Infections: There is always some risk of infection with surgical procedures. But because rhinoplasty is a relatively non-invasive procedure, those risks are small. In rare cases when infections occur, they can usually be treated with antibiotics. In some very rare types of infection, such as toxic shock syndrome, the condition can be fatal. Most infections can be effectively prevented simply by keeping the wound clean and watching the area carefully during the healing process.
Anesthesia Toxicity: Any procedure involving anesthesia carries risks, and risks of general anesthesia are greater than risks for local anesthetics or IV sedation. The primary risks involved with general sedation are respiratory related. If you have a pre-existing cardiac or pulmonary disease, if you smoke, or use prescription or non-prescription drugs, your risks are more pronounced. Be sure to tell your surgeon about any conditions or other factors that might increase your chance of complications from anesthesia.
Bleeding: Due to the incisions made inside the nose, persistent bleeding may occur for as much as one month after the operation. This can be minimized by avoiding the temptation to pick or blow the nose during the initial healing process.
Burst Blood Vessels: In some cases, the rhinoplasty procedure causes small blood vessels in the nose to burst. This may appear as tiny red spots on the skin, barely visible to the naked eye. In very rare cases, the condition is permanent.
Scarring: In cases of open rhinoplasty, the patient will have a scar on the underside of the nose, between the nostrils. The extent of the scarring will vary from patient to patient, but it is almost always minor.