Are there any side effects from having a nose job?

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Generally speaking, any side effects from a Rhinoplasty will be short term and usually involve one of the following:

• Swelling

Swelling is a normal side effect after a Rhinoplasty.  The soft tissues and skin in and around the nose are delicate and the trauma of surgery will cause a degree of (usually non-permanent) damage to this area.  It is a part of the healing process while the adjustment of the restructuring of your nose ‘settles’.  You may experience swelling in other areas of your face for a short time after your Rhinoplasty; sometimes around the eyes, or the cheeks.  Generally the worst of the swelling should subside within a fortnight.  Although it can be painful, seem to drag on, and delay the appreciation of the full effects of your Rhinoplasty, you need to be patient and realistic and endure the swelling as a natural part of your recovery process.  The use of cold and/or warm compresses and painkillers (as advised by your surgeon) can help alleviate the discomfort and improve your appearance.

• Bruising

After a Rhinoplasty, you will almost certainly have a degree of bruising around the nose area and even around your eyes.  Depending on how extensive and/or invasive your surgical procedure was, the soft tissues below the eye may suffer some bruising reminiscent of a ‘black-eye’.  As with swelling, bruising after a Rhinoplasty should subside during the natural healing process, with the worst of it faded within 2 weeks (although there will be variations on this healing time from individual to individual.)

If you notice any abnormal bruising, hardening of the skin around a bruise, or especially dark areas, contact your surgeon or seek immediate medical advice, as this may be indicative of a more serious post-operative complication.

• Pain

A Rhinoplasty can potentially be a painful procedure, and should not be undertaken lightly.  However, the worst of the pain should subside within 48 hours, and your surgeon should advise you as to suitable pain medication, dosages, and duration of treatment.  You may suffer discomfort and sporadic episodes of pain over the following few weeks, but it should be manageable, and assuming you follow the post-operative care instructions, and get plenty of rest, it should not be a serious or long-term side effect. 

• Bleeding

Minor nose-bleeds may happen after a Rhinoplasty, but should not be too extreme, or last too long, and should not occur after the first few weeks of the healing process.  It is important to ensure that you use the correct pain relief medication following your operation, as some medicines may thin the blood and cause complications.  If you experience any extensive, abnormal or alarming bleeding, seek immediate medical attention. 

Any more serious, or longer-term side effects are relatively unlikely.  If you experience anything unusual or alarming at any stage of the recovery from your Rhinoplasty, then you must contact your surgeon or seek immediate medical attention at once.  As with any surgical procedure, you cannot be too careful in following up any potential problems after your surgery. 

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