What Can Happen If I Wear Glasses Too Soon After Rhinoplasty?

Whether glasses are your favorite fashion accessory, or you simply can’t see without them, not being able to wear glasses after nose surgery may seem impossible. Though it may not be ideal, this is an important step to take for ensuring proper healing and a gorgeous result. To better understand why you’ll need to stop wearing glasses after rhinoplasty, and for how long, review this helpful information from board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi and the acclaimed team at VIP Plastic Surgery in Las Vegas, NV.

How does rhinoplasty work?

Because there are a number of different types of rhinoplasty surgery as well as various rhinoplasty techniques available, the details of your nose surgery will be unique to you. Some of the most common kinds of nasal surgery include:

• Traditional rhinoplasty (cosmetic or functional)
• Ethnic rhinoplasty
• Revision rhinoplasty
• Septoplasty
• Turbinectomy

Depending on the nature and severity of your concerns, your nasal anatomy, and other factors, Dr. Khorsandi may recommend either an open or closed approach for your procedure. During open rhinoplasty, incisions are made within the nose as well as externally. Closed rhinoplasty, on the other hand, involves internal incisions and sutures only. In either case, rhinoplasty scars are virtually invisible.

What to expect during rhinoplasty recovery

In general, patients can expect to experience bruising, swelling, and mild discomfort after nose surgery. These symptoms can extend to the cheeks and under the eyes as well as on the nose itself. The majority of patients are able to return to light desk work about one week after rhinoplasty, though some do not feel comfortable attending social functions and other engagements until most of their visible signs have resolved, which usually takes about 2 – 3 weeks. Some of the most important rhinoplasty recovery instructions include:

• Avoid any direct pressure on your nose
• Sleep on your back with your head slightly elevated
• Do not blow your nose
• Do not bend over
• Do not submerge your nose
• Do not pull clothing directly over your nose
• Do not wear glasses or sunglasses

Because the bones, cartilage, and other nasal structures are particularly delicate after rhinoplasty surgery, any external or internal pressure can significantly compromise your results and lead to the need for a second or subsequent revision procedure.

Why can't you wear glasses after rhinoplasty?

The pressure that glasses put on the bridge of your nose may not seem like a lot, but it can make a significant impact on tissues that are still delicate and healing after rhinoplasty. Wearing glasses too soon after rhinoplasty can cause a permanent indentation in your nose, damage nasal structures, compromise the cosmetic and functional results of your surgery, and ultimately require another procedure to make corrections.

How long do I have to stop wearing glasses after a nose job?

For patients who have a postsurgical splint, it may be safe to begin wearing glasses almost immediately after rhinoplasty. However, once the splint or bandages are removed, it is critical that you stop wearing glasses, sunglasses, or anything else on the nose until cleared by Dr. Khorsandi. Depending on the type of nose surgery you had performed, your healing progress, and other factors, you may need to refrain from wearing glasses for up to 6 – 8 weeks after surgery, though some patients can resume wearing glasses sooner.

For patients who truly can’t see, drive, read, or otherwise function without their glasses, there are many wonderful products available that allow you to continue modified glasses-wearing after nose surgery. During your preoperative and follow-up appointments, Dr. Khorsandi will discuss all of your available options, including eyeglass supports, contact lenses, and others.

Seeing is believing, and your Las Vegas rhinoplasty results will be worth the wait!

Protect your investment and safeguard your results by adhering to all of your rhinoplasty aftercare guidelines, including not wearing glasses and sunglasses until cleared by your surgeon. If you’re excited to learn more about the stunning facial transformations and functional improvements that are possible with rhinoplasty in Las Vegas, NV, call VIP Plastic Surgery to schedule your in-office consultation or virtual appointment with internationally recognized board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Christopher Khorsandi today!