How Long Will Your Rhinoplasty Last?

Rhinoplasty is often a life-changing procedure, but many prospective patients wonder whether the results are lifelong. Understanding the factors that influence your results’ longevity can help you set realistic expectations and ensure long-term satisfaction. How long will your rhinoplasty last? Keep reading to find out!

Are Rhinoplasty Results Permanent? Yes… But Be Careful!

The intention behind rhinoplasty is to change the structure and appearance of your nose permanently. Once the nasal bones and cartilage have been reshaped, these alterations are typically permanent.

Of course, there may be some exceptions, including future trauma to the nose, age-related factors, or suboptimal surgical techniques. However, the changes made during a skillfully performed rhinoplasty are designed to look attractive forever.

If you’re hesitant about taking the plunge with surgery, liquid rhinoplasty may help you “test-drive” your results. This nonsurgical procedure offers temporary cosmetic enhancements for patients who don’t want or aren’t yet ready for surgery. While it can be a great starting point, it may not be right for all patients.

If you are considering a liquid rhinoplasty or a surgical rhinoplasty, we encourage you to reach out to our team at Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery. We would love to educate you on the risks and benefits of both approaches. It is critical that you understand that Dr. Hobgood will not evaluate you for a surgical rhinoplasty if you have had threads placed or injections in your nose in the last 12 months.

Factors Influencing Rhinoplasty Longevity

• Your Surgeon’s Skill: Your surgeon’s expertise, their surgical approach, and their experience performing rhinoplasty are the most critical factors in achieving stable, lasting outcomes. Choosing a board-certified facial plastic surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty goes a long way toward ensuring high-quality results.
• Aging Process: While rhinoplasty results permanently alter the nose, the natural aging process will continue to affect the skin and soft tissues of your face. This can subtly alter the appearance of your nose over time.
• Postoperative Care: How you handle your rhinoplasty recovery will affect your final results. Dutifully following your facial plastic surgeon’s aftercare instructions and not rushing the recovery process gives your nose time to heal optimally.

Long-Term Care Tips

• Protect Your Nose: Avoid activities such as team sports that could cause injury to your nose, especially in the first year after surgery.
• Healthy Skin Care: Use sunscreen to protect your skin from sun damage, which can affect the appearance of the nose.
• Regular Follow-Ups: Attend follow-up appointments with your facial plastic surgeon to monitor your progress and address any concerns.

What If I’m Unhappy With My Rhinoplasty Results?

In some cases, patients may require revision rhinoplasty to refine or correct their initial results. While patients are counseled to expect beautiful, natural, and long-lasting results, perfection is not a realistic expectation. In some cases, expert surgeons may recommend revisions for you if the benefits appear to outweigh the risks. 

However, Dr. Hobgood reminds all patients that minor irregularities are common and even expected to some extent, even after expert rhinoplasty procedures. While minor imperfections are not generally operated in revision cases, sometimes options exist for improvement. A revision rhinoplasty expert can help you achieve the beautiful results you’ve wanted.

Keep in mind that clinical research has proven that it takes at least 2 to 5 years for the nose to heal fully and settle after surgery. Give your initial results time to develop before rushing to have another procedure. Due to the added complexities that revision surgery brings, it is especially important to choose the best rhinoplasty surgeon for your needs.

Take the Next Step

In the right hands, your rhinoplasty results are flattering, proportionate, and able to withstand the test of time. If you would like to explore your nose refinement options with a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon, please request a consultation or call Hobgood Facial Plastic Surgery at (480) 214-9955 to get started.