All surgery involves risks. Although the risks are uncommon, you need to be aware of them. Dr. Markus will be happy to answer any questions you may have or address any of your concerns.

Some possible complications with rhinoplasty surgery include:

Bleeding. Bleeding is typical during the first 12 hours following surgery. During this period you may need to change the gauze drip pad a dozen or so times. A pinkish-reddish discharge from your nose and throat is normal during the first 3-4 days. If you have profuse nasal bleeding, lie down immediately with your head elevated on 3-4 pillows. Apply iced washcloths to the back of the neck and over the eyes. Call Dr. Markus' office if these measures do not stop the bleeding.

Infection. Although very rare, infection may affect skin, cartilage or bones. You should call Dr. Markus's office if you experience a fever over 100°F, excessive pain, and swelling with redness. Infections usually clear up quickly with appropriate treatment.

Minor deformities. In about 5% of cases, a second procedure may be recommended to correct a minor irregularity. Such cases are unpredictable, but the corrective surgery is usually minor.

Asymmetry. Displacement of the structures may cause persistent distortion.

Skin. A few patients experience pustules, acne aggravation, allergy, scarring, numbness, redness and prominent small blood vessels.

Airway. Airflow may be disturbed by narrowing or distortion of the structures.

Cartilage. Deviation of nasal tip: over - or under-correction: persistent obstruction or septal perforation (very rare).

Bones. Irregularity or under-correction may ccur. Over-correction may lead to a lack of support for the nose.