A lot of people mistakenly assume that open rhinoplasty is a rather minor cosmetic surgery procedure. But in reality, it is one of the more intricate surgeries where even a minor change can have a magnified impact on facial balance and overall look.

The procedure should only be performed by a fully trained and experienced surgeon in order to mitigate potential risks, minimize visible scarring, and avoid the chances of a revision surgery.

During the pre-op consultation, the surgeon will inform the patient about the typical risks and side effects that may be associated with open rhinoplasty.

The patient should weigh the potential benefits and against the risks and make a judicious decision. Facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Eric Yavrouian provides open rhinoplasty to patients in Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills CA, and other cities and suburbs in The Golden State.

 

Potential Complications

Although a few transient side effects are expected after open rhinoplasty, they will usually not require any specific treatment. However, in rare cases, one or more of the following complications may occur:

• Infection in the incision site during or after the surgery
• Adverse reaction to general anesthesia or local anesthetic
• Difficulty in breathing through the nostrils
• Chronic nosebleeds
• Perforations in the septum
• Fluid accumulation below the skin in the incision sites
• Bursting of blood vessels
• Unfavorable scarring  
• Asymmetrical shape of the nose
• Possibility of revision surgery

 

Risk Mitigation

As a first step, the patient should ideally choose a surgeon with specialized skills and training in facial cosmetic surgery procedures. These surgeons will have a better understanding of the facial and nose anatomy, and the relationship between the nose and other facial features such as the chin.

On their part, the patient should be prepared to follow the surgeon’s pre- and post-surgical care instructions in a committed manner. This will help to minimize the risks and ensure a safer and speedier recovery.

If the patient has a habit of smoking, they should be willing to quit smoking for at least a time period specified by the surgeon. They will also be required to avoid certain types of medications and herbal supplements for a few days.

 

Scarring Risks

Just like any other surgery, some risk of scarring is inevitable in case of open rhinoplasty. But an experienced surgeon will be able to minimize the length of the scar, and place it precisely along the columella, which is largely inconspicuous. To create the necessary tissue modifications, the surgeon will place additional incisions within the nostrils, which will not leave any visible scarring on the outside.

 

Risk of Unsatisfactory Results

In rare situations, a patient may be unhappy with the final shape of their nose, or may experience breathing difficulties through the nostrils after the open surgery. In such cases, the surgeon may have to perform a revision rhinoplasty to correct the problem. Fantastic, salient, and facial plastic and reconstructive surgeon Dr. Yavrouian receives patients from Glendale, Pasadena, Burbank, Greater Los Angeles, Beverly Hills CA, and nearby areas for open rhinoplasty.

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.