Rhinoplasty is one of the most popular surgical procedures. However, for those who are considering it and have not yet decided whether or not to have rhinoplasty, there are a few important things that you need to know in order to make an informed decision. The risks of a rhinoplasty include complications such as infection, bleeding, and even damage to your nasal function.
In this guide, we review the Disadvantages Of Rhinoplasty, is rhinoplasty worth it, rhinoplasty side effects long term, and what not to do after rhinoplasty.
Disadvantages Of Rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty is a popular procedure for both men and women. It can help you achieve the nose you have always wanted, whether that means making it smaller or straighter or changing its shape. It’s important to know that any kind of surgery can come with risks, though. You need to be prepared for what might happen if your nose becomes infected after rhinoplasty or if your stitches don’t dissolve properly. We will go through some of these risks so that when you decide whether this is something you want to do, you’re fully informed about what could go wrong with this procedure.
You may be disappointed with the results of your rhinoplasty.
You may be disappointed with the results of your rhinoplasty. While a nose job can help you achieve a more attractive appearance and feel better about yourself, there are some things to consider before having one performed.
- You may not like the new shape of your nose. The surgeon will make an incision where they feel that it will give you the best results, but if this isn’t what you wanted, then it might be difficult for them to change it after surgery has taken place.
- You may find that your nasal skin is darker than before or redder than expected because blood has pooled under its surface during recovery time (this is called “blotchiness”). These symptoms usually go away within 6 months after surgery; however, if they persist longer than this period then contact us immediately so we can get them checked out by another doctor for proper treatment recommendations!
A second surgery may be necessary.
Most surgeons will tell you that the results of a rhinoplasty are not guaranteed. This means that, even if you have the best surgeon in town and he or she performs their job perfectly, there is still a chance that your nose might not look exactly how you want it to after surgery. The reason for this is because everyone has different expectations when it comes to their new nose. For example: if someone has a long narrow nose but they want something shorter and wider then they may not be happy with the results of their first surgery even though everything went well technically speaking (i.e., no complications).
It’s important to remember that every surgeon has his or her own technique for performing rhinoplasties; therefore, what works for one person might not work as well for another person because each surgeon uses different techniques based on his/her experience level as well as preferences regarding what type of outcome looks best on him/herself personally rather than just following protocol blindly like some kind robot without any feelings whatsoever – which would never happen anyway since doctors always care deeply about all patients equally regardless whether they’re rich or poor etcetera ad nauseam ad infinitum.”
You may experience nosebleeds after surgery.
Nosebleeds are a common side effect of rhinoplasty and can last for several weeks after surgery. Your nose will be dry and irritated, which can cause you to bleed when you blow your nose or sneeze. To help prevent this, use saline spray in addition to petroleum jelly on your nose.
There are risks involved in any surgical procedure, and you need to know what they are and decide whether it is worth it to you.
You need to be aware of the risks involved in any surgical procedure and decide whether it’s worth it to you.
You might want to do some research on rhinoplasty before making your decision, so that you can make an informed choice.
is rhinoplasty worth it
Like many others, one thing about my body that always brought about feelings of insecurity was my nose. I could tell you lots of stories about the kid in elementary school who nicknamed me “pelican,” or the way my grandma so lovingly yet annoyingly referred to the shape of my nose as “Roman.”
Everyone else’s comments aside, I’ve always wanted my nose to look different. What’s more, for as long as I can remember, I’ve also had a weird psychological and physical disconnect about my nose. In my head, my nose looked fine; but whenever I saw it in photos, I was legitimately surprised—and not in a good way—to see how it really looked.
All of this is to say that rhinoplasty—specifically, getting rid of the hump on the bridge of my nose—has been in the back of my mind since my early teen years. For a while, something held me back from changing my nose permanently. But after becoming engaged to my long-time partner, the timing finally felt right to pursue a more permanent solution. I also finally had a reason to justify it: wedding photos that would, as I so dramatically said to my partner on numerous occasions, last for generations.
I’m not going to argue that to feel your very best on your wedding day, you should get a nose job. Or get Botox. Or even wear makeup. Everyone is different and this just happens to be my story.
Here’s everything you need to know about getting a nose job, before and after—and what happened when I underwent rhinoplasty.
Whether the benefits are cosmetic, medical, or both, the overall goal of rhinoplasty should be to correct each patient’s specific issues in a way that keeps the nose in proportion to the rest of the face.
“This is important for any rhinoplasty,” Kolker advised. “The nose needs to be internally balanced, meaning that the upper third needs to match the middle third, which needs to match the lower third, which needs to be balanced with the entire face.”
How to Prepare for a Nose Job
As a beauty writer, I’ll admit that I had a leg up on prepping for rhinoplasty. After talking with everyone I knew in New York City who knew anything about nose jobs, plus diving down many an Internet rabbit hole, I ended up consulting with a few rhinoplasty experts until I found the right fit in Kolker.
Not only is Kolker the kindest, most genuine, and most professional doctor I have ever met with, he also said things like, “It’s always best when refinements are subtle and natural-looking,” and “people will say you look amazing, but it will be so subtle that they won’t even know what changed.” That was exactly what I wanted in a nose job: subtle and natural-looking.
Kolker also took the time to answer all my many questions and explain in detail how he would personally perform the procedure. He also took photos of my nose and used modeling software to show me what the final result of my nose would look like. He hit everything on the nose—pun intended. I knew in my gut that he was the right doctor for me.
To get ready for the surgery, Kolker gave me a physical exam, conducted a thorough medical history, and did some routine bloodwork. Also, he and I had a few pre-op meetings to finalize the plan for my new nose. Then, my surgery was scheduled.
The week before the surgery, I followed an oral supplement routine—including hefty daily doses of vitamins B and C, zinc, and arnica montana—that Kolker prescribed to make my post-op healing go as smoothly as possible. He also told me to avoid over-the-counter pain relievers like Advil and Tylenol. Other than that, I didn’t have to change my routine.
What to Expect During a Nose Job
In rhinoplasty, there are two types of procedures: closed and open. As per Kolker’s advice, I opted for the latter.
“An open rhinoplasty approach offers a tremendous amount of exposure to the architecture of the nose, including all of the cartilage and bone elements,” Kolker advised. As opposed to a closed rhinoplasty, an open surgery would give him “almost limitless control over the fine-tuning and sculptural modification of those elements.”
“It’s not as if there is one absolutely uniform, ideal way to do a rhinoplasty for every individual,” Kolker continued. “There are some surgeons who only perform closed rhinoplasties, and there are some who only do open ones.”
The downside of open rhinoplasty, I was told, is that I’d have a small incision underneath the nose along the tiny bridge of tissue that runs in between either nostril known as the columella. But the many upsides of an open procedure, plus my complete faith in Kolker’s expertise, made that baby scar seem worth it to me.
Although some rhinoplasties are done under local anesthesia only, mine was performed under general anesthesia in an operating room. I was told the procedure would take a few hours total. I showed up for surgery early that morning, slightly anxious but hoping for the best.
Rhinoplasty vs. Nonsurgical Nose Job
When I decided I wanted to change my nose, I first considered the nonsurgical nose job. This involves using injectable hyaluronic acid filler to correct cosmetic issues such as smoothing out a dorsal hump, making the nose look more proportional to the face, and even lifting the tip. The nonsurgical version is temporary, as all fillers are, and typically lasts six to 12 months, depending largely on the patient’s metabolism.
Because I was ultimately looking to decrease volume from my nose rather than add it and wanted a permanent solution, I opted for the surgical route instead.
Potential Side Effects
Nose jobs aren’t without risks, of course. Some rhinoplasty patients may deal with long-lasting pain and inflammation around their noses or even have trouble breathing for the long term. They may also experience scarring—in my case, a scar was a given—and infection, as well as numbness in certain areas of the nose. Going under anesthesia is itself a risk since patients can have a bad reaction to it. And there’s always a chance of hating your new nose—whether or not your surgery goes as planned.
The Cost
The cost of rhinoplasty, as with all plastic surgery, depends on a few different factors, including where you live, which surgeon you use, and the extent of surgery you need. In general, rhinoplasties can range anywhere from approximately $5,000 to over $15,000. This is a huge price range, which is why it’s important to do your research.
Aftercare
When I woke up in the surgical recovery room, dark bruising already began to form underneath my eyes. But overall, I felt pretty good—very out of it, definitely, but not in any pain. The car ride back to Brooklyn was slightly uncomfortable, but as soon as I got home and propped up in bed, I felt fine. My fiancé helped set me up with a bowl of mashed potatoes and some Bravo reality shows to binge, and I was comfortable until I passed out a few hours later.
One slightly difficult lifestyle adjustment: I had to sleep on my back with my head propped up on a few pillows—for at least two weeks, as per the paperwork I initialed—which was uncomfortable at first, but I adjusted. Turning to sleep on either side, as I normally do, would have put pressure on my splint and also increased swelling.
The other post-op rules were pretty standard: no alcohol, aspirin (which thins the blood), smoking, or spicy foods. I had to make sure to drink plenty of fluids. I also couldn’t shower for the first 48 hours after surgery or do strenuous activity for at least two weeks. Kolker sent me home with a twice-daily antibiotic to stave off potential infection and some prescription Percocet, although I personally only needed to take the heavy-duty stuff once or twice. After that, I switched to over-the-counter Tylenol a few times a day.
More apparent than any pain was swelling, which peaked about three or four days post-surgery. Over the first two weeks after surgery, my bruising changed color and shape so frequently that I actually found it fascinating to watch how quickly and efficiently my body healed itself.
“Everybody bruises differently, and everybody swells differently,” Kolker explained, noting that I was fortunate to experience very mild bruising. I think this mildness was likely due, at least in part, to the pre-op supplement routine Kolker had me follow. After the surgery, my supplement routine stayed the same for two weeks, plus the addition of bromelain.
Over those first few weeks post-surgery, I was able to work from home. I even answered emails the morning after surgery, although my tone was a little loopier than normal. I showered gently, taking care to keep my face out of the water, and used a washcloth or a makeup wipe to keep the rest of my complexion clean. My splint stayed on for almost a full week, after which I was told I could take it off myself.
I went into Kolker’s office eight days post-op to have the stitches in between my nostrils removed, which was slightly uncomfortable but not unbearable. The other stitches, all of them inside of my nose, dissolved or fell out naturally. The tiny scar from said incision faded over time and, as I found out, was also easily covered by concealer.
I was told that the ultimate shape of my nose would not reveal itself fully until about one year post-surgery. That seemed like a long time, but it’s true: Features of my nose have continued to change about 10 months afterward, though these slight changes haven’t really been noticeable to anyone other than myself.
“The nose continues to mature over time, but most of the changes from a rhinoplasty are evident and settled by about 12 months afterward,” Kolker explained. “When you imagine that the nerves are re-connecting in that area, that also means that the veins and the lymphatics in the area, which drain the skin and the soft tissue, are also readjusting.”
The swelling on the tip of my nose took the longest to subside and it still hasn’t regained all feeling. “There are certain areas of the nose that heal more quickly,” Kolker said. “The tip area is the one that takes the longest, and the bridge area usually settles down a bit more rapidly.”
rhinoplasty side effects long term
Often when people think about the results of plastic surgery – like rhinoplasty – they think about the short term results. But it’s also important to consider the long term results. For instance, what are rhinoplasty results overtime? Does a rhinoplasty “age”? With rhinoplasty, what happens as we age is an especially important consideration. In fact, having a nose surgery is a catalyst for change. The minute your surgery is performed, the structure of your nose is altered, and some levels of changes are inevitable.
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Since your nose is so prominent, your nose job should be done so that it looks good even as time goes by. To achieve lasting results, outstanding surgical skill is necessary. While many surgeons may be able to do a nose job that looks good in the first year, it is much more challenging to create a nose that will last over time. With Dr. Rahban’s extensive experience with a wide variety of rhinoplasty techniques, he has become an expert in the aging rhinoplasty.
The most popular age range for rhinoplasties is between the ages of 20 – 29. This means there are hundreds of thousands of people who have – or will have – a rhinoplasty that has aged for decades. Dr. Rahban says that many people are under the impression that once they get their rhinoplasty done, their nose is set in time. This misconception could not be farther from the truth.
One important consideration is what a rhinoplasty actually does to your nose. When rhinoplasties are performed, often these surgeries are “reductive” nose jobs. This means bone or cartilage is removed from the nose to make it smaller. While this can look good in the short term, it sets you up to have a rhinoplasty that can fail as years go by. Removing the underlying structure of the nose is similar to removing support beams from a building. It’s easy to imagine that a building with fewer support beams would be more likely to cave in or crumble as it ages. The same is true for the nose. Without the strength of the nose’s “support beams,” you can expect that an aging rhinoplasty may not maintain its structure.
How are Dr. Rahban’s rhinoplasties more able to stand the test of time? Dr. Rahban performs “reconstructive” nose jobs instead. This means that while he is still making the nose smaller, he is reinforcing the structure of the nose to ensure long-lasting, excellent results.
An aging rhinoplasty is an important consideration for anyone thinking about having a nose job. The initial results you get are only the first step. How your nose looks after years and decades is critical to your appearance and happiness with your rhinoplasty over time.
What Changes Can You Expect to See in a Rhinoplasty as it Ages?
The first thing to keep in mind is that when you have a nose job, your nose is initially swollen. Over time that swelling will go away, and scar tissue will form. These very first steps are already signs of the underlying changes in the foundation of your nose. The aging process is initiated by the surgery. Most people are prepared for swelling and recovery, but are less prepared for what may happen to their rhinoplasty after 5 or 10 years.
What Factors Can Affect How My Rhinoplasty Changes With Age?
There is no way to know for sure how one person’s nose will look after decades, or exactly how their rhinoplasty will age, but here are factors that can have an influence:
The number one decision you can make to have a positive experience with your rhinoplasty as it ages, is to choose a surgeon who has extensive experience using advanced surgical techniques which will mitigate the risks of negative effects of an aging rhinoplasty. Second of all, you can lower your risk of some elements of aging that can affect the appearance of your face – like sagging skin or loss of elasticity – by making good lifestyle choices. These include avoiding smoking and limiting sun exposure. Remember that no level of lifestyle choices can overcome a rhinoplasty that was not performed to last well over time. Your initial surgery will be the number one factor in how your nose job ages.
Why Do We See Celebrities With ‘Failing’ Nose Jobs from Years Ago?
Many of us have first-hand experience of what a ‘failing’ nose job looks like. We sometimes see these significant changes in the noses of celebrities who had their rhinoplasties done in their 20s, and are now in their 40s or 50s. Their noses look much different as their rhinoplasties have aged. Why did this happen?
Dr. Rahban explains that the reason goes back to the techniques used during their original surgery. Traditionally, rhinoplasty is “reductive” which means the surgeons use techniques that focus on making the nose smaller. Many of these celebrities likely had a reductive nose job. Often times this is done by removing cartilage or bone. The benefit of this is it allows surgeons to create what our patients want. In many cases the request is for a nose that is smaller, ‘cuter’, or more feminine.
However, reductive rhinoplasty can also cause an unwanted appearance over time. The problem is that when surgeons make the nose smaller by removing bone and cartilage, they are removing some of the structure of the nose. As a result, many of these people who had nose jobs early on, found that over time their nose was collapsing. These changes may take 10, 15, of 20 years to start showing – but in some cases we see signs of ‘collapsing’ as soon as 5 years after a strictly reductive rhinoplasty.
How are Today’s Rhinoplasties Different? And How Do These Rhinoplasties Relate to a Nose Job Aging Well?
Today, modern-day rhinoplasty such as those performed by Dr. Rahban, is reconstructive, instead of simply reductive. Reconstructive rhinoplasty allows Dr. Rahban to achieve the same outward results in terms of a nose that is smaller, cuter, or more feminine – but it has the significant advantage of not taking away from the strength of the nose’s foundation. This means that an aging rhinoplasty is substantially different than it was with reductive rhinoplasty.
At the same time as enhancing the shape and profile of the nose, Dr. Rahban goes beyond the immediate cosmetic appearance and protects the results for years to come. He takes cartilage, often from the septum of the nose, but also sometimes from the ear or rib – and he uses this cartilage to reinforce the areas in your nose that he anticipates could weaken over time. This reinforcement is not something that is visible, but a technique that protects the appearance and strength of your rhinoplasty as it ages. With these newer, more advanced techniques, you get better long term results than with the old-fashioned type of rhinoplasties. An aging rhinoplasty is less of a concern when you have your operation done with innovative techniques that allow for long term success.
Why Don’t All Surgeons Do Reconstructive Rhinoplasty?
Since reconstructive rhinoplasty techniques allow for longer term and more stable results, you might think that all cosmetic and plastic surgeons perform nose jobs this way. However, many surgeons are not skilled in the advanced rhinoplasty techniques that Dr. Rahban uses regularly. In addition, a reconstructive rhinoplasty takes significantly longer to complete. An advanced rhinoplasty can take 3 – 4 hours, and is often done “open”. This is a substantial increase in time and effort compared to a traditional rhinoplasty, which is often done in 1 hour, and is many times performed as a “closed” procedure.
Dr. Rahban feels that this extra time and care are critical in creating a nose job that will last through the aging process. If you look at celebrities that have had these older rhinoplasty procedures performed, you’ll see their noses are starting to have the classic deformities that we see when the nasal structure has not been reinforced. Dr. Rahban is aware of these potential dangers and uses techniques that will support the nose, instead of simply reducing it which allows for more chance of collapse as we age.
If I Had a Rhinoplasty Many Years Ago, and am Now Seeing Some Negative Effects of Aging on my Nose Job, What can be Done?
Patients who had rhinoplasties when they were younger, and perhaps did not have a surgeon who used the advanced techniques Dr. Rahban offers, may be candidates for revisional rhinoplasty. Additionally, even patients who have their rhinoplasties done with excellent surgical technique may want revisional surgery as time goes on. A revisional surgery is a re-operation on the nose. During this procedure it is possible to create a stronger foundation for the nose, and repair issues that have presented themselves over the years. In some cases, a non-surgical or liquid nose job may provide the patient with the improved results they are looking for. Dr. Rahban offers both surgical and non-surgical procedures to patients with aging rhinoplasties. If you have questions about an aging rhinoplasty, or rhinoplasty results over time, please get in touch with us. We are happy to answer your questions or schedule a consultation with Dr. Rahban.
what not to do after rhinoplasty
Rhinoplasty, also known as a “nose job,” is one of the most well-known and popular forms of plastic surgery. Patients choose this procedure for a number of reasons, both aesthetic and medical. Some may have breathing issues they’re seeking to address, while others want a particular shape or silhouette for their nose.
There are several types of rhinoplasty procedures, with the two most commonly performed known as an “open” and a “closed” procedure, respectively. Both of these techniques involve surgical incisions, but other elements will vary depending on the patient’s individual needs and anatomy. The “open” procedure is slightly more invasive but gives the surgeon better access, allowing more involved corrections. The “closed” procedure uses a small incision inside the nose to prevent a visible scar and is typically used for patients who are looking for lower-touch corrections to their nose. In both types of procedures, it’s important to discuss your goals for a rhinoplasty with your surgeon and understand what the best approach for you will be.
Many patients considering this procedure are curious about what happens after nose job surgery. Recovery varies from patient to patient, but rhinoplasty candidates can expect to experience some swelling, discomfort, and even blood or discharge in the early days following their procedure. This is normal. Following surgery, a splint and bandaging is commonly used to support healing. Before long, you’ll be back to your everyday life with a better-than-new nose.
While healing, however, rhinoplasty patients should be mindful of activities that could lead to injury. There are a number of things to avoid after rhinoplasty; your plastic surgeon will outline all of this with you during your consultation as well as after your procedure. Read on for more information about things to avoid after rhinoplasty.
What Not to Do After Rhinoplasty
Eventually, you’ll be able to enjoy all the activities you love with your brand new nose. While you heal from your rhinoplasty, however, it’s best that you stay away from the following activities. Don’t:
Strenuous exercise is a huge no-no following many surgeries, including a rhinoplasty. To avoid complications, steer clear of activities like lifting and cardio. Most surgeons will give post-op patients the green light around three weeks after their surgery. However, certain sports, like basketball should be avoided for longer — you don’t want to get hit in the face!
Your new look may have you feeling super confident and attractive, but it’s best to wait until you heal before being intimate with your partner. You’re avoiding exercise, which includes sex. For the first three weeks after your procedure, please abstain.
A major rule of thumb with nose job recovery — don’t get it wet. That means no swimming for at least six weeks. It’s best to let your surgeon clear you before diving back into the pool. They’ll also give you tips on how to handle bathing immediately after your procedure.
In the days following your surgery, you’ll wear a splint and bandages on your nose. Taking a shower may sound nice, but can get your treatment site wet (which, again, is a no-no). Instead, we recommend taking baths to minimize moisture near your face, and your nose, specifically.
By all means, eat whatever you’d like during your day to day. That being said, right after surgery, low-fiber foods without much substance are not the best choice. These can cause constipation, which is a real pain and can place a strain on your treatment site.
We know it’s impossible to avoid laughing and smiling altogether, but in the early days of rhinoplasty recovery it really is best if you can keep a straight face: big facial expressions like laughter can potentially hinder your healing process. Continue with your daily life but maybe save your favorite comedy flick for once you’re healed.
Certain garments are not ideal for patients recovering from a rhinoplasty — pullover sweatshirts and turtlenecks can potentially irritate or snag your nose by accident. Instead, go for garments which button in the front, or can be pulled up from below instead of over.
This one will be tough to avoid, but it is recommended that rhinoplasty patients do not blow their nose following surgery, as it can be dangerous. Many patients will lay low in the week or so preceding their surgery and take precautions to avoid catching a cold or virus. Focus on staying healthy through frequent handwashing, carrying hand sanitizer, and wearing a mask, so you’re healthy going into and coming out of your procedure.
Basking in the sun is enjoyable, until it’s not — post-nose-job, too much sun exposure can result in discoloration of the skin. Wearing sunglasses or other glasses are also not recommended during a rhinoplasty recovery. All in all, it’s better to stick to the shade and preserve your skin, especially on your treatment site, post-procedure. Once you have recovered, we recommend you always slather on plenty of sunscreen. In fact, we recommend that even if you haven’t had a nose job — proper sun safety is always crucial.
Perhaps you indulge in a drink or smoking in your everyday life, but hold off leading up to and following your procedure. This is a critical period for healing and you want your body to be at 100% to do this important work. Stay hydrated and stick to water.
What About Non-Surgical Nose Jobs?
A non-surgical rhinoplasty is actually a type of filler. It is an outpatient procedure and takes only about 15 minutes. It gives great results that last about six months, making this the ideal option for patients unsure if they’re ready for a permanent change. A non-surgical nose job also offers far more flexibility in terms of what not to do after a non-surgical nose job. As the procedure is minimally invasive, patients can easily get back to their normal life after their procedure.
Rhinoplasty in Houston
For those in Houston hoping for a rhinoplasty, you are in great hands with the Look Younger team. Dr. Leo Lapuerta has been performing plastic surgery for over 20 years, and has over 20,000 procedures under his belt. He is triple board certified, and is respected across the greater Houston area for his professional and welcoming manner. If you would like to meet Dr. Lapuerta for a free consultation, get in touch with our team today by calling (713) 489-0169. We can’t wait to meet you and help you reach your goals.