Does a Rhinoplasty Last Forever?
One of America’s top three performed plastic surgery procedures is a rhinoplasty or “nose job.” Because the nose is situated in the middle of the face, it draws significant attention to itself so that a displeasing nose can detract attention from an otherwise attractive look.
Surgeons can improve the nose’s outside and inside with a rhinoplasty. The procedure provides long-lasting results, but does it last forever? Generally speaking, rhinoplasty results last a lifetime.
Rhinoplasty Structurally Changes Your Nose
The most common rhinoplasty goals include the following:
- Reducing nose size
- Narrowing the nose
- Lifting a droopy tip of the nose
- Correcting crookedness, reducing the bridge
During a rhinoplasty, your surgeon changes your:
- Nasal passages
- Nostrils
- Bone
- Cartilage
Because these changes are made to the very structure of your nose, surgical effects generally last forever.
Rhinoplasty Should Be Saved for When Growth Spurts End
There are several reasons cosmetic surgeons ask you to wait until you have finished the growth spurt experienced during adolescence to pursue rhinoplasty. Surgeons want you to have the emotional maturity necessary for body modifications and for your nose and face to have completed growing. When structural changes are made after growth spurts have ended, the results will last longer and not require revision as the face and nose grow and change.
Rhinoplasty Results Should Last Your Lifetime
Many plastic surgeries have long-lasting but temporary results, such as a facelift, which cannot stop the aging process forever. Of course, your nose can alter in shape if you sustain facial trauma, such as from a car accident. Additionally, lifestyle factors such as natural aging and pregnancy may cause subtle changes.
A rhinoplasty does permanently restructure your nose, and the results typically last forever. When a nose job is performed correctly by a skilled surgeon such as Dr. Heil, you generally will not need follow-up procedures.
As time goes by, some people might undergo a further rhinoplasty to change their look again. You may also pursue revision rhinoplasty if your initial surgery did not address your issues and you later decide you want everything fixed.
Permanent Results Appear After One Year
Of course, you want to see your permanent results immediately, but patience is the key to rhinoplasty procedures.
Rhinoplasty is unique among plastic surgeries in that it takes a considerable amount of time for the lingering swelling to subside and for the final results to be visible. You’ll see improvements when most post-op swelling declines in just a few weeks. Some swelling continues for up to one year after rhinoplasty, at which point you may notice that it comes and goes. This lingering swelling is the culprit behind not seeing your final results for up to one year.
Life-Long Rhinoplasty with Dr. Heil
Dr. Heil is among the best options in Pittsburgh for those seeking facial rejuvenation through a rhinoplasty. Before founding Premier Plastic Surgery in 2001, Dr. Heil completed a five-year integrated residency in General Surgery and Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, followed by a fellowship in Micro Surgery. He then earned his board certification in Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and has since been helping his patients get safe, optimal outcomes, including rhinoplasty that lasts forever.
While Dr. Heil’s surgical expertise is the priority, Premier Plastic Surgery also ensures the entire patient journey is comfortable and smooth. Your experience is overseen by a caring staff in an environment dedicated to you. At Premier, we understand your commitment to cosmetic wellness, and we are there every step of the way.
