Nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
Potential complications and risks of nose reshaping (rhinoplasty)
We will have a very good impression of the final shape of your nose when the plaster or splint comes off, but the swelling and bruising will take a further 7-10 days to settle.
There are some complications relating to the operation. In the first few days after surgery these include infection, which is rare, and the potential for bleeding. If bleeding is severe and not controlled by simple packing, you may require a return to the operating theatre.
To reduce this risk, all patients are advised not to take drugs containing aspirin, ibuprofen or gingko biloba for at least a week before their operation as these can alter the clotting of the blood. Just one tablet can affect the clotting for up to seven days. Smoking affects your skin blood vessels and makes both bleeding after the operation and the risk of skin dying more likely.
With reduction of the cartilages in the tip of the nose, there is a risk of the nose narrowing when you take deep breaths through the nostrils. This is called “valving”, and is caused by loss of the cartilage support to the tip of the nose. If this is a problem once the swelling has gone down, then cartilage grafts may be required, but these would alter the shape of the nose.
We will have a very good impression of the final shape of your nose when the plaster or splint comes off, but the swelling and bruising will take a further 7 ot 10 days to settle. The final shape of your nose will not be evident until about three months after the operation.
While we do our utmost to achieve the desired result, we cannot guarantee to make your nose the shape you desire. If subsequent revision procedures are required, there may be additional fees.
