Rhinoplasty is very popular, not to mention very talked about, what with all the pictures of celebrity transformations on social media. All of this can make it seem so simple: Consult with a facial plastic surgeon, have the operation, and enjoy your new nose.
The reality is, it’s a bit more complicated than that. Below, the team at Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics details five things no one tells you about rhinoplasty.
#1: Results Aren’t Immediate
Some less-invasive cosmetic procedures are one-and-done: You have the procedure, wait out the recovery time, and you’re finished.
Rhinoplasty isn’t always so simple. While the stated recovery time is usually around two weeks, the underlying structures of the nose may take up to a year to fully recover and in some cases even longer to finish “remodeling.” And while it’s uncommon, there are some circ*mstances under which your surgeon would need to perform additional surgery to “touch up” your nose job. You can lessen the chances of needing a second rhinoplasty procedure by choosing an experienced, highly trained surgeon such as Dr. Grant at Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics.
It is also important to note that the nose you see initially is unlikely to be the one you end up with. This is because it can take several months for bruising and swelling to fully subside.
#2: No Glasses for a While
It’s true — you’ll need to refrain from wearing glasses for at least a few weeks. Most surgeons recommend that you avoid wearing glasses for up to six weeks. The reason is simple: Undue pressure on the nasal bridge may affect your healing nasal bones.
If you need to wear glasses, don’t worry. No harm can come from wearing glasses atop your cast and nasal splint. With the cast off, however, you’ll need to avoid glasses for up to six weeks unless your doctor can give you some type of a protective barrier to place between the nose and the frame of your glasses.
#3: Tape Up
You’ll finish your procedure a bit wrapped up, and for good reason: You don’t want your delicate nasal bones to move around in those crucial first days. It’s normal for you to wear your nasal splint for at least one week after surgery — your surgeon will provide you with appropriate post-care instruction.
#4: Every Procedure Is Different
Rhinoplasty is as much art as it is science. Your surgeon can show you computer-generated models of your future nose, but it’s important to remember that plastic surgery is not an exact science. Modern projections are quite accurate, assuming you choose a skilled surgeon, but the end result is never a total guarantee.
#5: Yes, You Can Get a Temporary Nose Procedure
For some minor cosmetic issues (humps, minor asymmetry, and so on), a non-invasive procedure may yield beautiful but temporary results. Non-surgical rhinoplasty uses an injectable cosmetic filler to mimic the effects of a more traditional nasal operation. These injectable solutions can sometimes last up to one year, but bear in mind that there are some unique risk factors to having filler injections on areas of the nose. These risk factors can be quite serious, so you need to make sure these risks are discussed with you before having nasal filler injections.
Contact Us Today for a Consultation
Interested in learning more about rhinoplasty? Contact the team at Cascade Facial Surgery & Aesthetics to schedule an appointment with our board-certified facial plastic surgeon.
FAQs
Like any surgical procedure, rhinoplasty carries some risks and potential complications. These can include infection, bleeding, scarring, asymmetry, and dissatisfaction with the results. It is important to choose a skilled and experienced surgeon to minimize these risks and ensure a successful outcome.
What don't they tell you about nose jobs? ›
It's possible to have an almost painless rhinoplasty
While some people feel sensitivity and discomfort after surgery, many experience little to no pain at all. Swelling and pressure in the face can feel annoying. Most describe this as a temporary inconvenience and not fun, but not overly painful either.
What you should know about a nose job? ›
Six things to know before booking a rhinoplasty
- A perfect nose is in the eye of the beholder. ...
- Be specific about what you want to change. ...
- Swelling will wax and wane. ...
- You're not going to look good at first. ...
- Stay away from social media. ...
- Be wary of 3D imaging.
Rhinoplasty may be done inside the nose or through a small external cut, known as an incision, at the base of the nose, between the nostrils. The surgeon will likely readjust the bone and cartilage underneath the skin. The shape of the bones or cartilage in your nose can be changed in several ways.
What should I look for in a rhinoplasty? ›
The main objective of looking through possible nose job shapes and sizes is to choose a result that goes in line with your face. If you end up expecting a nose shape that's too wide or too narrow for your facial structure, it may not only look out of place but may also be opposed by your surgeon.
What is the regret rate for rhinoplasty? ›
If you've been watching your rhinoplasty heal over time and you're still thinking “I don't like my nose”, it's not unheard of. As many as 10-15% of cosmetic nose surgeries result in unhappy clients who will choose to undergo a second procedure to fix it.
What do I wish I knew before rhinoplasty? ›
The key to rhinoplasty is the skin (well, cartilage too). Classify skin in the upper half and lower half of the nose. Think very thin, thin, medium, thick and very thick skin. You can't change this, you have to accept it.
How long does rhinoplasty take to heal? ›
You'll have swelling for about four to six weeks after your surgery that slowly decreases after three months. Between three months to a year, your nose is still healing and swelling could still be present. You'll see full results after your nose completely heals, which is usually after one year.
What are the risks of rhinoplasty? ›
Potential complications of rhinoplasty
Some of the possible complications of rhinoplasty include: heavy bleeding from the surgical site. infection that may require treatment with antibiotics, or further surgery in some cases. allergic reaction to sutures, dressing or antiseptic solutions.
Can a nose job go wrong? ›
After a rhinoplasty procedure, the nose or nostrils can look pinched, making the nose look long and slender. Not only can this bad nose job look unsightly, but it can also result in difficulty breathing due to a narrow passageway that does not allow enough airflow.
If your nose was the subject of ridicule during your childhood or adolescence, you might feel much better mentally after having it fixed. With a nose you love, you won't be critical of the way you look in pictures, nor tempted to Photoshop your face. You might actually feel inclined to take more pictures of yourself!
Is rhinoplasty the hardest surgery? ›
Rhinoplasty is perhaps the most challenging of all plastic surgery procedures.
What is the piggy nose after rhinoplasty? ›
Directly after your rhinoplasty, your nose tip might be over-rotated — the “piggy” look you refer to — but this is a correction your facial plastic surgeon makes so that when the nose heals it drops into a normal position. Without the initial over-rotation, you might end up with a drooping nose.
How do I get the best results from rhinoplasty? ›
Wondering How to Maximize Rhinoplasty Results? Check Out Our Top 9 Tips!
- Recovery timeline for Rhinoplasty surgery. ...
- Follow your surgeon's post-operative instructions carefully. ...
- Rest and allow yourself time to heal. ...
- Keep your head elevated. ...
- Apply cold compresses. ...
- Avoid blowing your nose or sneezing forcefully.
However, several tell-tale signs may indicate a nose has been surgically altered:
- Symmetry: Natural noses often have subtle asymmetries that contribute to their unique appearance. ...
- Proportion: A nose that is disproportionately small or large compared to the rest of the face may indicate that a rhinoplasty was performed.
For example, heart disease or a history of heart attacks or strokes will preclude you from this procedure. If your heart isn't healthy, you can't safely be put under general anesthesia and your body may not respond well to sedation, either.
Can people tell if you get a nose job? ›
Proportion: A nose that is disproportionately small or large compared to the rest of the face may indicate that a rhinoplasty was performed. Natural results strive for balance and harmony with other facial features. Tip Position: The position and shape of the nasal tip can reveal whether it has been altered surgically.
What is considered a bad nose job? ›
You Notice Breathing Difficulty. A cosmetic nose job should not impact the function of the nose. Difficulty breathing is a sure sign of a bad nose job. This error is more common with reductive procedures as too much tissue or cartilage is removed, reducing the internal and external passageway for poor airflow.
What percentage of nose jobs go wrong? ›
Why Does a Rhinoplasty Fail? If your initial rhinoplasty procedure did not meet your expectations, you will be able to discuss your potential failed nose job after the full year of healing. The rate of nose job failure is only about five to ten percent of rhinoplasties.
Is it embarrassing to get a nose job? ›
There's no shame in having a “nose job.” In fact, it's quite a common procedure in today's day and age.
Rhinoplasty is very popular, not to mention very talked about, what with all the pictures of celebrity transformations on social media. All of this can make it seem so simple: Consult with a facial plastic surgeon, have the operation, and enjoy your new nose.
