Avoiding Complications after Rhinoplasty

How can my rhinoplasty surgeon minimize the risks of my surgery?

The best rhinoplasty surgeons, like the best doctors in general, always remember their Hippocratic Oath and take every possible step to “First, do no harm.” There are several aspects to minimizing the risk of surgery. Patients should always be careful to do their homework in researching their rhinoplasty surgeon to make sure that he or she has a fine reputation, not only with patients but with colleagues, is highly trained and up-to-date on all the latest technological advances in the field, and has a refined aesthetic sense as well as a sense of compassion. In this way, patients can be assured that they are putting themselves in the hands of a well-respected professional.Patients should never choose a surgeon whose before and after gallery shows patients with “cookie cutter” noses. It is always best to choose a surgeon who has a conservative approach and to whom it is important that each nose reveal its own unique beauty.

Steps the Rhinoplasty Surgeon Takes to Minimize Risks

There are several steps the responsible rhinoplasty surgeon should take to avoid both cosmetic and functional complications. These include:

• Examining the patient thoroughly and taking a careful case history
• Engaging in open communication with the patient regarding realistic expectations
• Informing the patient of precisely what he or she intends to do
• Discussing the possible complications in even the most careful rhinoplasty
• Preplanning and “rehearsing” the particular patient’s surgery several times mentally

Are most rhinoplasty complications serious?

No, the majority of complications that do occur are relatively minor and can be corrected without much difficulty. There is, however, always the risk of something totally unforeseen occurring that may result in more serious consequences.

What can the patient do to avoid complications?

The most important thing patients can do to avoid trouble after a rhinoplasty (or after any surgery) is to follow the surgeon’s instructions explicitly, both before and after surgery.

Are there good questions to ask my surgeon to help me avoid complications?

Some patients hesitate to ask their surgeons certain questions because they fear insulting a medical professional. It is important for patients to remember that responsible doctors are truthful and understand how important it is for their patients to trust them. Therefore, they are well-prepared to answer questions about any of the following:

• The percentage of their patients who are satisfied with the results of their rhinoplasties
• The percentage of their patients who go on to have revision surgery
• Complications they have had to deal with during or after surgery
• Revision surgeries they have performed

Competent surgeons should be willing to show new patients examples of both their primary and revision work and to put them in touch with patients who have had such surgery within recent years. In rhinoplasty surgery, as in life in general, there are always risks. The best we can do is to minimize them as much as possible. If you are considering rhinoplasty surgery, you should consult with an excellent rhinoplasty surgeon who will help you to explore your options and give you a realistic understanding of the benefits and risks of nasal surgery.