils will look uneven for a while. This condition is often due to swelling and will correct itself once it’s gone.
Rhinoplasty involves cutting into the nose and scarring is natural. Scars are generally not noticeable after healing, but they can cause complications in the short-term and long-term if left unaddressed.
Some of these complications include:
Numbness in and around the nose area after a nose job is normal. It may last for a few days or up to one month and should go away on its own.
Following rhinoplasty surgery, it is common for patients to experience bruising around the nose and under the eyes. This discoloration occurs as a result of blood vessels being disturbed during the surgical process, leading to blood pooling under the skin. While bruising can be a normal part of the healing process, it can vary in severity and duration among individuals.
The nasal dorsum, often referred to as the “bridge” of the nose, extends from the area between the eyes down to the tip. Ideally, this structure should be smooth and symmetrical on both sides, contributing to the overall aesthetic balance of the nose and face. However, asymmetries and irregularities in the nasal dorsum can sometimes happen as a result of rhinoplasty complications.
If a deformity does occur, it can often be corrected through revision rhinoplasty. This secondary procedure is more complex and requires an even higher level of surgical skill to achieve the desired corrections and restore nasal harmony.
The complications discussed above are an overview of some of the possible adverse outcomes of rhinoplasty. Most of the complications are relatively benign and are reversible through simple interventions.
Complications such as excessive bleeding, allergic reactions, pain, and increased sensitivity are often temporary and easily fixed.
However, others, such as scars, are more permanent and often irreversible.
Fortunately, most of the complications are avoidable if you get a well-qualified and skilled surgeon. Issues such as asymmetry, pinched tips, and noticeable grafts resulting from a poor nose job are avoidable. It is up to you to seek the best professionals available.
It’s also important to realise that even though the surgeon controls most aspects of the surgery, recovery is mainly the patient’s role.
Complications during or after rhinoplasty can happen but are not as common as you might think.
Most people who have rhinoplasty surgery are happy with the results and don’t usually experience complications, but that is because they choose a surgeon who has plenty of experience performing this type of operation.
If you want to reduce the risk for these types of problems then make sure your doctor specialises in nose surgeries.
Rhinoplasty is major surgery, but there are many factors that determine how major it is.
The complexity of the surgery, whether or not you’re having reconstruction work done on your nose, and the experience level of the surgeon all contribute to what type of rhinoplasty surgery you’ll need.
After your nose surgery, it’s crucial to follow specific guidelines to ensure optimal healing and avoid complications. Here are some key activities and habits to avoid:
Contact Sports: Engaging in contact sports can pose a significant risk to your healing nose. Avoid any activities where your nose might get hit or bumped for at least several weeks post-surgery to prevent injury or displacement of the nasal structures.
Blowing Your Nose: Blowing your nose too hard can disrupt the delicate healing process and may lead to bleeding or other complications. If you need to clear your nasal passages, do so very gently or consult your surgeon for alternative methods.
Rubbing the Area Around Your Bridge: The area around your nasal bridge, where stitches might be, is particularly sensitive after surgery. Avoid rubbing or touching this area to reduce the risk of infection and ensure that the stitches remain intact.
Strenuous Activities: Refrain from heavy lifting, intense exercise, and any strenuous activities that might increase blood pressure and cause swelling or bleeding in the nasal area.
Sun Exposure: Protect your nose from direct sunlight. UV rays can cause discoloration and affect the healing of the incision sites. Wearing a broad-brimmed hat or using sunscreen with a high SPF can help protect your skin.
Wearing Glasses: If you wear glasses, try to avoid placing them on the bridge of your nose for a few weeks, as this can put pressure on the healing area. Consider using contact lenses or consult your surgeon for alternative solutions.
Smoking and Alcohol Consumption: Smoking can impede the healing process and increase the risk of complications. Similarly, alcohol can cause swelling and increase the chances of bleeding. It’s advisable to avoid both during your recovery period.
By carefully adhering to these guidelines, you can promote a smooth recovery and achieve the best possible results from your rhinoplasty at Berkeley Square Medical. Always consult with your surgeon for personalised advice and follow their specific post-operative instructions.
The chance of going blind after rhinoplasty is very slim.
The risks of complications are more likely to be in the form of infection and worsening breathing problems, such as a collapsed nose.
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