Complications

Once you have chosen a surgeon, a patient should have a candid discussion with the surgeon regarding the goals and expectations of surgery. A discussion of the potential complications is critical, so that you understand the risks of a complication and the types of complications that can occur.

Although most complications are relatively minor and correctable, more serious, debilitating, and uncorrectable complications do occur. Despite the best efforts of talented surgeons, unanticipated technical problems can and do occur during surgery that can lead to a complication. Surgery is not an exact science, and results cannot always be anticipated. Despite careful pre-operative analysis and meticulous attention to surgical detail, unacceptable results may still occur.

No surgical procedure should be taken lightly; a slight but real risk is involved in all surgery. Cosmetic surgical procedures have been repeated successfully countless times and are dependable when executed by skillful, experienced surgeons. Plastic surgery is a combination of art and science, and as such can be subject to unpredictables - usually (but not always) minor and correctible in nature.

One of the ways a surgeon can decrease the risk of complications is by carefully studying and understanding the types of complications that can occur. Dr. Becker was asked to write the important chapter entitled "Complications in Rhinoplasty" in the Medical Textbook, Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. Dr. Becker was asked to share his knowledge of rhinoplasty, to help other surgeons understand some of the types of complications that can occur, so that they could possibly minimize the risk of complications in their own practice. To read this chapter, continue below.

Complications of Rhinoplasty - Page 1
Daniel G. Becker

The nose plays a functional role in nasal breathing, as well as an aesthetic role as it represents the most prominent and central facial feature. That the nose has enormous psychological, emotional, social, and symbolic importance is indisputable. ) Most studies suggest that the great majority of rhinoplasty patients benefit psychologically from the operation. ' While rhinoplasty can be a satisfying procedure for both patient and surgeon, the literature reports an incidence of postoperative rhinoplasty complications ranging from 8% to 15%. 2-1 The rhinoplasty surgeon must take great care to minimize the incidence of both functional and cosmetic complications.

How is a "complication" defined? In most cases with an unacceptable result, the patient and surgeon recognize an unac ­ ceptable result, and a corrective plan is agreed upon. At times, the surgeon may notice a relatively subtle abnormality that is amenable to correction, but the patient is not concerned by it. It should be a rare situation that the surgeon is proud of the outcome while the patient is displeased. 5

A candid discussion with the patient regarding the goals and expectations of surgery is an essential aspect of preoperative planning. A discussion of the potential com­ plications is critical, so that the patient understands the risks of a complication. Although most complications are relatively minor and correctable, more serious and debilitating complica­tions do occur. All complications must be addressed with forth-right recognition, close attention to the patient, and appropriately timed corrective measures.

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Ask Dr. Becker a question or arrange an appointment for a nose surgery consultation by calling 856-589-NOSE (6673) or emailing us at info@therhinoplastycenter.com.

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