RHINOPLASTY COMPLICATIONS: INCIDENCE, ETIOLOGY, PREVENTION, AND MANAGEMENT. SCOPING REVIEW

Background:Rhinoplasty remains one of the most complex procedures in facial plastic surgery due to the intricate anatomical and functional characteristics of the nose. Despite advancements in surgical techniques, postoperative complications continue to occur and may affect both functional and aesthetic outcomes. 

Objective: This systematic review aims to evaluate the incidence, types, etiological factors, and management strategies of rhinoplasty complications reported in the literature. 

Methods: A review was conducted in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines. Electronic databases were searched for studies published between 2000 and 2024, including 168 articles from PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. A total of 42 articles were identified. The review included studies on complications following aesthetic or functional rhinoplasty. Data on complication types, incidence, risk factors, and treatment approaches were extracted and analyzed. 

Results: Forty-two studies met the inclusion criteria,reported complication rates ranged from 4% to 18%. The most frequent complications included postoperative edema, nasal obstruction, dorsal irregularities, tip deformities, infection, septal perforation, and nasal valve collapse. Early complications primarily involved bleeding and hematoma formation, whereas late complications were predominantly aesthetic deformities requiring revision surgery. Conclusion: Rhinoplasty complications remain a significant challenge in facial plastic surgery. Proper patient selection, preservation-based surgical techniques, and meticulous postoperative management significantly reduce complication rates. Early identification and prompt treatment improve both functional and cosmetic outcomes.