Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that reconfigures and modifies the shape and dimensions of the nose to attain facial harmony. Under the expertise of a highly trained surgeon, rhinoplasty can provide seamless alterations and the intended results. Nevertheless, this process of altering the nose can sometimes lead to negative outcomes.
Common rhinoplasty complications
A bad nose job can lead to many different problems, both cosmetic and functional. Sometimes, there will even be a need for a revision rhinoplasty. Here are the issues most people have complained about.
Nasal Asymmetry
Uneven nostrils can result in an asymmetrical appearance of the nose, affecting the harmony of the facial profile. Typically, after the surgery, swelling and asymmetries will decrease gradually as the patient heals. Please note that a complete recovery may last about a year.
Should the presence of unequal nostrils persist six months post-surgery, it may be necessary to consider revision rhinoplasty.
The nose turns up too much
When the objective of a rhinoplasty is to shorten the nose, it might result in several typical adverse consequences, such as excessive upward rotation of the tip or an uneven angle of the tip.
Excessive removal of tissue from the septum is an ineffective way to raise the nose and an indication of substandard nose surgery. Too much upward rotation of the nose might result in a pig snout appearance. There’s a chance that your nose will look much better after the swelling is healed. Should the nose tip fail to descend during the recuperation period, it may be imperative to undergo revision surgery.
Disproportion of the nose to other facial features
The primary objective of rhinoplasty is to achieve facial harmony by creating a nose shape and size that complement the other facial features, resulting in an appealing aesthetic appearance. When a nose job is poorly executed, it can give the appearance of a mismatch between your nose and the rest of your facial features. Rhinoplasty should always be approached as a personalized procedure in order to achieve optimal proportion and flow.
Pinched nostrils
Following a rhinoplasty procedure, the appearance of the nose or nostrils may become narrowed, resulting in a longer and more slender nose. Not only can a poorly done nose job be visually unappealing, but it can also cause breathing problems by narrowing the air passage and restricting airflow.
This typical indication of an unsuccessful rhinoplasty can occur when excessive internal nostril tissue is removed, leading to narrow openings instead of the desired round nostrils. Correcting this mistake is crucial for ensuring proper breathing.
Unsatisfactory results
There’s a chance that after the nose job, you won’t be happy with the final result. You may not like the new shape of your nose. In this case, your surgeon may be able to explore a revision rhinoplasty with you. Please note that you should wait about 12 months to see the definite results of your surgery. If you’re not happy with it, you can think about a revision rhinoplasty.
Breathing difficulties
A cosmetic nasal procedure should not affect the functionality of the nose. Difficulty breathing is an obvious indication of a poor nasal procedure. This mistake is more prevalent in reductive surgeries where excessive tissue or cartilage is excised, resulting in a narrower interior and exterior pathway for effective ventilation.
Infection
Infection following rhinoplasty surgery should be regarded as a severe complication necessitating immediate assessment and therapy. Common indications and manifestations of a post-rhinoplasty infection that justify contacting your surgeon are fever, increased pain, redness, vomiting, and nausea.
Hematoma
A hematoma is an accumulation of blood that may result from rhinoplasty surgery.
Following a nose job, every patient undergoes temporary facial edema, particularly concentrated around the nose. This might result in little bleeding, particularly in the vicinity of the eyes. In most cases, these stains gradually and spontaneously heal after 2-3 weeks without any further issues.
Severe hematomas may cause discomfort, edema, and skin discoloration. Failure to correctly secure the flaps can result in a septal hematoma, which is characterized by bleeding between the mucoperichondrial flaps. Remember that swelling can obstruct the airway.
Causes of Rhinoplasty Complications
Here are the most common reasons for failed rhinoplasty.
Surgeon Error and Unrealistic Expectations
Failure in rhinoplasty can be attributed to a mix of impractical expectations and inadequate surgical technique. Patients may have unrealistic expectations that do not correspond with the surgical feasibility, or the surgery may have been carried out by a surgeon with less experience, resulting in less-than-ideal outcomes.
Scar Tissue Formation
Another prevalent factor contributing to the failure of rhinoplasty is insufficient healing or excessive development of scar tissue. The healing process of each person is distinct, and occasionally the body generates higher amounts of scar tissue than anticipated, therefore potentially distorting the ultimate outcomes of the surgical procedure.
Not Following Post-operative Instructions
Upon completion of your surgery, it is imperative that you adhere to all the provided directions to ensure healthy healing and a favorable result from your nose job operation.
For example, you shouldn’t smoke for at least three weeks. Consuming nicotine by smoking, vaping, or other means will impede the process of wound healing.
Revision Rhinoplasty
The procedure of revision rhinoplasty is applicable to patients who have previously undergone rhinoplasty and seek enhancement in both the visual appeal and frequently the functionality of the nose. These situations pose significant challenges for cosmetic plastic surgeons due to many factors.
As a subsequent surgical procedure, revision rhinoplasty is more intricate than primary rhinoplasty due to the prior modifications done to the nasal structure. Previous surgery may have resulted in the depletion of some nasal cartilage, therefore reducing the available supply for revision procedures.
