What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Question

I’m 30 years old, in good general health - as far as I know. Stopped oral contraceptives about 5 years ago. My BMI is 26.6. I had a consult with a very well recommended doctor who has been in practice for many years. I am just struggling with moving forward knowing there are serious risks like stroke, blood clotting, vision problems, etc. I know they are less common risks but still risks none the less. How can I mitigate these risks? Is there anything I can do to feel confident to move forward?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I do not think that stroke is a complication of rhinoplasty surgery, and it's not clear why you are concerned about this. Visual problems after rhinoplasty is not a concern either, however, we have rarely encountered patients that have epiphora that has been short-lived. During general anesthetic, compression devices are placed on peoples legs to prevent thrombosis. Along with consulting with an anesthesiologist, you may also benefit from consulting with your primary care physician who can confirm that you are indeed in excellent health and do not have risk factors for a significant problem like you are concerned about. Wishing you good luck moving forward! Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

The risks you mentioned are not seen frequently in rhinoplasty surgery, particularly in your age group. We all, even those of us who performed and witnessed over 20,000 surgeries, feel the same anxiety undergoing our surgery in general anesthesia. Talking to a couple of surgeons and a few friends who had similar surgeries may help to control your anxiety. Staring anti-anxiety medication a couple of weeks before and after surgery can also help. Good luck.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Those risks are exceedingly rare. You need to concentrate on finding a surgeon you feel comfortable can give you the result you are looking for

Neil Tanna, MD, FACS · Answer

Surgery always has risks, scarring, and recovery. It's important to pick a doctor that will stick with you if any adverse event occurs.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The risks that you have mentioned are exceedingly rare, and we have never seen them in over 30 years. Much more likely is that even in the best of hands, there's a 10% chance of requiring you to need a touch up surgery one year after your primary rhinoplasty. There's also a small chance of getting a nosebleed after the surgery which would require nasal packing. Rhinoplasty is the most difficult procedure to perform in the entire field of cosmetic surgery, so choose your surgeon based on extensive experience producing natural results consistently. Study your prospective surgeon's before and after rhinoplasty photo gallery, which should be extensive with results that you like.

What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgical Risks exist with any procedure

Answer: Surgical Risks exist with any procedure

Answer: What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Answer: What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Answers (6)

Answer: Surgical Risks exist with any procedure

Answer: Surgical Risks exist with any procedure

Answer: What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Answer: What can I do to accept potential risks and mitigate them?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.