WHAT ARE THE POTENTIAL RISKS OF RHINOPLASTY SURGERY?
Rhinoplasty, like any surgical procedure, carries potential risks. While many of these risks are rare, especially when the surgery is performed by a qualified and experienced surgeon, it’s essential for patients to be aware of them. Here are the potential risks associated with rhinoplasty:
BLEEDING
Some post-operative bleeding is expected, but excessive bleeding can be of concern and may require readmission.
INFECTION
As with any surgical procedure, there’s a risk of infection. However, when post-operative care instructions are followed and prescribed antibiotics taken as instructed, this risk is minimal.
SCARRING
While incisions for rhinoplasty are usually made inside the nose to avoid visible scars, there can still be scarring, especially with an open rhinoplasty where an external incision is made on the columella. The risk of noticeable scarring is minimal in Dr Sandeep’ hands.
BREATHING DIFFICULTIES
Some patients may have trouble breathing through their nose after surgery, especially if the procedure involves narrowing the nostrils or if there’s post-operative swelling.
UNSATISFACTORY COSMETIC RESULTS
There’s always a risk that the patient might not be satisfied with the appearance of their nose after surgery. This could be due to asymmetry, a nose shape that doesn’t match the patient’s expectations, or other aesthetic concerns.
NEED FOR REVISION SURGERY
In some cases, a secondary or revision surgery might be required to correct issues from the initial surgery or to achieve the desired results.
ANESTHESIA RISKS
As with any surgery that requires anaesthesia, there’s a risk of complications such as allergic reactions or breathing difficulties, rarely more serious complications may occur.
NUMBNESS
Some patients might experience numbness or a loss of sensation in the nasal area, especially the nasal tip, which usually resolves over time. Sometimes there may be numbness of the upper central incisor teeth.
PERSISTENT SWELLING
While swelling is expected after surgery, in rare cases, it might persist for an extended period.
SKIN DISCOLORATION
Some patients might experience skin discoloration or prolonged redness in the surgical area.
SKIN IRREGULARITIES
Very rarely the skin over the nose might appear wavy or have irregularities.
SEPTAL PERFORATION
In rare cases, there might be a hole in the septum, which can cause breathing difficulties, bleeding, whistling sounds and crusting. This may require corrective action if the patient is symptomatic.
NASAL SEPTAL HEMATOMA
This refers to a collection of blood within the septum, which can lead to complications if not treated promptly.
ADVERSE REACTION TO SUTURES OR MATERIALS
Rarely some patients might have allergic reactions to sutures or other materials used during the surgery.
COMPLICATIONS FROM EAR CARTILAGE HARVEST
Harvesting ear cartilage is a common procedure in reconstructive surgeries, especially in rhinoplasty, to provide additional structural support or to reshape certain areas. While the procedure is generally safe when performed by experienced surgeons like Dr Sandeep and the scars are well hidden, there are potential risks like scarring and change in shape of the ear.
