Rhinoplasty is considered to a safe cosmetic surgery procedure with rare long-term complications. However, like any other surgery, rhinoplasty will carry certain inherent risks. Patients should have clear information about risks and safety in order to make an informed decision about the procedure.

The surgeon will discuss the potentials risks and explain to the patient how to monitor the progress during post-surgical healing and contact them in case of any abnormal symptoms. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.

Potential Complications

As long as the rhinoplasty procedure is performed by a qualified and experienced plastic surgeon, the risks and complications are minimized. However, the patient should be aware of the following potential complications that are associated rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery:

• Infection during or after the surgery
• Poor reaction to general anesthesia or lidocaine
• Numbness in the incision areas
• Chronic nosebleeds
• Difficulty in breathing
• A perforated septum
• Hematoma or collection of fluid beneath the skin
• Burst blood vessels
• Unfavorable scarring
• Undesirable cosmetic results, including asymmetry
• Possibility of revision surgery

Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

How to Reduce the Risks?

The most important decision a patient will take in their rhinoplasty procedure will be the choice of surgeon. An outstanding surgeon who is committed to maintaining high safety standards and protocols, will be able to minimize the chances of infection, perforation, and other risks. Experienced surgeons are usually able to meet the delicate balance between the patient’s aesthetic aspirations and their basic facial and nasal structure.

Secondly, the patient should be committed to following all the pre- and post-operative instructions provided by the surgeon. These guidelines are not only meant to help to minimize pain and discomfort, but they will also promote faster healing and improve patient safety.

Lastly, the patient should have free and frank communication with the surgeon throughout the rhinoplasty process. They should be transparent about any current or past medical issues, current medications and herbal supplements, and the habit of smoking, alcohol and drugs, or any other pertinent concerns.

Risk of Scarring

In nearly every form of plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty, the possibility of scarring cannot be eliminated. However, if closed rhinoplasty is performed, the incisions will be made inside the nostrils.

Therefore, no external visible scarring will occur. In case of open rhinoplasty, an additional incision will be made across the columella, which may leave a small scar. But this scar is usually inconspicuous due to its size and location.

Risk of Dissatisfaction

Despite the best efforts of a rhinoplasty surgeon, a few patients may still be dissatisfied with the cosmetic outcome of the surgery. It could happen due to a surgical error, poor communication between the surgeon and patient, or unrealistic expectations on the patient’s part. In any case, final results will take up to a year to establish, and the patient should allow full time for the final outcome to show up.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

While the main procedure steps in rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery will remain the same in each case, minor variations may occur depending on the specific nose refinements involved. Rhinoplasty typically includes cosmetic improvements such as nose augmentation or reduction, straightening a crooked nose, refining the nasal tip, removing a bump from the nasal bridge, or reshaping the nostrils.

The surgeon will discuss the procedure steps during the initial rhinoplasty consultation. The first goal of the surgeon will be educate the patient about the procedure, reassure and relieve them of any anxiety, and help them make the right decision. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.

Consultation before Surgery

The first vital step in the rhinoplasty procedure is the pre-operative consultation. The cosmetic surgeon will engage closely with the patient during this appointment to understand their cosmetic goals, assess their nose and facial anatomy, address their questions and doubts, and offer pre- and post-surgical instructions. A few medical tests may be ordered, if necessary.

A detailed consultation process will contribute to the final outcome of the nose surgery. The medical and surgical history of the patient will be evaluated. The surgeon will assess any current or previous sinus or nasal breathing issues. The thickness and type of nose skin will also be assessed.

Surgical Planning

Based on the feedback of the patient and other parameters assessed during the consultation, the surgeon will prepare a customized rhinoplasty plan. This plan will create a balance between the patient’s natural facial anatomy and their personal aesthetic goals and needs.

At this stage, the surgeon will determine the rhinoplasty technique to be used, the type of nose changes required, the location of incisions, and whether any additional facial procedures may be needed. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas for nose surgery.

Surgical Procedure

Anesthesia

Rhinoplasty may be performed using local anesthesia with mild IV sedation or light general anesthesia in a few cases. A certified anesthetist nurse or an anesthesiologist may perform anesthesia, and will usually remain present throughout the surgery. The patient’s medical records will be checked before clearing them for anesthesia.

Surgery

Rhinoplasty will be performed as an open or closed procedure, depending on the extent of surgery to be performed. Tissue may be added, removed or modified as a part of the procedure. Sometimes the surgeon may use synthetic implants. Skin will be lifted off the nasal structure in open rhinoplasty to expose the underlying tissue for corrections. Closed rhinoplasty can be performed from inside the nostrils, with no outer incisions.

Closing the Incisions

Following rhinoplasty, the surgeon will carefully close the incisions with sutures and cover them with bandages. The patient will usually be allowed to return home the same day of the surgery. No visible scarring will occur with closed rhinoplasty. In case of open rhinoplasty, minimal scarring will occur and the recovery will take a relatively longer time.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.

Rhinoplasty, commonly known as a nose job, is a cosmetic surgery procedure that can usually be performed in less than two hours in the operating room. However, the recovery process following the surgery will require a considerable amount of time to ensure that safe and desirable results are established. Recovery should not be taken lightly, and the surgeon’s instructions should be diligently followed.

Dr. Eric Yavrouian is a facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon with significant experience in procedures such as rhinoplasty. At the time of pre-op consultation, Dr. Yavrouian will explain various aspects of the procedure, including its estimated recovery. He provides rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and surrounding locations.

Planning for Recovery

Advance planning for the post-op recovery phase will allow the patient to be completely comfortable once the rhinoplasty cosmetic surgery procedure is over. To ensure smoother recovery, the patient may consider the following advance steps:

• Arrange for someone to drive the patient back home following the surgery.
• Have a family member, friend or a caretaker to assist at home for the first two to three days after the surgery.
• Apply for leave for at least one week from the workplace to allow for safer healing at home after the surgery.
• Store a supply of cold compresses at home, which will required immediately after surgery to minimize swelling.
• Complete any pressing household tasks in advance so as to minimize physical strain following rhinoplasty.

Tips for Faster Recovery

Success in nose reshaping surgery will depend to an extent on how diligently the patient adheres to the post-operative recovery instructions given by the surgeon. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles CA, and nearby areas for rhinoplasty.

• Drink plenty of fluids during recovery to stay hydrated.
• Use cold compresses regularly in the first two to three days to minimize swelling.
• Take adequate rest, but perform short walks and light activities at home from the second day of surgery.
• Refrain from performing strenuous activities and lifting of heavy weights for a month.
• Get in touch with the surgeon in case of any unusual symptoms such as acute, persistent pain in the incision area, pus in the wounds, or high fever.

First Week

Headache, nosebleeds and bruising and swelling in the incision areas will be commonly experienced in the first two to three days following rhinoplasty. The surgeon may prescribe pain medications to keep the patient comfortable through this phase.

For the first 24 hours, the head should be rested in an elevated position to support healing. The patient must not blow the nose for the first few days to avoid strain on the incisions.

Following Weeks

Nasal packing and sutures will be removed in the second week after rhinoplasty. Mild swelling will linger for several weeks, but bruising will subside from the second week. Patients can usually return to their normal activities and work after a week to 10 days.

For more information about treatments and procedures by Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon, Dr. Eric J. Yavrouian, serving patients in and around Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank and the Greater Los Angeles, CA area call 818-241-2150 or click here to contact him for a consultation.