SURGICAL RISKS
RHINOPLASTY IS GENERALLY ONE OF THE SAFEST OF ALL PLASTIC SURGERY PROCEDURES.
Although all risks are rare, they must all be understood as possible.
– Infection (Primary 2%, Revision 6%)
– Re-deviation of the septum (5%)
– Asymmetry of the tip, bridge, and/or nostrils (5%)
– Contour irregularities of the bridge (2-3%)
– Tip numbness (100%, resolves in 6-12 months)
– Tip stiffness (100%, improves over 2 years)
– Visible scar when healed (3-5%)
– Need for a revision in Primary 2-4%
– Need for a revision in Revision ~10% (90% minor “touch up”, 10% major)
– Re-deviation of the septum (5%)
– Asymmetry of the tip, bridge, and/or nostrils (5%)
– Contour irregularities of the bridge (2-3%)
– Tip numbness (100%, resolves in 6-12 months)
– Tip stiffness (100%, improves over 2 years)
– Visible scar when healed (3-5%)
– Need for a revision in Primary 2-4%
– Need for a revision in Revision ~10% (90% minor “touch up”, 10% major)
Should any of these rare events occur, they may require further treatment and/or surgery. Some may be amendable with minor in-office procedures, while others may require another surgical operation.
If rib harvesting is being performed, there is an extremely rare risk of damage to the lining of the lung. This could require a small tube to be left in the incision, and a 1 day stay in the hospital.
Warping of rib cartilage is also a risk that could require revision surgery, however due to several special techniques performed in preparation of the rib, this is exceedingly rare in our practice.
ANESTHESIA RISKS
Modern anesthesia is incredibly safe. At our 600 bed, fully accredited hospital, board certified MD Anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists perform TIVA (Total IV Anesthesia).
This has the benefit of dramatically decreasing post operative nausea and vomiting. It is routine for patients undergoing 8+ hour long operations to have minimal to no nausea. Nausea from anesthesia
(0-10%) Sore throat (50%, 1-2 days) Headache (50%, 1-2 days).
In healthy patients (ASA 1), the all cause mortality rate of general anesthesia is roughly 0.12 per 100000, or .00012%. This is safer than driving a car or flying on a plane. An Anesthesiologist and/or Nurse Anesthetist is present at all times during the operation monitoring all vital signs to ensure safety and the smoothest possible recovery.
For a more detailed handout discussing Anesthesia, please refer to the following
