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How Safe is Rhinoplasty?

I am considering getting rhinoplasty but am a little worried about the procedure. Is it safe? Is it simple?

Doctor Answers 7

How Safe is Anything?

October 24th, 2008
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Hi FF,

Rhinoplasty is only as safe as the surgeon whom you most carefully choose to perform the procedure. In the proper hands, the procedure is very safe.

Even the "simplest" of rhinoplasties are not "simple". Rhinoplasty is the most difficult of all facial plastic surgical procedures. Your surgeon must maintain the function of your nose while making the cosmetic changes that will result in an aesthetically pleasing nose. It is the art of sculpting using the most precious of all materials, human cartilage and bone. Even if the great Michelangelo chipped off a little to much marble, he could ask for a new stone, or alter what he was making. Unfortunately we don't have the option of starting over on a "new" specimen. Add to that that the nose is in the center of the face, and in most of the world not covered by clothing, and I never take a rhinoplasty lightly.

Research your rhinoplastic surgeon, take your time, and you should end up with a very safe procedure and a "simply" beautiful nose. Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD


Encino Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 34 reviews

Usually very safe, but always a delicate procedure

October 24th, 2008
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Whenever you are considering cosmetic surgery, you must always ask your surgeon about the inherent risks and benefits of the procedure. In most cases, however, a cosmetic rhinoplasty is very safe and effective. Some points to consider in order to increase the safety of the procedure:

Make sure it is performed by an individual well-trained and with the proper credentials to perform the procedure

Make sure it is performed in an approved facility (Hospital OR, Ambulatory surgery center, or free standing office-based surgicenter)

If you have any underlying medical issues, make sure you are cleared for surgery by your doctor

Rhinoplasty is a delicate procedure with multiple important details, so make sure the surgeon you choose is comfortable with your anatomy and your goals for surgery. This will give you the best chance at an excellent result!

Dr. S

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS

Shahram Salemy, MD, FACS
Seattle Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 141 reviews

Nose Job Safety

June 17th, 2015
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Though a rhinoplasty is in fact a surgery that comes alongside a list of potential warnings, serious complications are relatively rare. The risk of death should not be a major determining factor in your decision, as the benefits that a nose job can bring you typically outweigh the threat of complication. To ensure utmost safety, always make certain that both the surgeon and the anesthesiologist with whom they work are fully board certified.
Sam Rizk, MD

Sam Rizk, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.6 out of 5 stars 50 reviews

Rhinoplasty Safety

May 25th, 2009
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Rhinoplasty procedures are safe when appropriate surgical and anesthetic measures are taken into consideration. The procedure is performed on an outpatient basis and can be done under several forms of anesthesia. Although a rhinoplasty procedure may be quick, it is best to go to a surgeon who is meticulous and detail oriented.

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS

Raffy Karamanoukian, MD, FACS
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 90 reviews

Rhinoplasty safety

April 20th, 2009
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Rhinoplasty is a very safe procedure. The risks of complications are low and most are done in outpatient settings either in an accredited office OR, ambulatory surgery center, or hospital. 

Steven Wallach, MD

Steven Wallach, MD
New York Plastic Surgeon
4.1 out of 5 stars 23 reviews

Is rhinoplasty a safe procedure?

January 18th, 2009
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From a life/death perspective, a rhinoplasty performed in an accredited facility with a board certified anesthesiologist in a healthy patient is a safe procedure. Rhinoplasty is never a simple procedure and is in fact the most complex plastic surgery procedure. When seeking a rhinoplasty surgeon they should have extensive experience in rhinoplasty. In addition, you should feel comfortable with your rhinoplasty surgeon including the plan for your nose, the before and after pictures presented from similar patients and the entire process leading up to the surgery.

Web reference: http://www.shahfacialplastics.com/index-9.html

Anil R. Shah, MD

Anil R. Shah, MD
Chicago Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 141 reviews

Very safe from a life/death procedure

October 28th, 2008
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The major threat from surgery is the anesthesia. You are probably safer in an accredited outpatient surgery center having surgery than driving there. Of course this is assuming that you have a qualified surgeon and anesthetist.
In more than 30 years of thousands of nasal surgery we have never had any untoward event or had to send anyone to the hospital.

Toby Mayer, MD

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 32 reviews

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.