Are Rhinoplasty Results Permanent?
Rhinoplasty results are long-lasting. The initial swelling will subside within a few weeks, but it may take upwards of a year for your new nasal contour to fully refine. During this time, you may notice gradual changes in the appearance of your nose as it refines to a more permanent outcome. As your body ages, it is natural to experience some gradual changes to your face – including your rhinoplasty after 20 years. But most of your improvements will be relatively permanent.
In this article, we’ll outline everything you need to know about rhinoplasty before getting the cosmetic procedure, specifically the results.
Rhinoplasty Before and After
Benefits of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty brings with it a plethora of benefits, not just cosmetic but physical and emotional as well. In addition to increasing or decreasing the size of the nose, reshaping the nostrils, or fixing a dorsal hump, rhinoplasty can help reduce snoring, prevent obstructive sleep apnea, and eliminate sinus problems. Finally, the results often lead to an instant confidence boost, which often has the added benefit of decreased anxiety.
What to Expect After Rhinoplasty
The most common question that patients have about rhinoplasty is what they can expect after the procedure. It’s important to know what you can expect with rhinoplasty, as this will help temper expectations. Results will be slow to arrive at first, but with patience, healthy practices, and following your doctor’s advice, you’ll soon be on your way to a brand new you.
When Will I See Rhinoplasty Results?
Every person’s nose is unique – and so is their rhinoplasty recovery. There are numerous factors that determine not only the time it takes to heal but also when you will see your final results. These include the type of surgery, the desired results, and the thickness of the skin on your nose.
Recovery Timeline
Patience is paramount when it comes to recovery. On average, it takes about a full year to completely recover from a rhinoplasty procedure. In the weeks following surgery, swelling will still be fairly significant. In time, gradual changes in the appearance of the nose will be visible as it evolves toward its more permanent result.
As long as you do everything you can to maintain optimal health and take good care of your nose during this time, you might even be able to minimize the recovery time. On average, you are looking at roughly a year for the healing process to be complete, give or take a few weeks or months. By this point, you should see the full results of your rhinoplasty.
What Determines When Rhinoplasty Results Are Visible
There are a number of factors that determine when the results of your rhinoplasty will begin to become visible. The type of procedure, your nose itself, and how diligent you are about self-care in the weeks and months after your procedure all play a big part in the visibility of your rhinoplasty results.
Open vs. Closed Rhinoplasty
In open rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a small external incision outside the nose at the base of the columella. The surgeon then gently raises the skin of the nose, allowing easy access to the bony structure and cartilage of the nose for the operation. After making the necessary changes to the nasal structure, the surgeon closes the incision with sutures.
The steps in closed rhinoplasty are the same as those in open rhinoplasty except that the cosmetic surgeon makes the incisions inside the nose and uses dissolvable sutures. The procedure takes a shorter time compared to open rhinoplasty.
Procedure
Each type of procedure brings with it its own varying levels of invasiveness and reconstruction. These differences in procedures will determine when rhinoplasty results are visible. For example, a bulbous tip rhinoplasty is centralized to the tip instead of the nose at large.
This is compared to other types of rhinoplasty, such as the procedures that correct a dorsal hump, wide nose, or plunging tip. These procedures are more invasive than that of the bulbous tip rhinoplasty, which means there’s more recovery and a longer wait for results to appear.
Nasal Tip Thickness
One of the downsides of thick skin is the recovery time after surgery. The initial time chart is no different from other kinds of noses and the patient can return to work in two weeks. However, a nose with thick skin may be swollen for much longer than a nose with thin skin.
Most swelling will be gone after the first two weeks, but residual swelling on the tip (common for everyone) will last a bit longer. Ultimately a patient with thick skin should be prepared to wait longer to see results.
How To Reduce Rhinoplasty Recovery Time
You may be eager to see the results of your rhinoplasty right away, but the recovery process takes time. During this time, there are steps you can take to help speed things up and ensure that everything heals properly.
Follow Surgeon’s Post-Op Instructions
It’s important to follow your doctor’s directions on how to proceed post-surgery. You will receive specific instructions on what medications to take, when to take them, how to care for the surgical site to prevent infection, and when you’ll need to come back in for a follow-up exam.
Keep Your Head Elevated
Sleeping on your side can prolong recovery time by causing additional bruising and swelling – and it can displace your nose. When sleeping, it’s important to keep your head elevated for six weeks following surgery. The easiest way to do this is to use a few pillows or a foam wedge.
Don’t Blow Your Nose
For the first few weeks after surgery (and perhaps longer) it’s inevitable to experience some congestion due to swollen nasal tissues. It’s important to remember not to blow your nose. Your doctor may suggest using a saline spray to moisturize your nasal passages until the swelling subsides. It’s usually safe to blow your nose six weeks after surgery.
Apply a Cold Compress
Especially in the first few days after surgery, using a cold compress can help reduce swelling. Do not apply the compress directly to your nose – instead, apply it to your cheeks to avoid accidentally shifting any bones or cartilage.
Avoid Strenuous Activities
As the bones in your nose heal after your surgery, it’s important to remember to avoid strenuous exercise. Movements such as stretching, lifting, or bending over can increase nasal swelling. Always wait until your doctor lets you know that it’s okay to resume normal activity before returning to any workout routine.
Schedule a Consultation at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery
If you’re ready to improve your nose or want to discuss rhinoplasty results further, contact Dr. Castellano at Elite Facial Plastic Surgery to schedule your complimentary consultation today. He is double board-certified by the American Board of Otolaryngology and the American Board of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, so you’ll be in good hands.
