Risks of Rhinoplasty? How likely is it that that risk can occur and how can it be avoided?

There are always risks associated with general anesthesia that are distinct from the specific surgical procedure risks.  Heart attack, arrhythmia (irregular, insufficient heart beat), respirator y depression (too sleepy to breathe), DVT (blood clots), malignant hyperthermia (severe atypical reaction to anesthesia) and pulmonary embolism are scary but thankfully rare complications of any surgery involving anesthesia.  The risk in an individual patient is related to the health status and family history.  

 

This is why it is so important to see a board certified doctor in the specialty which covers the procedure and to use an accredited facility that has been inspected and certified as safe.  In my opinion, any surgery that requires general anesthesia or deep sedation, as rhinoplasty typically does, should have the anesthesia performed by a board certified anesthesiologist.  This is to manage those scary risks, ensure that the patient is a good anesthesia risk, and to be present with the necessary expertise should an emergency occur.  Although problems are very rare, this is just good medicine.

There is no "risk-less" surgery just as there is no "risk-less" driving or eating,  for example. A number of factors lessen complications as a result of surgery:  the better your health, the less your risk. The more qualified the surgeon and anesthesiologist, the lower your risk. The better you follow your pre and post operative instructions, the less risk you have.  Even then, there are no guarantees.    But overall, the risks are not high. We  surgeons try hard to avoid potential problems such as excessive bleeding, unwanted drug reactions, over-operated looking noses, the need for a second surgery, and so forth. The best advice is to have a candid conversation with your surgeon (but not a fearful one!) about risks and potential problems. Then make a decision you  are comfortable with once you know all the real facts!

In general, the possible risks of rhinoplasty may include the following:

 

1) Bleeding (hematoma)
2) Infection
3) Asymmetry
4) Scar tissue buildup
5) Broken blood vessels
6) Nose being overdone from an over-aggressive surgery
7) Chronic swelling
8) Nasal obstruction

If you are in good health and cleared for surgery following a physical exam, the possibility of a heart attack occurring is very slim. Numbness in the nose is not uncommon following surgery, but this will likely resolve itself. There is a risk of nerve damage to the nose, but this is very slim. Your anesthesiologist will speak with you about your history and help determine the best combination of medications for you. There are drugs that will be prescribed which will help prevent post-surgical nausea. Thanks and I hope this helps!