How Long Does Rhinoplasty Last and Is It Permanent?

This naturally leads many to wonder whether these confidence-boosting results are permanent. While the results of this surgery are long-lasting, it’s worth bearing in mind that they can vary based on personal factors, expectations and the surgeon’s technique. If you’re considering this surgery and want to know how long the results of your rhinoplasty will last, this article takes you through some of the things to remember when it comes to how permanent this procedure is.

Is rhinoplasty permanent or does it fade over time?

During a surgical rhinoplasty, your surgeon makes permanent changes to the underlying structure of your nose – the bone and cartilage. This means that for most patients, the improvements last a lifetime. 

However, it’s important to remember that just like all other parts of your face and body, your nose isn’t immune from the effects of growing older. Whether it’s your skin losing its elasticity or your facial tissues thinning, the body’s natural ageing process can lead to subtle evolutions in the appearance of your nose over time.

Image source Freepik

Surgical versus non-surgical rhinoplasty: how long does each last?

Surgical rhinoplasty isn’t the only option available when you want to improve the appearance of your nose. If you’re looking at non-surgical (liquid) rhinoplasty options, you might find this side-by-side comparison helpful when comparing the longevity of each.

What factors influence how long rhinoplasty results last?

As with every type of surgery, the outcome of a rhinoplasty procedure depends on a number of factors, meaning no two people will experience it quite the same even when they’re with the same surgeon. There are several things that could affect how well and how long your results last:

• Skin thickness: if you have thick skin on your nose, this can mask more delicate refinements made during surgery, while thinner skin can mean that any irregularities are more visible.
• Age and healing capacity: not everyone heals at the same pace; younger patients typically recover faster, while older ones are also subject to the effects of ageing sooner.
• Post-operative care: it’s important to follow your surgeon’s advice during the healing process to support better and longer-term results.
• Facial trauma: it goes without saying that any injuries or accidents you may suffer after your surgery can affect the results.
• Technique used: skilled surgeons like Dr. Cuno are able to employ precision techniques and structural grafting that can help the results of your surgery stand the test of time.

Do rhinoplasty revisions reduce longevity?

There may be times when you need (or want) a revision rhinoplasty to address any outstanding concerns, such as residual bumps, asymmetry or breathing issues. 

However, while successful revisions can produce long-lasting results, it’s worth bearing in mind that revision rhinoplasty surgery is usually more complex and comes with slightly higher risks. This is due to the presence of existing scar tissue and the fact that the underlying structure is already weakened, and you may need a cartilage graft. These factors can affect both the recovery process and the longevity of the results.

Can liquid rhinoplasty be reversed or topped up?

If you’re considering non-surgical options, perhaps because you’re cautious about committing to a procedure with permanent results, a liquid rhinoplasty reshapes your nose using dermal fillers. Because these are gradually absorbed into your body, the effects of this procedure will only last around six to 18 months, and you’ll need top-up injections to maintain the results.

This also means that unlike surgical rhinoplasty, a liquid rhinoplasty is reversible. A substance called hyaluronidase can quickly dissolve hyaluronic acid-based fillers, so if you’re not happy with the results they can be easily undone.

Image source Freepik

What to expect after rhinoplasty over the years

Your nose will evolve in the weeks and months after your rhinoplasty surgery. Here’s what you can expect:

• First few weeks: you should notice the swelling and bruising gradually decrease in the initial few weeks. You may need to wear a splint to protect your nose at first.
• First 3 to 6 months: while subtle swelling may continue at the tip of your nose, the refinement will continue as the swelling subsides.
• 1 year to 18 months: you’ll usually see your final results after around a year to 18 months, by which time your nose should be fully healed.
• Over the years: your nose will age along with the rest of the face, with skin changes and other ageing effects subtly altering the contours of your face while the underlying structural improvements endure.

Read more in our article on recovering from rhinoplasty.

Tips to make your rhinoplasty results last longer

You can give your rhinoplasty surgery the best chance of long-term success by following a few practical tips in the aftermath of your procedure:

• Follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions carefully, particularly in the first year.
• Protect your nose from trauma, especially during sports or other activities where injury is more likely.
• Always wear sunscreen to protect your skin and minimise the effects of ageing.
• Maintain a healthy lifestyle – good nutrition, stay hydrated and don’t smoke.
• Make sure you go to follow-up appointments with your surgeon, who’ll make sure your healing is progressing as it should be and address any concerns.

Summary: is rhinoplasty a permanent solution?

For most people, surgical rhinoplasty brings permanent improvements to the shape and structure of the nose, with surgical improvements lasting a lifetime. That said, no part of the body is immune from the effects of ageing, and it’s also subject to the influence of factors such as the surgeon’s technique and your own individual physiology. Non-surgical rhinoplasty, on the other hand, can only bring temporary results that last months rather than years.

Ready to take the next step?

Your path to natural, balanced results begins with a personalised assessment, during which you’ll be able to discuss your goals with Dr. Cuno here at his clinic in Geneva. His precision-driven, patient-centered approach and finely tuned technique will ensure that your procedure brings the best possible results, for life. Contact us today to schedule your consultation.

Images source: Freepik