When considering rhinoplasty, it’s common to be concerned about the longevity of your results. Noses change slightly over a lifetime irrespective of prior surgery or not. Although rhinoplasty produces long-term results especially when performed with cartilage grafting (structural rhinoplasty), minor changes are expected to occur although minimal after 3 months and almost absent once fully healed after 2-5 years depending on your skin thickness. To avoid requiring a revision surgery, it is important you seek out a rhinoplasty specialist as th best chance to get the results you want are during your initial surgery. Revision rhinoplasties are much more challenging and often require cartilage grafting from a secondary donor site. In order to make the best decision for your cosmetic goals, Dr. Thomas Walker will thoroughly discuss your rhinoplasty options and whether it’s the right procedure for you. Here is what to know about rhinoplasty and whether changes are possible in the future.
What is Rhinoplasty Surgery?
Rhinoplasty surgery is a facial cosmetic surgery that is done to change the shape of your nose. It can also be used to improve nasal breathing if done well but frankly can cause nasal obstruction if done poorly. Rhinoplasty is one of the most complex procedures performed by facial plastic surgeons because of its delicate nature in the center of the face.
What Can Cause the Nose to Change After Rhinoplasty?
There are some factors that may impact whether your nose changes over time after rhinoplasty. Here are a few of the most common ones.
1. Age
Cosmetic rhinoplasties are performed more often on younger individuals. This allows facial plastic surgeons to use the best techniques and technology available while still having a lot of flexibility within the facial structures. It is imperative to wait with surgery until after the growth spurt in puberty as otherwise, the nose can change further.
2. Cartilage Changes
The nose’s underlying structure is a combination of bone and cartilage. Although bone typically does not change over time, cartilage may change from the breathing forces exerted on the nose during inhalation. Over time, cartilage may move and change the shape of the nose with it. Along with this, changes in your skin’s thickness and elasticity as it ages may impact the look of your nose over time as well.
3. Unforeseen Changes
All surgeries have potential risks. Although a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty expert can minimize the risks and possible complications and thereby the need for a revision rhinoplasty, minor revisions are occasionally necessary no matter how good the surgeon. Certain factors such as healing cannot be fully influenced. You may experience an injury that brings about changes in the nose or develop breathing problems that require correction. Dr. Walker can help you explore all possibilities when it comes to future changes and help you make the most informed decision about your rhinoplasty.
Schedule a Consultation
Dr. Walker is Atlanta’s foremost rhinoplasty expert and a double board-certified facial plastic surgeon. To meet with our team and learn more about how rhinoplasty can fit your cosmetic or medical goals, contact our office by calling or filling out our online form.
