Risks and Complications of Surgery

All surgical and invasive procedures carry risks. The information below is general only and does not replace the personalised discussion you will have with the medical practitioner during your consultation. Before any procedure you will be fully informed of the risks that are material to you, the expected benefits, the alternatives (including no treatment), the likely recovery, and all costs. Written information is always provided and a suitable cooling off period is observed. Patients considering cosmetic surgery are always seen on at least two occasions before the day of surgery.

Risks Common to All Surgery

Pain, bleeding, bruising, swelling, and infection can occur with any operation. Pain is managed with appropriate analgesia. Bleeding and bruising are more common in patients taking blood thinning medication or who have certain medical conditions. Infection is rare and is minimised by the use of peri operative antibiotics when indicated.

Scarring, wound healing problems, and damage to nearby structures are possible.

More serious but rare complications include blood clots (deep vein thrombosis or pulmonary embolism), adverse reaction to anaesthesia, heart attack, stroke, permanent disability, and death. Your anaesthetist will discuss anaesthesia specific risks with you separately.

Specific Procedure Risks

Rhinoplasty, Septorhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty

The most important risk is an aesthetic or functional outcome that does not fully meet the patient’s expectations. Rhinoplasty is a technically demanding operation and minor variations from the planned result are common. Most settle with time or simple in rooms procedures (for example steroid injections). Revision surgery is required in approximately 5 % of primary cases and up to 30 % of revision cases. Prolonged swelling, particularly of the nasal tip, is common and final refinement can take 18 to 24 months. Close postoperative follow up and active patient participation are essential for the best outcome.

Tip-Plasty
Asymmetry, visible scarring, over correction or under correction are possible though uncommon. Narrowing the nasal tip can reduce nasal airflow and a careful balance between appearance and function is required.

Blepharoplasty (Eyelid Surgery)

Asymmetry, over correction, under correction, visible scarring, dry eyes, and temporary difficulty fully closing the eyes are possible. Injury to the eyeball or (exceptionally rarely) loss of vision have been reported. Further surgery may be required in future years because of ongoing ageing.

Chin Implantation
Temporary or permanent numbness of the lower lip or chin can occur due to stretch or injury to the mental nerve. Minor changes in lower lip movement or contour are possible.

Non Surgical Rhinoplasty and All Injectable Treatments

Pain, bruising, and swelling are common. Results are temporary and duration varies between patients. The most serious (though very rare) complication is vascular occlusion which can lead to skin necrosis, blindness, or stroke. Appropriate anatomical knowledge, technique, and safety measures are employed in this clinic to reduce, but do not eliminate, this risk.

Otoplasty (Prominent Ear Correction)

Asymmetry, unfavourable scarring, recurrence of prominence, and patient dissatisfaction with the new ear position are possible. Over correction is sometimes perceived in the early postoperative period. Infection or cartilage necrosis are very rare.

Septoplasty

Persistent nasal obstruction can occur, particularly in severe or post traumatic deviations, or when other nasal conditions (allergy, polyps) are present.

Tonsillectomy and Adenotonsillectomy

Pain is expected and can be severe for seven to ten days. Postoperative bleeding occurs in up to 5 % of patients and occasionally requires return to hospital or further surgery. Very rarely bleeding can be life threatening. Temporary voice change or nasal regurgitation of food or fluid are uncommon and usually resolve.

Functional Endoscopic Sinus Surgery (FESS)

Structures adjacent to the sinuses (eyes, brain, major blood vessels) may be injured, although this is exceptionally rare in experienced hands. Sinus disease can recur, requiring ongoing medical management or further surgery.

Surgery for Snoring and Sleep Apnoea

These operations carry the combined risks of tonsillectomy and septoplasty. Improvement rather than cure of snoring or sleep apnoea is common, and symptoms may return with weight gain or ageing.

Head and Neck Cancer Surgery

Risks vary widely depending on the specific operation and extent of disease. They may include bleeding, infection, nerve injury affecting speech or swallowing, airway problems, poor wound healing, and the possibility that surgery does not completely remove or control the cancer. These risks are discussed in detail on an individual basis.

The clinical team are committed to providing clear, honest information so that you can make a fully informed decision. Please ask any questions during your consultation. A second opinion is always recommended before proceeding with elective surgery.