The nose serves as the central support of the face. When dissatisfied with its appearance, rhinoplasty often becomes the first solution considered. As a significant surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries inherent risks. What exactly are these risks? Let's take a closer look.
It's important to understand that all cosmetic procedures carry risks, differing only in severity. Rhinoplasty risks are typically cosmetic in nature. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 10% of rhinoplasty procedures require revision surgery or correction. So, what exactly are the risks involved in rhinoplasty? Let's explore them.
1. Nasal Asymmetry or Crookedness
This complication occasionally occurs during rhinoplasty, influenced by surgeon experience, patient anatomy, and post-operative care. Even skilled surgeons may encounter errors. Plastic surgeons refer to these postoperative imperfections as "secondary deformities after rhinoplasty." If the defect is highly noticeable, revision surgery may be necessary to remove the silicone implant, reshape, or replace it.
(1) Revision
If the goal is to lower height, shorten length, narrow width, or correct deviation—and solid silicone was used—the implant can be removed, adjusted to address the issue, and reinserted once the desired shape is achieved. This procedure is simpler than the initial surgery and typically causes minimal post-operative swelling since the surgical tunnel already exists.
(2) Replacement
To increase height, length, or width, the old implant must be removed and replaced with a new one. Implants are typically sculpted off-table beforehand, sterilized, and then implanted during surgery (requiring no or minimal adjustment). This approach offers two advantages: shorter operating time and ample off-table time for precise sculpting.The "patient" sits beside the surgeon, who sculpts while observing. The model is placed on the patient's nose to assess fit, allowing for repeated adjustments until satisfactory. Since the old implant obscures the original nasal shape, surgeons often lack reference for sculpting the replacement. Bringing pre-surgery photos is therefore advisable to guide the sculpting process.Otherwise, the old implant must be removed during surgery to reveal the original shape for design and sculpting.
2. Nasal Tissue Necrosis
Solid silicone implant rhinoplasty never causes extensive nasal tissue necrosis. However, localized ulceration and necrosis can occur, primarily due to insufficient surgeon experience:
1. If the tip of the implant is sculpted too sharply without sufficient rounding, combined with excessive tension, the skin may tear through its thin layer. If the patient neglects this (failing to seek prompt medical attention), it can lead to skin perforation and silicone exposure.
2. An implant that is too high causes excessive tension on the nasal dorsum skin, resulting in ischemic necrosis and ulceration.
3. Untreated infections progressing to ulceration—the most severe complication of rhinoplasty. These issues are entirely preventable with proper precautions from both surgeons and patients.
After learning these risks, would you still consider rhinoplasty? If you're still willing to proceed, we admire your courage. However, always choose accredited hospitals and experienced plastic surgeons for cosmetic procedures.