Most patients who choose rhinoplasty experience positive results, though, like any surgery, there are some risks and potential complications to keep in mind. Complications can come from both expected and unexpected factors. Since every individual has unique skin types, tissue structures, blood circulation, healing responses, and reactions to anesthesia, it’s difficult to promise specific outcomes or foresee every possible complication. However, working with a highly qualified and experienced Plastic Surgeon can significantly lower the chances of any issues arising. Rhinoplasty surgery is a specialty of Dr. Siegel, and he has performed thousands of these procedures. Most of his patients are extremely satisfied with their outcomes. Your surgery will be performed safely and with care, to provide you with the best possible result, and to allow for a smooth and speedy recovery.

Some complications have been noted in the medical literature. But don’t worry! We share them here to assist you in feeling informed and more knowledgeable about this surgical procedure, rather than to scare you.

• Hemorrhage (bleeding) – a flow of blood, especially if it is profuse.
• Hematoma – a collection of blood, usually clotted, caused by a break in a blood vessel.
• Edema & Ecchymosis – swelling and black and blue spots, can cause persistent dark areas under the eyes.
• Infection – rare – 0.8% to 1.6% reported incidence but can cause a change in nasal shape or support.
• Periostitis – rare – inflammation along sites of bone breaking.
• Bony irregularities – irregular areas along sites of bone contouring. (Most tend to smooth out with time.)
  
• Skin problems – excessive dryness or oiliness dimpling, redness, skin pustules, telangiectasias (small spider-like blood vessels visible through the skin). Most of these conditions are transient and they self-resolve. Actual skin loss is possible, but very rare.
• Decrease/loss of sense of smell – Your sense of smell may feel diminished or lost after surgery. This is usually temporary and related to swelling. Most patients notice improvement after 1- 6 weeks. Permanent changes in smell are very rare.
• Scarring – with the use of the external approach, a small incision is made across the columella (center post). This usually becomes unnoticeable within a few months. If nostril narrowing is performed, incision lines will also be left at the lateral aspect of the nostrils. These generally will also become unnoticeable, but occasionally a minor surgical procedure is required to render these less visible.
  
• Injury to lacrimal (tear duct) apparatus – due to proximity to the surgical site. Usually, these problems are due to surgical swelling and improve spontaneously.
  
• Septal perforation – one or more holes in the septum (the cartilaginous separation between the nostrils). Can be permanent or repairable.
  
• Nasal obstruction – a blockage, clogging, or narrowing. Can be permanent or reversible.
  
• Eye and or brain injury – While extremely rare, potential complications from rhinoplasty that could affect the eye and brain include orbital hemorrhage, damage to the optic nerve, central retinal artery occlusion, and in very severe cases, brain damage due to intracranial complications like a cerebrospinal fluid leak, all of which require immediate medical attention; however, most people experience only bruising and swelling around the eyes after a rhinoplasty procedure.
  
• Nerve injury – decreased or abnormal sensation is expected for several weeks to months afterward. This usually resolves, but can on rare occasions be permanent, and can also involve the upper teeth.
  
• Keloid scarring – poor healing with visible and sensitive scarring along incision lines. Exceptionally rare in the nasal area.
  
• Minor nasal deformities or irregularities – form because of increased scarring underneath the skin, causing small changes in the nose’s appearance. These generally resolve spontaneously, but minor revisions or injections are sometimes necessary.
  
• Deviation – crookedness of the nasal bones, septum, or tip can occur in the healing process. The nose, like the rest of the face, is by nature-asymmetric thus minor asymmetries will remain after surgery.