Are Nose Jobs Permanent?

Posted on February 11, 2021 in Rhinoplasty

A rhinoplasty represents a significant personal decision. As the center of your face, changing the appearance of your nose can drastically change your overall appearance. A common question that plastic surgeons receive during rhinoplasty consultations is whether the results are permanent. Here are some things you should know about how long nose jobs last before you schedule a consultation. 

Does a Nose Job Last Forever?

Rhinoplasty results are typically permanent. A rhinoplasty changes the structure of your nose, which is a permanent change. Contrasted with other types of plastic surgery, such as a facelift, the natural aging process does not alter these results over time. The only circumstance in which your rhinoplasty results would be altered is if you sustain facial trauma after your rhinoplasty.

If you’re not ready to commit to a permanent change, a “liquid rhinoplasty” may be an option. This involves changing the shape of the nose with injectable fillers or neuromodulators like Botox. A liquid rhinoplasty is not a suitable option for those who wish to decrease the size of their nose. However, the results are temporary, lasting about 4-12 months depending on the product used. This makes it possible for some patients to see how they feel about rhinoplasty results before committing to a surgery.

When Will I See My Rhinoplasty Results?

Your final rhinoplasty results take time to emerge, as residual swelling can last for a significant amount of time following the surgery. Some changes will be visible within only a few weeks of the surgery, and a majority of swelling subsides by this time. Following Dr. Ransom’s instructions, including sleeping on your back with your head elevated, will help your results be noticeable earlier.

All residual swelling should dissipate within a year of your surgery, and your final results will be visible at this time. These results will be very similar to what you see just weeks after the procedure, and most people around you will not notice this long-term residual swelling at all. Some patients also note that residual swelling seems worse in the morning but subsides or improves in the afternoon through the first year after their rhinoplasty.

Why Do Some People Need a Second Rhinoplasty?

You may be familiar with the term “revision rhinoplasty.” This refers to a second rhinoplasty that some individuals must undergo for two reasons: either they are unsatisfied with the appearance of their nose after an initial rhinoplasty or they have functional issues as a result of a poorly done rhinoplasty. Most patients will not require a second rhinoplasty, as rhinoplasty results are more or less permanent. However, revision rhinoplasty is an option if you choose or require it.

It is not necessary to return to the same plastic surgeon for your revision rhinoplasty, and in fact this is often not advisable. A revision rhinoplasty is a more complex procedure than an initial rhinoplasty, and it is best left to a plastic surgeon who has extensive experience and advanced training. As a facial plastic surgery specialist with high-volume experience in rhinoplasties, Dr. Ransom is well-suited to the task.

Schedule a Consultation

To learn more about rhinoplasty and to see what your potential results could be, schedule a consultation with Dr. Ransom. Call Ransom MD in San Francisco at (415) 877-6573 or contact us online.

Dr. Ransom

Dr. Evan Ransom is an Ivy League-educated and Ivy League trained Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeon. He is a Double Board Certified Head and Neck Surgeon and Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery and fellowship-trained in facial plastic, reconstructive, and laser surgery. His practice is in the San Francisco Bay Area, serving patients from San Francisco, Oakland, Marin County, Palo Alto, Silicon Valley, Walnut Creek, the East Bay, and all over Northern California.