Questions?
Ask Kelley!

Rhinoplasty - Risks

Virginia Center For Plastic Surgery

Risks of rhinoplasty include both general risks associated with any surgical procedure of similar scope, and risks that are specific to the rhinoplasty procedure.

As with any surgical procedure, it is to understand these risks and discuss them with a qualified and experienced cosmetic surgeon.

Infections

As with any surgical procedure, there is always some risk of infection. Because rhinoplasty is a relatively noninvasive procedure, those risks are small. In those rare cases that infections occur, they can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some very rare types of infection, such as toxic shock syndrome, the condition can be fatal. Most infections can be effectively prevented simply by keeping the wound clean and watching the area carefully during the healing process.

Anesthesia toxicity

Any procedure involving anesthesia carries risks, and risks of general anesthesia are greater than risks for local anesthetics or IV sedation. The primary risks involved with general sedation are respiratory related.

If you have a preexisting cardiac or pulmonary disease, if you smoke, or use prescription or non-prescription drugs, your risks are more pronounced. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any conditions or other factors that might increase your chance of complications from anesthesia.

You should ask your surgeon who will be providing your anesthesia. It takes years of specialize training to provide safe anesthesia for cosmetic surgery patients. Board certified anesthesiologists and CRNA's (under the supervision of a board certified anesthesiologist) are the medical specialists who are most qualified and licensed to provide your anesthesia care.

Bleeding

Due to the incisions made inside the nose, persistent bleeding may occur for as much as a month after the operation. This can be minimized by avoiding the temptation to pick or blow the nose during the initial healing process.

Burst blood vessels

In some cases, the rhinoplasty procedure causes small blood vessels in the nose to burst. This may appear as tiny red spots on the skin, barely visible to the naked eye. In certain very rare cases, the condition is permanent.

Scarring

In cases of open rhinoplasty, the patient will have a scar on the underside of the nose, between the nostrils. The extent of the scarring will vary from patient to patient, but is almost always minor.

If you would like to discuss rhinoplasty risks personally, Dr. Desman is available in Alexandria, Virginia, for a free consultation.

Call 703-924-3144 to schedule a free in-office consultation or to set up a free telephone consultation.

Our goal is to provide you with the highest quality cosmetic surgery care in the Northern Virginia and Washington DC region. Dr. Desman is committed to serving you through advanced training, dedication to perfection and unmatched personal care.