Is rhinoplasty permanent? How long do the results last

In the vast majority of cases, rhinoplasty results are long-lasting: the new shape of the nose stays for life. But the nose does not stand still. It keeps changing in the months after surgery and, later on, ages along with the rest of the face.

In this article we explain what changes in the first year, what can change the nose over the years and what helps the result last.

Yes, in the sense that the changes made to the structures of the nose, the bone and the cartilage, are permanent. The nose does not go back to the shape it had before surgery.

What does happen is that, like the rest of the face, the nose follows the natural ageing process. An operated nose keeps changing throughout life, but slowly and naturally, just as a nose that was never operated on would.

In the first weeks the nose is swollen and its final shape cannot be seen yet. The swelling goes down gradually over the months, and the tip is often the area where it takes longest.

That is why full recovery takes about a year, and judging the result before then is too early. See what to expect at each stage in rhinoplasty recovery week by week.

• Natural ageing. With age, the skin loses elasticity and the supporting tissues of the face become weaker, including in the nose. It is normal for the tip to drop slightly over the years.
• Injuries. A strong blow can change the bone and cartilage of any nose, operated or not.

• A plan tailored to your face. At the consultation, Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira carries out a facial study with the Crisalix simulation, to agree with you on a nose in harmony with the rest of your face. Find out more about Crisalix 3D simulation.
• The right technique for each nose. In first-time rhinoplasty the approach is preservation, which aims to keep the structures of the nose. In revisions, where the nose has already been operated on, the approach is structural. Read more about preservation rhinoplasty.
• Treating breathing in the same operation. When there is also a breathing problem, such as a deviated septum, it can be corrected in the same surgery, in a septorhinoplasty.
• Following the post-operative instructions. The team’s instructions and follow-up appointments look after the nose while the result takes shape.

Not every rhinoplasty turns out right the first time. About 40% of the operations performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira are revisions of rhinoplasties done elsewhere, and in these cases the approach is structural. Find out more about revision rhinoplasty.

Does the nose grow back after rhinoplasty?

It does not go back to its previous shape. The changes made to the bone and cartilage are permanent; what changes over time is the natural ageing of the tissues, as in the rest of the face.

When will I see the final result?

The nose keeps changing over the months and full recovery takes about a year. See what to expect at each stage in rhinoplasty recovery week by week.

Can a knock to the nose change the result?

A strong blow can change the shape of any nose, operated or not. If it happens, contact the clinic team.

Can a rhinoplasty done years ago be corrected?

Yes. About 40% of the operations performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira are revisions of rhinoplasties done elsewhere. Find out more about revision rhinoplasty.

And how long does the surgery itself take?

That is a different question: we explain the length of the operation in how long does rhinoplasty take.

At Clínica do Nariz e Face, rhinoplasty is performed by Prof. Dr. Miguel Gonçalves Ferreira, who has been operating since 2001 and has performed more than 9,000 rhinoplasties. Find out about rhinoplasty in Porto and rhinoplasty in Braga, or book your consultation.

Questions about booking? Message our team on WhatsApp or call +351 934 187 135.

This article is for general information and does not replace a medical consultation. How each nose evolves depends on an individual assessment.