Patients undergoing rhinoplasty should be aware of the risks associated with the procedure:
Bleeding
Infection
An adverse reaction to the anesthesia
Permanent numbness in and around the nose
Uneven appearance of the nose
Difficulty breathing through the nose
Scarring
Persistent pain, swelling, or discoloration
A hole in the septum
Need to undergo additional surgery
When searching for a rhinoplasty surgeon, it’s important to consider a surgeon’s qualifications, experience, results of past surgeries, and professional demeanor.
A rhinoplasty surgeon should have extensive training in facial plastic and reconstructive surgery. Find out where they completed their residency and fellowship. Also, check to see if he or she is a member of any medical associations and if they’re involved in researching cutting-edge techniques and technologies.
A surgeon’s professional demeanor can speak volumes about their ability to communicate. During an initial consultation, a rhinoplasty surgeon should take the time to evaluate your appearance, listen to your concerns, discuss your options, and help you set realistic goals and expectations. Cosmetic surgery is deeply personal and you should be comfortable in the surgeon’s presence.
Be sure to review a rhinoplasty surgeon’s examples of past surgeries to see if they have a track record of successful outcomes. Read reviews to learn more about the staff at the clinic and to find out how they treat clients.
Understand that quality is associated with cost. Though you don’t necessarily need to choose the most expensive rhinoplasty surgeon to ensure optimal results, be wary of unusually low prices as this can reflect a surgeon’s inexperience.
A rhinoplasty is typically performed on an outpatient basis, either with general anesthesia or local anesthesia. Once the patient is sedated, the surgeon will make cuts within the nostrils. Some surgeries may require making cuts across the base of the nose.
The surgeon then reshapes the inner bone and cartilage to achieve the desired structure and appearance. In some cases, the surgeon will need to use cartilage from deep inside the nose or ear. Surgeries that require bigger changes may involve using cartilage from the rib, implants, or bone from other parts of the body.
Once the changes are made, the surgeon will make stitches to keep the nose’s skin and tissue in place.
