What Can Go Wrong with Rhinoplasty — and How to Avoid It

Rhinoplasty — or nose surgery — is one of the most common procedures performed today and can be extremely smooth and highly successful under the right circumstances — like when patients know what to expect, prepare properly, and follow all of their postoperative guidelines closely. Without question, however, one of the best ways to set yourself up for a successful nose surgery is to choose a qualified, experienced, board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon. 

The Rhinoplasty Society® is made up of board-certified nasal surgeons across the country, specializing in a comprehensive range of procedures using the most advanced tools, techniques, and technologies available today, helping patients achieve their desired results and avoid unwanted rhinoplasty complications. Still, it is important to understand the potential risks and side effects of rhinoplasty — and how they can be prevented — which you'll find more information about right here. 

 

What happens during rhinoplasty surgery? 

Rhinoplasty is a highly customized procedure designed to reshape or improve the function of the nose based on each patient's anatomy and goals. While many people think of rhinoplasty as purely cosmetic, there are actually several types of rhinoplasty surgeries and nasal procedures that may be performed, depending on the concern being addressed. 

Cosmetic rhinoplasty focuses on refining the appearance of the nose, while functional procedures aim to improve breathing and internal structure. Among the most popular types of nose surgery are:  

• Cosmetic rhinoplasty 
• Functional rhinoplasty 
• Ethnic rhinoplasty 
• Septoplasty 
• Turbinoplasty 
• Reconstructive rhinoplasty 

 

How safe is rhinoplasty? 

When performed by a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon with extensive experience in nasal anatomy, rhinoplasty is considered a safe and predictable procedure. Careful surgical planning, proper technique, and a thorough understanding of both the cosmetic and functional aspects of the nose contribute to a smoother experience. Patients also play an important role in safety by following preoperative and postoperative instructions closely, which helps support proper healing and reduces the likelihood of complications. 

 

What are the potential risks of getting a nose job? 

As with any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty does carry some level of risk, both during surgery and throughout the healing process. While complications are not common when the procedure is performed by a qualified surgeon, it is still important to understand what can happen. Some of the potential risks of rhinoplasty and other nose surgeries include:  

• Bleeding 
• Infection 
• Swelling 
• Asymmetry 
• Breathing changes 
• Scarring 
• Unsatisfactory cosmetic result 

 

What can I do to prevent rhinoplasty complications? 

An effective way to reduce your risk of complications with nose surgery is to choose a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who has specific experience with nasal procedures. In addition, following all preoperative instructions, avoiding certain medications, and maintaining good overall health can help prepare your body for surgery. After your procedure, it is just as important to follow recovery guidelines, attend follow-up visits, and give your body the time it needs to heal. 

These steps can make a meaningful difference in both your safety and your results. In addition, some of the specific things to avoid after rhinoplasty surgery include:  

• Blowing your nose too soon after rhinoplasty 
• Wearing glasses or sunglasses after rhinoplasty 
• Pulling clothing directly over your head/face 
• Exercising too early after surgery 
• Inverting your head 
• Swimming, bathing, or submerging your head underwater during nose surgery recovery 

 

Can you fix a bad nose job? 

In some cases, patients who are unhappy with their results or who experience functional concerns after surgery may be candidates for revision rhinoplasty. This type of secondary rhinoplasty procedure is often more complex than the initial surgery and requires a high level of precision and experience. With the right approach, however, it is often possible to improve both the appearance and function of the nose using revision rhinoplasty. Understanding your options and working with a revision rhinoplasty specialist can help you move forward with greater confidence and clarity — ultimately achieving the results you wanted (and deserved) in the first place. 

 

Set yourself up for success with a board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon nearby 

Choosing the right surgeon is one of the most important decisions you will make when considering rhinoplasty. The Rhinoplasty Society® represents a network of board-certified nasal surgeons who are committed to delivering safe, thoughtful, and highly personalized care. If you are thinking about nose surgery for the first time or looking to fix a botched nose job, contact one of our board-certified rhinoplasty providers near you to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for achieving a result that looks natural and functions comfortably.