What are the risks of septoplasty?

The decision to have septoplasty is extremely personal. You will have to decide if the benefits will achieve your goals and if the risks and potential complications of septoplasty are acceptable.

Your plastic surgeon and/or staff will explain in detail the risks associated with surgery. You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedures you will undergo and any risks or potential complications.

The possible risks of septoplasty include, but are not limited to:

• Anesthesia risks
• Change in shape of the nose
• Decrease in sense of smell
• Excessive bleeding
• Infection
• Persistence of previous symptoms despite surgery
• Poor healing of incisions
• Septal hematoma (collection of blood in nasal space)
• Septal perforation (opening/hole in the septum)
• Temporary numbing in upper gum or teeth

These risks and others will be fully discussed prior to your consent. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your plastic surgeon. Additional surgical procedures may be needed to address these complications or if your expectations are not fulfilled.