Rhinoplasty is a common facial plastic surgery that aims to improve the appearance and function of the nose. However, any surgery has its own risks and side effects. Understanding these risks is important for patients and doctors to develop reasonable surgical plans and postoperative care.
1. Rhinoplasty surgery methods and risks
Common surgical methods for nose bridge plastic surgery include prosthesis implantation, autologous cartilage transplantation and filling material injection. The risks associated with different methods vary:
Prosthesis implantation
Prosthesis materials are mostly silicone or expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, which are widely used because of their easy operation and good shaping effect. However, prosthesis implantation may cause complications such as foreign body reaction, displacement, and capsular contracture. Foreign body reaction manifests as local redness, swelling, pain, and even infection. In severe cases, the prosthesis needs to be removed. Capsular contracture will cause nodules and deformation of the nose bridge, affecting the appearance.
Autologous cartilage transplantation
Ear cartilage, nasal septum cartilage or costal cartilage are used because of their good biocompatibility, low infection rate and strong compatibility between the graft and the body's own tissue. However, cartilage transplantation carries the risk of donor site trauma, cartilage absorption and deformation. Costal cartilage transplantation, in particular, is a more complicated operation with more obvious donor site pain and scars.
Filling material injection
Injectable rhinoplasty uses absorbable fillers such as hyaluronic acid, which causes less trauma and quick recovery, but the duration of maintenance is limited, and there is the possibility of filler migration, local swelling and allergic reactions. Improper injection may cause vascular embolism, leading to tissue necrosis and even vision damage. The risks cannot be ignored.
2. Common risks associated with surgery
Infect
Although the nose has a rich blood supply, which helps fight infection, bacteria entering during surgery may still cause infection. Infection manifests as redness, swelling, fever, and pus discharge. In severe cases, it may spread to adjacent tissues or bones, prolonging recovery time.
Bleeding and hematoma
Vascular injury during surgery may cause bleeding, and postoperative hematoma accumulation may cause local swelling and pain. Severe hematoma may affect the position of the prosthesis and soft tissue healing.
Implant displacement and perforation
If the prosthesis is not firmly fixed or is hit by external force after surgery, it can easily cause the prosthesis to shift, resulting in an unnatural nose shape or unevenness on one side. Perforation refers to the prosthesis shifting to the outside through the skin or mucous membrane, which is often accompanied by infection and requires a secondary surgery.
Nerve damage
If the sensory nerves of the nose are damaged during the operation, local numbness and paresthesia may occur. In a few patients, sensory impairment may last for months or even longer.
Scars and Skin Changes
Scarring may be noticeable at the site of the surgical incision, especially with open surgery, and some people may also experience thinning of the skin, hyperpigmentation, or redness.
3. Postoperative side effects and complications
Swelling and bruising
Swelling and bruising are common reactions after surgery and usually subside within a few days to a few weeks, but severe swelling may affect breathing and vision.
Dysfunction
Rhinoplasty may affect nasal ventilation and cause breathing difficulties. If the structure is not supported enough during autologous cartilage transplantation, collapse may also occur.
Psychological impact
Some patients are not satisfied with the postoperative results and may develop psychological problems such as anxiety and depression, which affect their quality of life.
Filler absorption and deformation
Injectable fillers will be partially absorbed over time, resulting in a weakened effect and the need for repeated injections. Prostheses or cartilage transplants may cause nose shape deformation due to uneven absorption.
IV. Risk Management and Preventive Measures
Preoperative evaluation
Fully understand the patient's anatomical structure, health status and expectations, select appropriate surgical methods and materials, inquire in detail about the patient's allergy and infection history, and avoid potential risks.
Aseptic technique
Strictly follow aseptic techniques during surgery to reduce the chance of infection, keep the wound clean after surgery, and use antibiotics as prescribed by the doctor.
Precision surgical techniques
Careful operation is performed to avoid damage to blood vessels and nerves, and the size and shape of the prosthesis are reasonably designed to ensure that the prosthesis is firmly fixed.
Postoperative Care
Instruct patients to avoid strenuous exercise and external impact, have regular follow-up visits to monitor recovery, and promptly handle any abnormalities, such as prosthesis displacement or infection.
V. Special Risk Warning
Vascular embolism
If the filler is accidentally injected into a blood vessel, it may cause tissue ischemia and necrosis, or even cause vision loss, which is one of the serious surgical risks.
Chronic rejection
Some patients have chronic rejection of prosthetic materials, with long-term redness, swelling, and pain, and need to evaluate whether to remove the prosthesis.
Donor site complications
During autologous cartilage transplantation, scarring, pain, and dysfunction may occur at the donor site. Especially when harvesting rib cartilage, attention should be paid to potential risks to the chest.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips: Although nose bridge plastic surgery can improve facial beauty, the risks and side effects of the operation cannot be ignored. Reasonable preoperative evaluation, rigorous surgical operation and scientific postoperative management are the key to ensuring the safety and effectiveness of the operation. Patients should choose well-qualified medical institutions and experienced doctors, fully communicate expectations and potential risks, and make rational decisions. If abnormal symptoms occur after the operation, seek medical attention in time to avoid worsening of the condition.