The purpose of rhinoplasty or nose job is to change the nose’s size, shape, or function. Many patients want rhinoplasty to make the nose smaller or make it more aesthetically pleasing. Others want to improve their ability to breathe through the nose.
If you’re considering rhinoplasty, it’s understandable to have questions about the procedure and outlook, such as how long a nose job lasts.
A Nose Job – Does It Last Forever?
Many cosmetic surgeries have results that last years but may not be permanent, as in, the rest of your life. For example, a facelift and brow lift will lift the skin and tissues higher and make you look years younger.
But neither procedure will stop the aging process, and after 10 years, you may want to have additional work on your face. If you have liposuction, it can eliminate stubborn fat deposits, but it won’t stop you from gaining weight later.
In the case of a nose job, the procedure permanently changes the nose structure, so the results often last the rest of your life. For example, removing bone and cartilage to make the nose smaller is permanent.
However, it’s possible the nose could change shape if you have facial trauma in a car accident or other mishap. Also, the aging process may make small changes to the nose. It’s common, for instance, for the nose tip cartilage to spread out and relax slightly as the years pass, which could make it more prominent.
Further, after rhinoplasty, the swelling will take several months to resolve, so the nose will have a different appearance as you proceed through recovery.
Factors That Affect Nose Job Longevity
Note that all of us age differently at different rates. So it is hard to say for sure how your nose will look in 10 or 20 years. Some factors that can affect how your nose will look down the road are:
- The technique used during your rhinoplasty
- The skill and experience level of your surgeon
- Genetics
- Nose skin thickness
- Lifestyle
- Facial injuries or trauma that occur after surgery
There are a few things you can do to maximize the results of your nose job over the years. First, don’t smoke. Tobacco and nicotine age the skin and will alter the nose’s appearance.
Second, excessive sun exposure ages the skin prematurely, and the nose, being raised and central on the face, gets a lot of sun. So don’t be out in the sun too much during the heat of the day and wear a good sunscreen.
Nose Job Tips For Best Long-Term Results
Now you know that structural changes to the nose last for life, but aging and lifestyle factors can slightly change the nose’s appearance over time.
If you want to make your nose look as good as possible, it’s essential to follow these recovery steps after surgery:
Reduce Swelling
Use ice or cold packs to reduce the initial swelling and puffiness after surgery. This is critical during the first few days. However, applying ice consistently for the first week or two will lead to better long-term results.
Don’t Use Unauthorized Anti-Inflammatories
Many anti-inflammatory drugs increase swelling and blood flow, which are the opposite of what is required after rhinoplasty.
Your surgeon will recommend any medications you should take and may prescribe you pain drugs and anti-inflammatories.
Rest And Recover
A nose job is a major surgery, and your body needs plenty of time to heal and recover. So take it easy for a couple of weeks, and don’t engage in vigorous exercise that will stress the nose.
Go For A Walk
You should not do any serious exercise, but going for a daily walk will help your nose heal. Getting the blood moving improves and accelerates the healing process.
Take A Bath
After the procedure, you will have splints, bandages, and supports on the nose. They must stay dry. So, take a bath instead of a shower until the surgeon removes the dressings.
You can wipe your face with a washcloth carefully around the nose until you can shower again.
Eat Healthy Foods And Drink Water
Eating fruits, vegetables, and lean protein will give your body the nutrients it needs to heal. And drinking a lot of water flushes toxins out of your system and accelerates the healing process.
Drink at least eight to 10 glasses of water per day for best healing results.
Don’t Blow Your Nose
The inside of the nose will probably be packed for a few days, and a splint will be on the outside. This is uncomfortable, but it’s critical to leave the nose alone and never blow it.
During the early recovery process, Blowing your nose can damage the healing nose structures. If you must, just gently wipe or dab the nose when necessary.
A nose job can make a huge difference in your appearance and usually lasts for life. Talk to your surgeon about rhinoplasty soon to find out what it can do for you.
- See also DOES A NOSE JOB CHANGE YOUR SMILE?
Request A Nose Job Consultation Today
Interested in a nose job in Dallas? Dr. Raja Mohan can help you obtain the results and look you want. He will go over the procedure with you and determine if a nose job fits your aesthetic and personal goals.
References
What To Expect Before And After A Nose Job. (2018). Accessed at https://utswmed.org/medblog/rhinoplasty-nose-job/
Nose Job Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/rhinoplasty/about/
Rhinoplasty Overview. (n.d.). Accessed at https://www.plasticsurgery.org/cosmetic-procedures/rhinoplasty