What Happens to Nose Jobs as You Age?

Rhinoplasty is the removal and reshaping of cartilage and bone in the nose.

While bone is not likely to shift much in later life, cartilage will continue growing, and this may cause failure, affecting how the nose grows and its integrity - or its ability to maintain its shape.

The purpose of the cartilage and bone in the nose is to support its structure, so the removal of this can cause this failure, and past patients may seek further surgery to correct this.

People often worry about the long-term effects of cosmetic surgery - in many cases, it is a short-term solution to beauty standards.

With rhinoplasty being the most common cosmetic surgery, many adults of all ages have lived with their nose job and seen it age. It is not an uncommon worry, but it is not one you should let eat away at you. 

In the following guide, we will assess what happens to the nose over the years following a rhinoplasty, what factors can affect it and how you can best look after your nose.

Following a rhinoplasty

Due to ageing and weight changes, your body will naturally grow and adapt, which may affect the nose too. You may see more cartilage and skin growth changing the shape and structure of your nose.

Of course, after having reductive surgery, it will not grow in as natural a way as it might have without the surgery, but this is not necessarily something to be concerned about.

Most cosmetic surgery experts will assess whether someone has reached the final stages of their nose growth, which occurs at different ages for everyone.

If they have not, the surgeon might suggest waiting a few years before seeking the surgery. If you had a rhinoplasty when your surgeon told you your nose had stopped most of its growth, you may not see as much change to your nose over time or have to worry about it failing.

Cartilage changes are generally minimal and will only be noticed after many years have passed.

Factors affecting your nose

As your face and body weather the elements and day-to-day life, they may change accordingly. Too much sun can cause the skin to wrinkle and occasional knocks could create gradual misalignment.

It is important to be considerate of these things before and after getting a nose job, as it will help to try and avoid factors that might cause change.

Depending on how the surgery was carried out - as everyone’s face is different - your nose might heal in a different way. This could result in more or less change over time as scar tissue forms and cartilage regrows.

This can also be strongly affected by your own unique genetics, as some people will naturally have more growth and healing than others.

Damage caused by physical means will create the most significant changes. Because your nose will already have weaker structural integrity, bumps and knocks could cause more severe damage than you might have suffered without rhinoplasty.

For this reason you should be very careful and mindful of damaging your nose by bumping into things.

Avoid intense physical activity where you might sustain this sort of damage, such as sports involving fast or heavy moving objects, or martial arts.

If you want to take part in these, you should acquire protective face and head gear.

Look after your face

The best ways to look after your face and nose in order to reduce the likelihood of significant changes or nose failure include using gentle moisturising creams to reduce wrinkling or decaying of the skin, sun cream and shade during sunny days, and cleaning carefully. 

During the healing process, ensure that you do not submerge your nose in water. Instead, clean with saline solution. 

If you feel as though something has gone wrong with your nose at any point after your surgery, and that it might be the cause of it, you should contact a medical professional right away.

Talk to us

Unfortunately, cosmetic surgery sometimes goes wrong. This can be due to a number of factors, with the most tragic being medical negligence - lack of care taken by a cosmetic surgeon which has led to injury and trauma.

If you feel as though you have suffered from such negligence, you could be due compensation which can help you to secure the corrective surgery and any other help you may require.

To seek compensation for your cosmetic surgery injury, or to find out whether you may be eligible for it, contact the medical negligence experts at Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors today.

We can assess your situation and help you to understand whether you are eligible for compensation, how much you may be entitled to and how you can go about getting it.

Making a claim can be complex, time consuming and expensive, so get in touch with us as soon as possible for the best chances of success.

Call 0808 231 9761 or fill in an online contact form now, and we will get back to you at a time convenient for you.

Is it Ok to Sneeze After Rhinoplasty?

Rhinoplasty surgery is a cosmetic procedure that alters the structure and appearance of the nose. During the healing process, the nasal tissues are extremely delicate and nose surgery patients should avoid doing anything that could risk damage while they are healing. Some patients may wonder whether sneezing episodes could affect their surgical outcome and may want to understand how to mitigate these risks.

This blog will outline what the risks of sneezing are on rhinoplasty results, what the signs of damage are and the actions patients can take to ensure a smooth healing process after nose reshaping surgery.

Is it ok to sneeze after rhinoplasty?

Sneezing after a nose job can put strain on the delicate nasal tissues as they heal. While it is not possible to completely avoid sneezing, taking precautions can help prevent complications. Forceful sneezing can lead to swelling, bleeding, or even changes in the results of the surgery. To minimise the impact, patients are advised to sneeze with their mouths open, which helps to reduce pressure on the nasal structures during sneezing.

During the initial weeks of recovery, the nose is particularly vulnerable. The internal structures are still settling, and any excessive force could disrupt healing. If sneezing becomes frequent due to allergies or irritants, consult a medical professional for advice on managing symptoms safely.

What advice should I follow when recovering from rhinoplasty?

Proper aftercare is essential for a successful rhinoplasty recovery. Patients should follow their surgeon’s guidance, which typically includes:

• Avoiding strenuous activities: heavy lifting, exercise and bending over can increase blood pressure and swelling.
• Keeping the head elevated: sleeping with the head propped up on pillows can help reduce swelling and improve circulation.
• Avoiding nose blowing: forceful nose blowing can disrupt healing and lead to complications such as bleeding.
• Staying hydrated and maintaining a balanced diet: proper nutrition supports tissue repair.
• Following medication instructions: any prescribed pain relief or antibiotics should be taken as directed to aid healing and prevent infection.
• Avoid wearing glasses: given that glasses rest on the bridge of the nose, this can place pressure on the healing nasal structures that could affect the final surgical outcome. Surgeons may recommend that patients avoid glasses for a minimum of four to six weeks following surgery, opting for contact lenses where possible.

How do I know if I damaged my rhinoplasty because of sneezing?

If the nose experiences excessive force - whether from a sneeze or accidental impact - patients may be concerned about whether their rhinoplasty results have been affected. Signs of potential damage include:

• Sudden or increased swelling: some swelling is normal after surgery, but unexpected or prolonged swelling may indicate an issue.
• Persistent nasal pain: if discomfort worsens rather than improves, it could suggest internal irritation or damage to the nasal passages.
• Changes in nasal shape: any visible changes in symmetry or structure may be a sign that the healing process has been disrupted.
• Nasal bleeding: while minor spotting can occur, persistent or heavy bleeding should be evaluated by a medical professional.

If any of these signs appear, consult your surgeon promptly to assess whether additional care or adjustments are needed.

Recognising the signs of surgical complications

While sneezing can put strain on the healing nose and potentially affect rhinoplasty results, all cosmetic surgery carries some level of risk that could occur regardless if the patient sneezes or not. Rhinoplasty is no exception, and while complications are uncommon, they can sometimes occur even when patients carefully follow post-operative care instructions.

Patients should be aware of the warning signs that could indicate a complication, including:

• Persistent or worsening pain: discomfort that does not improve or suddenly worsens could indicate an issue with healing.
• Excessive swelling that does not subside: while some swelling is expected, prolonged or severe swelling beyond what was discussed could be a sign of fluid retention or another complication.
• Prolonged or heavy bleeding: minor spotting is normal in the early stages, but ongoing or excessive bleeding should be assessed by a medical professional.
• Difficulty breathing: some nasal congestion is expected in the immediate aftermath of rhinoplasty, however, if nasal airflow becomes significantly obstructed or breathing issues continue beyond what was expected, it may indicate internal swelling or a structural issue.
• Signs of infection: redness, warmth, unusual discharge or fever could indicate an infection that requires medical attention.
• Visible changes in nasal shape: if the nose appears asymmetrical or changes unexpectedly, there may be a disruption in the healing process.

Understanding your surgeon's duty of care

Your surgeon has a legal and ethical duty of care to ensure that procedures like rhinoplasty are carried out safely and to a reasonable standard. This duty extends from the initial consultation through to post-operative care, your safety and wellbeing at every stage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Providing full and accurate information: surgeons must explain the risks, benefits, and expected outcomes of rhinoplasty, allowing patients to make an informed decision.
• Conducting thorough pre-surgical assessments: a surgeon must evaluate a patient’s medical history, overall health, and suitability for the procedure.
• Following best medical practices: during surgery, the surgeon must adhere to industry standards and regulatory guidelines to minimise risks and complications.
• Ensuring proper post-operative care: patients should receive clear aftercare instructions, access to follow-up appointments, and prompt support if complications arise.
• Acting in the patient’s best interests: surgeons should never pressure individuals into undergoing surgery and must ensure patients have realistic expectations about their results.

Finding help if your surgeon was negligent

Should you believe that your surgeon performed your rhinoplasty surgery negligently, experts in rhinoplasty surgery claims such as Cosmetic Surgery Solicitors will be able to help you make a claim for compensation. Our friendly, knowledgeable team can help you to understand your rights, compile evidence needed to build a case and secure compensation on your behalf.

Speak to our team today by calling 0808 231 6370 or using our online contact form.