Risks and complications for nose correction

General risks

Thrombosis, embolism, allergic reactions and cardiovascular reactions are a general risk associated all surgical procedures, including nasal surgery. However, these risks are low or rare for rhinoplasty. If you know you have an underlying condition that would increase the general risk in an unacceptable way, then this is a contra-indication for your nose surgery.

injury to nearby structures in connection with a nose operation

In the literature there are very rare descriptions of injuries to nearby structures, for example the tear duct and the skullbase.

Injuries to the tear duct can be accompanied by a watery eye and injuries to the base of the skull can lead to a loss of cerebral fluid. An injury to the base of the skull with a loss of cerebral fluid requires surgical treatment.

Specific complications of a nose correction

Bleeding from the nose and inflammation in or on the nose are rare but typical side-effects of nose surgery. Bleeding often stops without further haemostatic treatment being necessary. On occasion nasal packing may be effective and in even rarer cases another operation may be considered for the purpose of haemostasis.

Infection of the nose after a rhinoplasty is also rare and can usually be treated with antibiotics. In rare cases another operation may be necessary, e.g. for a nasal abscess).

Bruising of the nasal septum (septal hematoma), if not extensive, usually resolves itself. Careful follow-up is then sufficient. Significant septal haematoma requires surgical removal.

Haematoma can be the reason for the formation of an abscess (septal abscess).

Holes in the nasal septum, septal perforation, may also occur as a result of nasal surgery. Small holes can be the cause of unpleasant whistling. Larger holes are often accompanied by clogging and nosebleeds. If intensive care of the nose with a soft nasal ointment does not achieve the desired relief of symptoms, in some circumstances the patient may require another operation.

Increased drying out of the nasal mucosa, loss of feeling of the incisor teeth, possibly in combination with discoloration, and deterioration of nasal breathing may also be a consequence of rhinoplasty.

Even from the aesthetic point of view, undesirable side-effects are possible, such as an uneven nasal bridge, re-skewing despite previous corrective surgery or the misalignment of a previously straight nose. Instability between the sidewall cartilage and the bony lateral nasal wall can lead to inverted-V deformity where the contour of the bridge of the nose is visible in the form of an inverted V. Degraded grafts can also lead to unwanted changes in shape.

Blindness caused by injection of haemostatic medication

We have not been made aware of any patients who have suffered from blindness as a result of a nose correction. However some rare individual cases are described in specialist literature.