A nose job, also known as rhinoplasty, is designed to alter the size, shape or function of the nose. Rhinoplasty surgery in the UK is commonly requested to make the size of the nose smaller or improve its appearance. Others may wish to combine aesthetic improvement with correcting functional disturbances affecting the nose, such as a deviated septum.
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A deviated septum may affect the ability to breathe through the nose. If you have been thinking about having a nose job, you may have several questions about the procedure and its potential benefits. Here at Centre for Surgery in London, we commonly get asked how long a nose job lasts.
Does a nose job last forever?
Many types of cosmetic surgery procedures can produce significant results that can last for many years but may not be permanent in nature as we experience the natural ageing process. Facial rejuvenation procedures such as a facelift, brow lift or eyelid surgery are designed to lift sagging facial tissues and skin to a higher level, making you look more youthful. However, these procedures do not stop the natural ageing process. Many patients may decide they wish to have further surgery after ten years to maintain the anti-ageing effects of surgery. People who choose to have liposuction to get rid of stubborn areas of fat may not achieve permanent results if they subsequently gain weight.
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A nose job procedure differs from these treatments as the surgery is designed to permanently alter the anatomy of the nose to produce results that can last a lifetime. For people who would like to have a smaller nose, removing cartilage and bone to make the nose smaller gives permanent results. Certain types of injury to the face can permanently alter the shape of the nose, such as from contact sports leading to a misshapen nose. As we age, the nose may develop minor changes in its shape. For example, the cartilage in the nose tip gradually widens and relaxes over time, which could make the tip appear more prominent and bulbous.
After surgery, rhinoplasty swelling can take several months to improve, and the nose’s appearance will significantly change throughout the different phases of recovery.
What factors affect how long a nose job lasts?
We all age at different rates and to different extents. It can be difficult to predict how the nose will appear 10 or 20 years later. Several factors could affect how long a nose job will last, including:
- The type of rhinoplasty method chosen – open or closed
- The expertise of the surgeon
- Hereditary factors
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking and excessive sunlight exposure
- Nose skin thickness
- Traumatic injuries to the face or surgery on the face
Certain things can be done to optimise the results of a nose job and make it last. Smoking should be avoided, as it can affect the nose’s structure and healing after rhinoplasty surgery. Excessive sun exposure can lead to accelerated skin ageing. The nose occupies a prominent position on the face and can receive extensive sunlight exposure, leading to premature ageing. You should avoid being out in the sun too much and wear a wide-brimmed hat with adequate sun protection.
Top tips for getting the best nose job results
Permanent surgical alterations to the nose can last forever although several lifestyle factors, as well as the natural ageing process, can lead to subtle changes in the appearance of the nose over time.
Reduce swelling
We would recommend applying cold packs over the nose to help minimise initial rhinoplasty swelling after surgery. This should be carried out regularly during the first few days of recovery. People who consistently apply cold packs during the first two weeks after surgery may achieve better long-term results.
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Avoid certain anti-inflammatory medications
Anti-inflammatory medications can aggravate swelling, and this can affect healing after a nose job. Your surgeon will prescribe appropriate pain relief medications, and you should avoid over-the-counter medications until you have spoken to your surgeon.
Get plenty of rest
A nose job is a significant undertaking and is an invasive medical procedure. You should take plenty of time out to rest and recover to allow proper healing. Try to avoid overdoing it during the first two weeks and avoid strenuous exercise for at least six weeks to prevent excessive swelling.
Keep mobile
Although you should avoid strenuous exercise, keeping mobile with light activity will actually help your nose to heal better. Promoting blood flow to the nose will help the tissues to heal faster and with better results.
Bathe, but don’t shower
You will have a nasal splint and paper strips to support the nose during the critical early healing phase. You should avoid getting these wet, and having a bath is recommended instead of showering until our nursing team has reviewed you for removal of the dressings. It is permissible to clean your face gently with a washcloth around the nose until it is safe to begin showering again.
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Eat healthy foods and keep well-hydrated
Consuming plenty of vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds, avocados, and lean protein will help your body to heal faster with good nutrition. Drinking plenty of water helps to flush inflammatory toxins out of the system, which optimises healing. Able to drink at least eight glasses of water each day to promote the best healing.
Avoid blowing your nose
You may have internal nasal splints inserted into your nose after surgery, and although they may feel uncomfortable, it is important to avoid disrupting them until they are removed. You should avoid blowing your nose. During the early part of recovery, blowing the nose can affect the healing process. If necessary, you may gently clean the nose with saline solution as instructed by your surgeon. A nose job can transform the appearance of the nose, with people experiencing a significant boost in self-confidence and emotional well-being. Results can last a lifetime as long as patients maintain a healthy lifestyle with good nutrition.
Nose job specialists at Centre for Surgery
If you have been considering a nose job in London, our surgeons can help you achieve the results you have always wanted. At your in-person consultation, the surgeon will go over the procedure in detail and will assess you to decide whether a nose job will fit your goals for treatment. Call us today on 020 7993 4849 or complete the contact form below to schedule a nose job consultation at our state-of-the-art Baker Street clinic in Marylebone.
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