Rhinoplasty (also known as nose reshaping surgery) is one of the most common facial plastic surgery procedures. Many patients in Melbourne choose rhinoplasty to improve functional concerns, or reshape a prominent feature. While outcomes are often very positive, every surgical procedure carries risks. Patients who are well-informed are better prepared for recovery, have realistic expectations, and achieve greater satisfaction with their results.
Recovery-Related Concerns After Rhinoplasty:
Rhinoplasty Scarring, Swelling, and Bruising
Bruising usually fades within 7–10 days, while swelling gradually decreases over weeks to months. The nasal tip is often the last area to refine. Scars are generally concealed within intranasal or natural crease incisions and are typically inconspicuous. However, hypertrophic or keloid scarring can occur in predisposed patients.
Hyperpigmentation After Nose Surgery
Temporary darkening around the eyes can occur after rhinoplasty. This is usually related to postoperative bruising (ecchymosis) and/or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH); hemosiderin from bruising may also contribute. Individuals with darker skin tones or a history of hyperpigmentation are at higher risk. Strict photoprotection, including daily use of a broad-spectrum SPF 50+, wearing a wide-brimmed hat, limiting sun exposure, seeking shade, and following gentle aftercare, can significantly lower the risk of persistent discolouration.
Nasal Tip Fullness and Swelling After Rhinoplasty
The nasal tip is often the last area to refine after rhinoplasty because of its thicker soft tissues. Noticeable swelling may persist for several months, and subtle refinement can continue over the first year. In some patients, tip definition continues to improve for up to 12–18 months. This process is considered a normal part of healing rather than a complication.
Bumps and Lumps After Rhinoplasty
Small bumps may appear during healing due to post-operative swelling, scar tissue, or residual bone and cartilage. Early irregularities that can be felt are often related to swelling or scar tissue and usually improve as healing progresses. True bony or cartilaginous irregularities become clearer only after most swelling subsides. Many minor irregularities resolve with time, while persistent ones may be managed with conservative measures such as gentle massage or steroid injections. In rare cases, a revision procedure may be recommended.
Functional Concerns After Nose Reshaping:
Breathing Issues After Rhinoplasty
Some patients may experience nasal obstruction after surgery. Short-term blockage is often due to post-operative swelling, crusting, or mucosal changes. Later issues can arise from internal scarring (synechiae) or structural factors such as internal or external nasal valve compromise, over-narrowing of the nasal vault, or reduced septal support. These changes may influence airflow and breathing comfort. When functional corrections such as septoplasty, turbinate reduction, or valve repair are included, rhinoplasty can improve nasal airflow. However, snoring and obstructive sleep apnoea are multifactorial conditions.
Internal Scarring and Adhesions After Nose Surgery
Scar tissue inside the nose can occasionally form adhesions (synechiae) between opposing mucosal surfaces. These can obstruct airflow or subtly affect nasal shape. While uncommon, they are a recognised issue after intranasal surgery, with reported rates after septoplasty and rhinoplasty of around 5–7%. Most cases are managed with minor procedures such as endoscopic lysis/adhesiolysis, sometimes combined with temporary intranasal splints to reduce recurrence.
Infection and Bleeding Risks in Rhinoplasty
Although uncommon, bleeding and infection are recognised risks after rhinoplasty. Post-operative bleeding (epistaxis) usually occurs within the first 1-2 weeks and is often mild. Large series report infection rates below 1%. Most centres use antibiotic prophylaxis to reduce the risk of infection. Before surgery, it is important to disclose all medicines and supplements, especially blood-thinning agents, so your surgeon and anaesthetist can advise on safe management to reduce bleeding risk.
Long-Term Rhinoplasty Changes:
Why Rhinoplasty Results Vary Between Patients
Final rhinoplasty results take time. Swelling can persist for months, and it may take up to 12 months, or longer, for the nose shape to fully stabilise. Due to differences in anatomy and healing, outcomes vary from person to person. Challenges may include asymmetry, residual irregularities, recurrence of deviation, lack of definition, or not ideal size and shape. While revision surgery is sometimes possible, it carries additional risks and is approached cautiously.
How Long Do Rhinoplasty Results Last?
Rhinoplasty results are designed to be long-lasting, but the nose continues to age. Over time, skin elasticity decreases and soft tissue, cartilage, and bone remodel, which can subtly alter nasal appearance. Common age-related changes include nasal tip descent (tip ptosis) and minor shifts in projection or rotation, even after a well-performed rhinoplasty. These changes are part of natural ageing rather than a loss of surgical results.
Cartilage Resorption, Warping, and Displacement in Rhinoplasty
When cartilage grafts are used for support or reshaping, there is a small risk of resorption, bending (warping), or shifting. Meta-analyses of rib cartilage grafts report warping in around 3% of cases and resorption in about 1%, with overall complication rates remaining low. These changes can alter contour and may occasionally require conservative measures or revision surgery.
Rhinoplasty Recovery Timeline
Recovery times differ, but most patients can expect:
- 1-2 weeks before returning to light activities or work, and 6 weeks for contact sports.
- Bruising and swelling to gradually resolve over weeks.
- Subtle swelling, especially in the nasal tip, lasting several months.
- Final refinement of results taking 12 months or more.
Your surgeon will provide personalised recovery guidance based on your procedure.
Key Takeaways on Nose Reshaping Problems
Rhinoplasty can deliver significant improvements in both form and function, but understanding potential challenges is key to achieving safe and satisfying results. Choosing a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon in Melbourne, asking the right questions, and following personalised aftercare will help you achieve the best possible outcome.
Rhinoplasty
Dr Rodrigo Teixeira, MD, FRACS, is a Specialist Plastic Surgeon based in Melbourne, Australia, at Unveil Plastic Surgery in East Ivanhoe Village.
Dr Teixeira has extensive experience in both aesthetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, with a clinical focus on procedures such as facelift (meloplasty), blepharoplasty, and rhinoplasty. He is a Fellow of the Royal Australasian College of Surgeons (RACS), and a member of the Australian Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS) and the Australasian Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgeons (ASAPS). Internationally, he holds memberships in the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), the International Society of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ISAPS), and is part of the faculty of the Anatomy for Injectors Course (afi)Â and the Mendelson Advanced Facial Anatomy Course (MAFAC).
Please note that any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks, and outcomes vary between individuals. If you have concerns about your facial appearance or are considering surgery, please speak with your general practitioner, who can provide a referral to a qualified Specialist Plastic Surgeon. For further information, contact Unveil Plastic Surgery on (03) 9000 3800.
