What Are the Potential Complications of Cosmetic Bone Reduction Surgery?

Update Date: 2024-06-17 Source: Network

Cosmetic Bone Reduction Surgery and Its Potential Risks

Cosmetic bone reduction surgery is a commonly performed procedure, yet it carries certain risks that can lead to complications such as facial sagging, asymmetry, nerve damage, and heavy bleeding. Here is a breakdown of these potential risks:

1. Facial Sagging

Facial sagging is a common complication associated with bone reduction surgery. There are several reasons why this might occur:

Excessive bone removal: Bones play a crucial role in supporting facial muscles and fat. If the surgical plan designed by the doctor results in excessive bone removal, the remaining bone structure may not be able to adequately support the facial muscles and fat, leading to sagging.
Excessive facial fat: Post-surgical weight gain can also contribute to facial sagging. The existing bone structure can only support a certain amount of fat. As the amount of fat increases, the effects of gravity become more pronounced, leading to sagging. In such cases, weight loss or liposuction can be considered to remove excess fat and improve facial sagging.

2. Facial Asymmetry

Bone reduction surgery involves working on both sides of the face. If the surgeon's technique is not proficient, and the amount and position of bone removal are not accurately controlled, it can lead to asymmetry in the facial features, affecting the overall visual outcome.

3. Nerve Damage

The incision sites for bone reduction surgery are close to nerves. In the case of mandibular angle surgery, the osteotomy line should be kept a certain distance away from the mandibular nerve. If the osteotomy line is too close, it can cause traction and result in facial numbness in the short term. If the mental nerve is traumatized during mandibular angle osteotomy, it can cause temporary numbness of the lower lip. However, if the mental nerve is severely damaged, it can lead to deviated mouth corners, difficulty in opening the mouth and chewing, and challenging later repair. Similarly, chin osteotomy is also close to the mental nerve, and it is crucial to ensure that the osteotomy position does not approach the nerve too closely.

4. Heavy Bleeding

The amount of bleeding during bone reduction surgery depends on the surgeon's technical experience. If the surgeon is not familiar with the anatomical structure of the jaw and the distribution of blood vessels, or if they accidentally injure surrounding vessels, it can lead to bleeding. Since the distribution of blood vessels varies from person to person, it is essential for the surgeon to quickly identify and control bleeding points in case of hemorrhage. Failure to stop the bleeding promptly can result in significant blood loss. Therefore, it is crucial to choose an experienced and skilled surgeon for bone reduction surgery.