Complications of Rhinoplasty

Any surgery, even under the best conditions, may be accompanied by complications. If the surgery candidate has no history of internal diseases and the surgeon they choose is very skilled, these complications will be very negligible. Perhaps no complications will occur at all.


Every surgical procedure, even under the best conditions, may involve potential complications. If the patient has no underlying medical conditions and the condition of the skin, nasal mucosa, bones, and cartilage is normal, the complications of rhinoplasty are usually minimal. With proper surgical skill and careful technique, many of these complications can be prevented or effectively controlled. In general, possible complications of rhinoplasty can be divided into two main categories: functional complications and aesthetic complications.

Functional Complications (Related to Breathing)

These complications refer to breathing problems or nasal obstruction that may occur after surgery.

Intranasal Adhesions

If surgical incisions and internal wounds do not heal properly, the internal nasal tissues may adhere to each other. This condition can lead to a feeling of nasal blockage or difficulty breathing.

Residual Nasal Septum Deviation

If the deviation of the nasal septum is not corrected adequately during surgery, the problem may persist. Since the overall nasal volume decreases by approximately 13% after rhinoplasty, any remaining deviation can contribute to airway obstruction.

Narrowing of the Internal Nasal Valve

This condition usually occurs when the hump on the nasal bridge is excessively reduced without proper reconstruction of the internal nasal valve. The internal nasal valve is a critical area for airflow, and its narrowing can significantly affect breathing.

Narrowing of the External Nasal Valve

This complication can occur when the nasal wings or nostrils are excessively reduced. Unfortunately, reconstruction of the external nasal valve can be technically difficult.

Enlarged Nasal Turbinates

In individuals with allergies or chronic inflammation, the nasal turbinates inside the nose may become enlarged. If this issue is not addressed during surgery, it may lead to airway narrowing after the procedure.

Injury to the Tear Duct

This complication is very rare. It may occur if the bony width of the nose is excessively reduced during surgery. In such cases, the patient may experience continuous tearing from one eye after the operation.

Aesthetic Complications

These complications affect the external appearance of the nose and may cause it to deviate from natural aesthetic proportions.

Saddle Nose Deformity

This condition occurs when too much of the osteocartilaginous hump of the nasal bridge is removed. It may happen either because of excessive patient demand for a highly curved nose or due to inaccurate estimation during surgery.

Inverted V Deformity:
In this situation, excessive reduction of the nasal bridge causes the cartilaginous portion of the nose to appear separated from the bony part, creating a visible inverted “V” shape. This deformity can affect both appearance and breathing.

Damage to the Nasal Skin

If the nasal skin is injured during surgery, it may become discolored or even undergo tissue loss. This is considered one of the most serious complications, and its correction can be extremely difficult. The use of artificial implants inside the nose may increase the risk of this problem. Fortunately, it is very rare.

Over‑Narrowing of the Nasal Tip

Sometimes, due to excessive patient requests for a smaller nasal tip, the surgeon may reduce it too much. This does not necessarily improve aesthetics and may instead create an unnatural appearance.

Excessive Upward Rotation of the Nasal Tip

A slight upward rotation of the nasal tip can enhance facial attractiveness. However, if it exceeds the standard range, the nose may develop an unnatural or “pig‑like” appearance. Achieving the correct balance requires considerable surgical expertise.

Excessive Reduction of the Nasal Wings

In noses with thick skin or large nasal wings, reducing the size of the alae can improve facial harmony. However, excessive reduction may lead to an unnatural appearance and may also narrow the nasal airway.

Columella Imbalance

If the relationship between the nasal wings and the columella is not carefully preserved during surgery, the columella may appear either overly retracted or excessively protruding. This imbalance is particularly noticeable in profile view and may negatively affect nasal aesthetics.