While most people who get rhinoplasty are relatively young and in good health, there are a few key medical conditions that can make a patient too unhealthy to undergo anesthesia for this procedure. Anesthesia already carries inherent risks, and certain conditions, like those mentioned below, further increase the likelihood of complications.
Uncontrolled Asthma
If you have uncontrolled asthma where you have difficulty breathing, are wheezing, and may be on inhalers that are not working, this could contribute to complications when you are under anesthesia.
Not only can anesthesia and surgery exacerbate asthma symptoms and trigger bronchoconstriction (constriction of the airways), but patients with asthma may have an increased sensitivity to anesthesia medications, compromised airway anatomy and function, and trouble maintaining adequate oxygenation and ventilation.
Cardiovascular Problems
If you have a severe heart condition, such as uncontrolled hypertension or congestive heart failure, or you have had a recent heart attack, you may be deemed too unhealthy to undergo anesthesia.
This is because cardiovascular problems contribute to a higher risk for complications during anesthesia, like having a heart attack during surgery, as they can affect the body’s ability to tolerate the stress of surgery.
Mismanaged Autoimmune Disease
An autoimmune disease is characterized by an overactive immune system that attacks the body’s own tissues, leading to chronic inflammation and tissue damage. When undergoing anesthesia, the medication can further suppress the immune system, potentially exacerbating your autoimmune disease symptoms.
Additionally, autoimmune diseases often contribute to a weak immune system, which means if you are not optimally managing your condition, it could impact your body’s ability to heal after rhinoplasty. This may lead to further complications and may affect your final results.
Poorly-Controlled Diabetes
If you have uncontrolled diabetes, this could present significant issues not only during anesthesia and surgery, but also during your recovery.
Mismanaged diabetes can have adverse effects on wound healing, infection susceptibility, and cardiovascular health, leading to poor healing during recovery, an increased risk of infection at your surgical site, and a higher likelihood of heart attack, hypertension, and stroke during and after surgery.
History of Adverse Reactions to Anesthesia
Lastly, if you have a history of adverse reactions to anesthesia, getting rhinoplasty surgery may not be recommended until you and your doctor thoroughly assess and address this risk. Adverse reactions to anesthesia can range from mild reactions, such as nausea and dizziness, to severe complications, like allergic reactions, cardiovascular instability, or respiratory depression.
Safe and Smooth Rhinoplasty with Dr. Nima at Eos Rejuvenation
At Eos Rejuvenation, Dr. Nima will conduct a comprehensive evaluation of your medical history to identify potential risk factors and determine the safest approach to anesthesia management.
If you have any of the medical or health conditions mentioned above, consult with a trusted physician and get them under control to promote a smooth and safe rhinoplasty surgery.
Since this procedure is elective and not a life-or-death surgery, Dr. Nima often won’t perform rhinoplasty unless you have received clearance from your primary doctor, so make sure to consider that when exploring your options.
