Possible Complications

Although most patients have very satisfactory results, complications may occur following nasal surgery. Dripping blood from the nostrils is expected after surgery. If there are any questions regarding excessive or persistent post-operative bleeding or discomfort in excess of that controlled by pain pills, the surgeon should be contacted. Some bleeding may occur for up to four weeks after the operation. The patient must resist every urge to pick the nose with fingers or Q-tips to minimize the possibility of dislodging a crust and causing more bleeding.

Other complications can include a narrowed passageway with difficulty breathing, nasal asymmetry or thickening over the top of the nose due to internal scarring and possible leaning of the nose to one side due to drift or displacement of the fractured bones. There may be areas of permanent numbness of the nose and/or lip.

The operation to recontour the nose is associated with a significant incidence of dissatisfaction. In a significant percentage of patients, a second operation may be necessary to reduce scarring beneath the skin, to reposition the nasal fragments or to remove a persistent dorsal bump. On rare occasions, it may be necessary to perform a secondary procedure to correct a chin asymmetry or to remove an implant. Such additional operations will result in additional fees to the patient.

It is not possible to advise you of every conceivable complication. The foregoing was not intended to frighten or upset you, but to insure that your decision to have this operation is made with your awareness of the risks.