Essential things to know before rhinoplasty │ Full guide to materials, structure, and recovery time

 Essential things to know before rhinoplasty │ 

Full guide to materials, structure, and recovery time

These days there are so many questions on YouTube and online communities like, I am really torn about getting rhinoplasty, what on earth should I look into first. When you search septal cartilage, ear cartilage, rib cartilage, silicone, nasal bone osteotomy, contracture, inflammation, recovery time and so on, the more you search the more the information overflows, and many people actually end up more confused.

So today I want to organize the ten most frequently asked questions from people considering rhinoplasty in an easy-to-understand way. Whatever clinic you choose and whichever consultation you receive, having this basic knowledge beforehand will make everything much smoother.

 Q1. Can the nasal tip be naturally raised using only septal cartilage

In general, septal cartilage or ear cartilage is commonly used for nasal tip surgery.

However, depending on the individual nasal structure, the available cartilage may be insufficient, and in cases where the nose is significantly upturned like a short nose, or the nose is very large and droopy, stronger supporting materials such as autologous rib cartilage or donated rib cartilage may be required.

In other words, the choice of material can vary according to the amount of cartilage, nose shape, and skin condition.

Q2. For short nose correction, is ear cartilage or septal cartilage alone enough, or do you always need rib cartilage

It is not necessarily the case. 

✔ A nose that only looks short (pseudo short nose)

When the glabella is low so the overall length only appears short

→ In many such cases, improvement is possible using septal cartilage alone

✔ A truly short nose

When cartilage is lacking, the nose is upturned, and the skin is firm and tight

→ Autologous rib cartilage or donated rib cartilage may be needed for sufficient structural support

In conclusion, the treatment strategy is completely different depending on why the nose appears short.

 Q3. For a crooked nose, is it always necessary to shave the nasal bone

Yes, the bone needs to be addressed. Even if the deviation looks mild, over time there is a tendency for the nose to shift back toward the original direction, so the process of refining the nasal bone line is often done together. 

Of course, no nose can be perfectly symmetrical, so the key is to adjust it while taking into account each person’s degree of deviation.

 Q4. Is it possible to operate only on the nasal tip without making it obvious

Absolutely. If only the nasal tip is slightly bulbous while the bridge, overall line, and balance are already good, subtle tip refinement without full open incisions can bring about a very natural change.

In other words, when the overall nose shape is already good, it is possible to make a finishing-touch level refinement similar to adding the final dot to a painting.

 Q5. After surgery, does the nose become hard or move unnaturally

At first it is naturally firm. Right after surgery it is completely normal for the nose to feel hard. As time passes the tissues stabilize, so after about six months it gradually starts to feel softer. There is usually no significant discomfort when making facial expressions, and in everyday life it is rarely noticeable. 

However, if the surgery involved firmly reinforcing the columella, you may feel that tip movement is slightly reduced compared to before. This is a natural change that comes from strengthening the structural support.

 Q6. In revision surgery, do you always need to remove the existing implant

It depends on the situation.  In most cases, the implant is reshaped or replaced to match the new design and secure structural stability.

✔ When the bridge and support structure are not problematic

✔ When only partial correction of the nasal tip is required

→ The existing implant can sometimes be left in place.

What matters most is an accurate evaluation of the current condition.

Q7. After rhinoplasty, when can I return to daily life such as school or work

Many clinics advise that after about three days, you can resume daily activities while wearing a mask. However, since a nasal splint is often applied on top of the nose, it is recommended to avoid strenuous activities for about a week if possible.

If you have severe rhinitis, it is better to avoid blowing your nose and similar actions. After nose surgery, cartilage and bone need about six weeks to stabilize. During this period, strong pressure or impact should be avoided. After six weeks, normal nose blowing is generally fine.

 Q8. After nose surgery, when can I start wearing glasses or masks

It is usually explained as around one month. If an implant is used, its position is not fully stabilized in the early phase, so when something with weight such as glasses rests on the bridge, there is a possibility that the shape may shift. If it hardens in that shifted state, it can be difficult to correct later, so many clinics recommend avoiding glasses for about a month.

For masks as well, if the upper part presses strongly on the nose, you should be careful in the early period. The exact timing for safe use can differ by individual, so deciding after a consultation is the safest approach.

 Q9. What should I do if inflammation or capsular contracture occurs

The probability of inflammation is low in itself, usually under 1 percent, but if it does occur there are fairly clear signs such as redness of the nose. Most cases improve with antibiotic treatment, so if you notice any abnormal signs, contacting your clinic promptly is the safest choice.

 Q10. Can the nose droop or deform over time, and if so, when is revision surgery possible

The risk is very low, but slight changes over time can be considered part of the natural aging process. However, if the implant position shifts or the structure collapses due to trauma, revision can be performed after about six months, when the tissues have softened again.

Rhinoplasty involves many factors to consider, from material selection to structure and recovery period. That is why rather than just collecting random information, it is more important to get a consultation based on the actual condition of your own nose and receive an accurate diagnosis. 

If you have any questions, feel free to ask in the comments or send a message. I will continue to organize and share helpful information in the future.