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What Are the Chances of Rhinoplasty Going Wrong?

asked 1 year ago by canajen in Canada
Latest answer by Michael R. Macdonald, MD
Question viewed 671 times
Tags: bad, complication, percentage

As in, permanent scarring, infection, rot, nose collapse, deformation, death, etc.

13 answers to What Are the Chances of Rhinoplasty Going Wrong?

Risk of Serious Rhinoplasty Complications

The risk of serious complications after rhinoplasty are very rare. Studies have stated that the incidence of lesser complications is up to 20%. I think it is fair to say that experienced surgeons have about a 5% complication rate -most of these are minor.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Rhinoplasty risks...

Many of the issues you describe (bleeding, infection, death) are risks of any surgery. This risk depends on patient health, type and length of procedure and the setting of the operation. Rhinoplasty is usually performed on healthy individuals under general anesthesia in an outpatient surgery center. In these cases, risk is exceptionally rare. You have to discuss your personal risk with your surgeon who knows your health status, etc. Risk of an undesired cosmetic outcome also depends on... more

Paul K. Holden, MD
Phoenix Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.HoldenFace.com

Risks of Rhinoplasty complications are extremely small

The good news is that the risks of any of the potential complications that concern you the most, and are listed in your question, are extremely small if not negligible. Most rhinoplasty surgery can be performed through incisions on the inside of the nose so that there are no visible scars. While infection may occur, it is very uncommon, and I recommend a course of preventative antibiotics in order to minimize this risk. Nasal implants may occasionally be used in rhinoplasty surgery,... more

Michael R. Macdonald, MD
Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmmacdonald.com

Rhinoplasty complications

Risk of serious injury following rhinoplasty is rare. However, minor complications such as contour irregularities do occur and are dependent on your baseline nasal structures, surgeon's experience, and your healing capacity.

Arian Mowlavi, MD
Laguna Beach Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Risks

Rhinoplasty is the most challenging of any cosmetic surgery and the one with the highest revision rate. Odds are that 5-15% of all rhinoplasties need some form of revision and this can be higher in less experienced hands. For that reason choosing a physician who is very comfortable with this complicated operation is important. That being said, rhinoplasty patients are some of the happiest patients I have with this operation being able to fundamentally change a part of their appearance... more

Vincent P. Marin, MD
San Diego Plastic Surgeon

Incidence of major rhinoplasty disasters is extremely rare

Your question is a bit interesting and unusual. Major disasters eventuating from a rhinoplasty as you described are extremely rare particularly when performed by competent board certified plastic surgeons or facial plastic surgeons. Relatively minor problems, aesthetic deficiencies or patient dissatisfaction with the result is an inherent risk with rhinoplasties and may range generally from around 5 - 20% depending a variety of factors.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD
Scottsdale Plastic Surgeon

Chances of serious rhinoplasty complication

The complications you mentioned are very uncommon. Collapse and baad scarring can be related to an inexperienced surgeon, so selecting an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon is encouraged. Infection is quite uncommon, though often preventative antibiotics are given after surgery.

Thomas A Lamperti, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty complications.

Though any patient can have a serious complication, these are EXTREMELY rare. The complication that I have seen the most of in 35 years of revision rhinoplasty is a poor aesthetic result. Make sure your aesthetics and the surgeon's agree and make it quite clear what you want!

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

The chance of rhinoplasty going wrong

Death, destruction, permanent scaring, infection, collapse, and yes rot are all rare following rhinoplasty. An occasional nosebleed is seen. Changes in the airway, not many. The problems in rhinoplasty are imperfections in the result, or poor aesthetics (not the best result). Experience trumps all so choose carefully. Nationally the 'revision rate' has been estimated at 20%, though if you ask anyone, revision is rare in their practice. The bottom line safety with experience. Best... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Problems are rare when your surgeon is skilled.....

You ask an excellent question, the answer will be different for every surgeon. Some surgeons will have higher rates of infection or need for revisions. Skilled, experienced surgeons most likely will have lower numbers. The average revision rate for rhinoplasty (need to go back to operating room to do additional work) is around 10%. There are many surgeons who have rates much lower than this. If your surgeon claims their revision rate is zero, don't believe them. Because of all the... more

Ivan Wayne, MD
Oklahoma City Facial Plastic Surgeon

Risk of rhinoplasty wrong

It is an operation which requires the attention of an expert plastic surgeon who has performed at least hundreds of rhinoplasties.The revision rate is proportional to the inexperience of the surgeon.

Erel Laufer, M.D.
Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty is a tricky operation.

Hi. Some of the most common questions on RealSelf are from unhappy rhinoplasty patients. But it's all about finding a skilled, experienced surgeon. Then it is very safe. Ask to see a lot of before and after pictures. In expert hands, there is a 5% revision rate. see video

George J. Beraka, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Risk of Poor Rhinoplasty Results

In skilled hands, the chance of exceeding bad results like you name are very small. The chances of minor problems such as a less than perfect aesthetic result requiring repeat surgery are about 10%. I can not stress enough, make sure that you find someone that is good at rhinoplasty. They MUST be board-certified in Facial Plastic Surgery or General Plastic Surgery and specialize in rhinoplasty.