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What Are the Common Side Effects After Having a Rhinoplasty Procedure Done?

Rhinoplasty is one of the most highly sought out cosmetic procedures in the world. If you’re thinking about having the procedure yourself, it’s best to know what you can expect at every stage of the process. Although a nose job provides dramatic results, it’s essential for you to know the side effects before undergoing it.

What Is Rhinoplasty?

A rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure that alters the shape or size of the nose for cosmetic and functional purposes. It is also known as a nose job. Dr. Matt Hershcovitch, M.D., is a double board-certified facial reconstruction surgeon specializing in all types of rhinoplasties. He is committed to helping patients transform their looks to their liking with various dermatological and cosmetic procedures.

Anyone interested in having a rhinoplasty should learn all they can about the procedure to enhance their outcome. Although rhinoplasty is one of the safest cosmetic procedures available, there are some risks that potential candidates should be aware of. Read this to learn more about which side effects are common after having a nose job.

Common Rhinoplasty Side Effects

Swelling: Swelling is common after surgery, especially rhinoplasty. Swelling usually peaks within the first few days after the procedure and gradually goes away as recovery progresses.

The tissues of the nose tend to hold onto swelling far longer than other areas of the body. Rhinoplasty Side Effects

Many nose job patients have mild swelling that persists for several months after their operation. However, the most obvious traces are less noticeable within the first few weeks of rhinoplasty recovery.

Also, swelling also depends on the type of rhinoplasty performed. For example, if you had a septoplasty (a surgery to correct a deviated septum), you may have less swelling than someone who had a rhinoplasty to change the shape of their nose for aesthetic reasons.

Bleeding: Some bleeding is common after surgery and can last for a few days. It’s important to avoid inserting your fingers or objects into your nose to keep from disturbing the fragile tissues and vessels inside. If you experience heavy nosebleeds or your nose suddenly starts gushing blood, you’ll need to contact Dr. Hershcovitch right away.

Bruising: Like swelling, bruising is also common after a rhinoplasty. The amount of bruising varies and is dependent on the patient and the type of rhinoplasty they had. For most rhinoplasty patients, the most noticeable traces of bruises fade away during the first few weeks.

It is not uncommon to have nasal bruising that lasts for several weeks after rhinoplasty. You can reduce bruising by avoiding certain medications: blood thinners, aspirin, and ibuprofen. You should also avoid drinking alcohol and smoking before and after surgery.

Nasal Stuffiness: After surgery, the surgical team may pack your nose with gauze to help control bleeding and swelling. You may also have a splint placed on your nose while it heals. These things can make your nose feel stuffy or clogged and make it difficult to breathe through it. Dr. Hershcovitch usually removes surgical bandages several days after surgery. Once they are removed, you should be able to breathe more easily.

Numbness: It is common to feel numbness in your nose and upper lip after rhinoplasty. This is because the nerves in these areas are often damaged during surgery. The numbness usually goes away within a few months. However, some people may have permanent numbness. This is more common in people who have had extensive surgery or multiple nose jobs.

Pain: You will probably feel some pain after your procedure. The amount of pain experienced after rhinoplasty varies from person to person. Dr. Hershcovitch may prescribe medication to help you manage any pain or discomfort you have during your recovery. Most people only need pain medication for a few days after surgery.

Infection: Infection is a rare but severe complication of any surgery. Until your rhinoplasty recovery is complete, your nose is extremely vulnerable to infection-causing germs and bacteria. Monitor your health, and if you develop a fever, increased swelling, pain, redness, a foul odor, or yellowish to greenish discharge, contact Dr. Hershcovitch right away.

These are signs of infection that can be dangerous if it’s not treated in a timely manner. Antibiotics are necessary if you develop an infection after your rhinoplasty.

Dryness: It is common to experience dryness in your nose after a rhinoplasty. Patients experiencing bothersome nasal dryness should inform Dr. Hershcovitch. In most cases, saline nasal rinses or a special ointment can help restore moisture to the irritated, dry nasal tissues without compromising your results.

Scarring: Rhinoplasty carries the risk of excessive scarring. Scars are part of the body’s natural defense against injuries and are usually nothing to worry about after rhinoplasty. In most cases, scars fade become less noticeable as recovery progresses. In rare cases, some patients may develop excessive scar tissue that affects their healing and nose job results.

The scar may be visible in rare instances, even if the incision was small. This is more likely to happen if you have a light skin complexion. If the scar is visible, it is usually only visible for a few months after surgery.

Discoloration: It is common for your nose and nearby areas to become discolored after surgery. This is usually due to bruising and can take several weeks to fade. However, some people may develop permanent discoloration.

Septal Perforation: A septal perforation is a hole in the nasal septum. It is a rare complication of rhinoplasty. Septal perforations can cause nosebleeds, difficulty breathing, and a whistling noise when you breathe. If you have a septal perforation, you may need to have surgery to repair it.

Overall, rhinoplasty is a safe and effective procedure. Although there are some potential side effects to consider, the risk of them occurring is extremely low. Side effect risks are even lower for those who adhere to their rhinoplasty care plan.

If you’re ready to learn more about rhinoplasty, you should discuss the risks with the illustrious Dr. Hershcovitch, M.D. Contact Matt Hershcovitch, M.D., Facial Plastic Surgery, at (818) 206-2539.