Rhinoplasty Risks and Safety

By Gary Motykie, MD

Rhinoplasty Risks and Safety | Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Success rate of rhinoplasty plastic surgery is very high, provided the procedure is performed by a board certified and experienced surgeon. However, it will still involve certain potential risks and complications, which should be known to the patient before they decided to go ahead with the surgery.

The surgeon will discuss the temporary side effects as well as risks and complications that could be associated with rhinoplasty specifically as well as with any surgery in general. The patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s instructions carefully for a safe surgery. Astute and committed to his craft cosmetic surgeon Dr. Gary Motykie provides rhinoplasty to patients in Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and surrounding locations.

Potential Complications

Rhinoplasty plastic surgery will usually have only a few minor and temporary side effects. However, in rare situations, one or more of the following complications may take place:

Infection in the incision area during or after the nose surgery
Adverse reaction to general anesthesia or lidocaine
Restriction in breathing through the nostrils
Chronic nosebleeds
Perforated septum
Accumulation of fluid below the skin
Burst blood vessels
Conspicuous scarring in case of open rhinoplasty
Asymmetrical nose shape
Possibility of a revision procedure

Dr. Motykie is a board certified and dedicated cosmetic surgeon receiving patients from Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, Los Angeles, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty and other procedures for the face, body and breast.

Reducing the Risks

The single most important factor that will influence the risk profile in rhinoplasty will be the skill and experience of the operating nose surgeon. A board certified plastic surgeon would typically adopt the best practices and standards, pursue continuing training, follow advanced surgical techniques, and use the latest safety protocols to achieve safer and more effective outcomes.

An experienced surgeon would be in a position to strike a delicate balance between the facial and nose anatomy of the patient and their personal cosmetic needs and expectations. The patient, on their part, should diligently follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-operative instructions. All these efforts, along with the patient’s existing health status, would make an impact on risk profile of rhinoplasty.

The patient and the surgeon should have a relationship of trust and open communication in order to ensure that no critical information is missing from the patient’s side, which could increase the risk of rhinoplasty. The patient should answer the surgeon’s questions with accuracy and transparency, and have the confidence to share all relevant health and lifestyle related information.

Scarring Risks

Nearly every cosmetic surgery procedure will have some risk of scarring. But in case of closed rhinoplasty technique, the incisions are made inside the nostrils, and no scarring is visible from outside. In case of open rhinoplasty, minor scarring will occur in a discreet location as a small incision is made across the columella.

Risk of Unsatisfactory Aesthetic Outcome

The aesthetic outcome may be unsatisfactory either due to a surgical error or due to the patient’s unrealistic expectations. The surgeon and patient should have clear communication to minimize the risk of disappointment later on.

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