Rhinoplasty Complications to Keep an Eye Out For

Please contact your surgeon or the on-call physician immediately if you notice any of the following:

  • uncontrollable bleeding

  • pus or other white or green discharge from your incision areas or nose in general that is clearly not normal mucous

  • uncontrollable pain

  • blisters or implant/graft extrusion (if applicable)

  • displacement or shifting of the implant/graft (if applicable)

  • temperature over 101° F

  • inability to pass waste (both liquid and solid)

  • sudden numbness of the legs

  • uncontrollable dizziness not related to the pain relievers

  • deflation

Please contact your surgeon or the on-call physician AND go to the emergency room as soon as possible if you notice any of the following:

  • passing blood through urine, feces or spitting up blood

  • abrupt and severe swelling and discoloration (aside from normal swelling)

  • blackening of the skin (which is clearly NOT a bruise)

  • uncontrollable vomiting

  • loss of consciousness not related to sedatives

  • temperature over 105° F

  • convulsions

What to do in case of a complication:

  • #1 STAY CALM

  • Have your emergency numbers handy and contact, or have your caretaker contact, your surgeon or the on-call physician to let them know of your problem as soon as you can.

  • If you are going to the emergency room don't forget to tell your surgeon WHICH hospital

  • Bring all of your medications with you to the hospital

  • It may be cautionary to pack an overnight bag ahead of time "just in case"

  • If you are able, keep a written journal (and if possible photos) of your symptoms and complaints

Emergency Numbers:

Surgeon: _____________________________________________________
Emergency On-call Physician: ____________________
Hospital: ______________________________________________________
Pharmacy: ____________________________________________________
Parents: ______________________________________________________
Friend: _______________________________________________________
Other: ________________________________________________________