Nose jobs are among the top 5 most popular cosmetic surgery procedures.
Although a common procedure, that doesn’t make it any less complex.
When everything goes to plan, a nose job can enhance facial harmony and boost confidence. But, like with all cosmetic surgery procedures, there are risks of things going wrong.
A nose job may go wrong if a surgeon makes mistakes or is lacking in expertise, or if the patient hasn’t done adequate research, has unrealistic expectations or doesn’t follow the surgeon’s instructions. The patient’s genes, health and lifestyle can also impact the procedure’s success.
Here we run through the ways in which a nose job can go wrong, as well as ways to reduce the risk.
How a nose job can go wrong externally
The Pollybeak Deformity
This is when a nose job has resulted in a down-turned nose. The area just above the tip of the nose (supratip) looks larger and more prominent, leading to a nasal shape that resembles a parrot’s beak. Some of the causes of a pollybeak deformity include the surgeon failing to reduce enough of the cartilage, poor healing, thick skin and soft nasal cartilage, unpredictable excess scarring, and the bridge being reduced but not enough of the septum removed.
Scooped out bridge
This is one of the most common issues that arise from a nose job. The scooped out profile is when the bridge of the nose is too low. This can occur when too much of the bridge is shaved down by the surgeon using a chisel.
Tip of the nose
If too much cartilage is removed from the tip, the nose can appear pinched. Alternatively, if the tip hasn’t been reduced and the nasal bridge has been reduced too much, the result can be an over-projected tip.
Twisted nose
After having a nose job, asymmetric scarring and contraction may occur which can affect the nasal tip in particular. This can then lead to the nose appearing twisted.
How a nose job can go wrong internally
Breathing issues
Early on in recovery from your nose job, it can be common to experience some difficulty with nasal breathing. Long-term breathing issues may be the result of nasal valve collapse following a nose job.
Perforated septum
A hole in the nasal septum is called a perforated septum and can result from a nose job. The symptoms of a perforated septum include bleeding, whistling from the nose, crusting, nasal obstruction and nasal collapse.
Nerve damage
It can be common after getting a nose job to experience numbness usually around the upper lip. This can last for several weeks or months, but often sensation returns. There is risk, however, that prolonged or even permanent numbness can result.
Infection
Infection after rhinoplasty is thought to occur in only 2% of cases, but the risk is there and any infection must be treated swiftly. Infection usually results in redness, swelling and a pus-like discharge from the nose.
How can you reduce the risk?
A nose job is a complex procedure and does not come without risk. But that risk can be reduced by:
- Doing thorough research (take a look at the list of questions we’ve put together to help you get the answers you need).
- Selecting a qualified, experienced and skilled surgeon. Make sure to make the most of your initial consultation to find out about the surgeon, also ask to see before and after photos of other patients.
- Listening to your surgeon and following their instructions to ensure you care for your nose.
- Having realistic expectations by discussing the expected results and potential risks with your surgeon.
If you’d like to discuss getting a nose job in more detail, we’re on hand to answer all your questions, give us a call today on +(44) 0121 288 4552.
