Those slated to receive any sort of surgery are often fully aware that there is some risk involved. Although cosmetic surgery tends to be less risky than other medical procedures, it still carries some risk. One of the more popular cosmetic procedures is known as a rhinoplasty or nose job. This surgery has enabled those who are self-conscious about their nose to live a much more enjoyable life. Although classified as a cosmetic procedure, a nose job can also correct breathing problems acquired naturally or by injury. While making the choice to receive this procedure may be exciting, all the associated risks need to be considered carefully.

One shocking statistic that has made those considering the rhinoplasty procedure quite wary has been that nearly 20% of those who receive a rhinoplasty return to the operating room for a second procedure, or a revision rhinoplasty. There are a plethora of reasons why these patients return, among them having received a botched procedure, having sustained an accident after their procedure that somehow deformed their nose, or simply not having adjusted to their new appearance. Whatever the case, this statistic shows that a large portion of patients think things through very superficially before making a final decision. Few people have the money to make such a costly mistake.

The symptoms of a rhinoplasty procedure can manifest themselves at both a physical and psychological level. In respect to the former, patients can expect bruising, swelling, and skin discoloration following their procedure. Although many of these side effects wear away after a given time period, the scarring will remain in permanence.

Surgeons have become extremely skilled in reducing the intrusiveness of permanent symptoms. For instance, during a rhinoplasty procedure, most surgeons will make incisions in areas that are not readily visible on the patient’s face. A popular incision site lies at the crease where the nose meets the face. Scarring in this area is not very visible once the patient has fully recovered. Scars should diminish in appearance as time goes by, if they linger without improvement, additional surgery may be required.

Bloods vessels can also become negatively affected after a rhinoplasty procedure. Some patients report burst blood vessels in and around the operation site. This is normal and not something to be alarmed about. It can be somewhat of an aesthetic nuisance, however, in most instances, it will disappear in time.

Adjustments made during the rhinoplasty procedure can be skewed due to a patient’s sleeping habits. Small mistakes on the surgeon’s behalf can also cause unfavorable results. For instance, incorrect installation of the nose splint can cause problems. Some of these cases may require a revision rhinoplasty.

There are a number of temporary and harmless symptoms which patients will experience after their procedure. Among these symptoms include loss of sensation in the nose, a bloody and runny nose, or small infections. The first symptom is the most common and tends to last for several months following the procedure. The others are sporadic and may appear in the months following the surgery. Infections can be treated through the use of medications, if caught prematurely.

Overall, this procedure is not nearly as risky as many make it out to be. This does not mean that all factors should not be considered prior to proceeding. The most pivotal step a patient can take in ensuring success is to select a competent doctor. This will significantly reduce the possibility of complications in both the surgical and recovery phase.