Do rhinoplasty (nose job) results remain aesthetically pleasing for life, or does the effect deteriorate over time?

From the Guidelines

Nose jobs, or rhinoplasty, typically do not maintain the exact same appearance for life, as the results can change over time. The initial results of a well-performed rhinoplasty can last many years, but natural aging processes affect the nose just like other facial features. Over time, skin thins and loses elasticity, cartilage may weaken or shift slightly, and the natural process of aging can cause gradual changes to the nose's appearance. Additionally, the nose continues to grow throughout life, particularly the tip which may begin to droop with age. Factors that can accelerate changes include sun exposure, smoking, trauma to the nose, and individual healing characteristics. As noted in a study on rhinoplasty techniques 1, the use of autogenous cartilage grafts for repositioning, reinforcement, recontouring, and reconstruction of the nasal skeleton can increase the stability of the realigned cartilaginous nasal framework. However, even with these advanced techniques, the effects of aging and other factors can still impact the long-term results of the procedure. Some key points to consider when evaluating the long-term effects of rhinoplasty include:

• The importance of proper post-operative care to maximize results
• The need to protect the nose from sun damage and avoid smoking to minimize changes
• The potential for individual healing characteristics to impact the longevity of results
• The possibility of minor changes occurring over time due to natural aging processes. To maximize long-term results, patients should follow post-operative care instructions carefully, protect their nose from sun damage, avoid smoking, and maintain follow-up appointments with their surgeon. While minor changes are inevitable with aging, a properly performed rhinoplasty by a board-certified plastic surgeon should provide improvements that remain relatively stable for many years, even if not completely permanent.

From the Research

Long-Term Effects of Nose Jobs

The long-term effects of nose jobs, also known as rhinoplasty, can vary depending on several factors, including the type of procedure, the skill of the surgeon, and the individual's overall health.

• The effects of nose jobs can last for many years, but they may not always look good for life 2, 3.
• Revision rhinoplasty, which is a secondary surgery to correct or revise the initial results, is often necessary to maintain the desired appearance 2, 4.
• The need for revision rhinoplasty can be due to various reasons, including underresection or overresection of tissues, functional problems, or aesthetic concerns 5.

Factors Affecting the Long-Term Results

Several factors can affect the long-term results of nose jobs, including:

• The type of procedure used, such as liquid rhinoplasty or traditional surgical rhinoplasty 6.
• The skill and experience of the surgeon performing the procedure 2, 4.
• The individual's overall health and lifestyle habits, such as smoking or sun exposure 3.
• The use of grafting materials or other techniques to achieve the desired results 4, 5.

Risks and Complications

As with any surgical procedure, there are risks and complications associated with nose jobs, including:

• Tissue necrosis, filler embolus, and vascular compromise with liquid rhinoplasty 6.
• Infection, scarring, or asymmetry with traditional surgical rhinoplasty 2, 3.
• The need for revision surgery to correct or revise the initial results 2, 4, 5.