Many patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery, commonly known as a nose job, have questions about when they can resume wearing glasses after rhinoplasty.
An essential consideration following rhinoplasty is knowing when it is safe and appropriate to wear glasses again without affecting the surgery results.
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty before wearing any type of glasses. This allows enough time for the nasal bones and tissues to heal properly. Wearing glasses too soon after rhinoplasty can shift or alter the results of the surgery if the glasses sit directly on the nose.
But once the nose is fully healed, typically by 5-6 months post-op, patients can feel comfortable wearing their glasses again without worry. Patients eager to wear glasses after rhinoplasty should discuss the optimal timing with their surgeon and follow their recommendations for when to resume wearing glasses after surgery.
Why can’t you wear glasses after rhinoplasty?
There are a few key reasons why it is recommended not to wear glasses immediately after rhinoplasty surgery:
- Pressure on the nose – Wearing glasses puts pressure on the nose where the glasses rest. This can shift or displace the nasal bones or tissues if they have not fully healed.
- Irritation – Glasses rubbing on the nose can cause irritation, discomfort, or even pain if the nose is still sensitive or swollen after surgery.
- Disrupting healing – Any type of movement or disruption to the nose can impact the healing process. The nose needs time to stabilize and settle into the new shape without being disturbed.
- Altering surgical results – If glasses are worn too soon before the nose has finished healing, they can cause distortion or changes to the intended surgical results and nasal structure.
- Splint displacement – Sometimes, silicone splints are placed in the nose after surgery to support healing. Glasses arms can accidentally dislodge these if worn too soon.
So the nose needs about 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty to heal correctly before it can tolerate glasses resting on it without impacting the surgical outcome.
Most surgeons advise waiting at least 1 month before resuming wearing glasses. Some may even recommend waiting longer, up to 6 months, before wearing heavy frames. Consult your surgeon about when it is safe to wear glasses after your particular rhinoplasty procedure. Be sure to follow their guidelines closely.
Can I wear my glasses in the first week of nose surgery?
Usually, you will have a rigid splint on your nose for 7-10 days after Rhinoplasty. You can use your medical glasses or sunglasses if they are not heavy during this period.
Please keep checking the splint; if you think your glasses are making your splint and bandage loose, put aside your glasses.
What to do if wearing glasses is essential?
Here are some tips if you must wear glasses soon after rhinoplasty surgery:
- Consult your surgeon – Discuss your need for glasses and timeline. They may allow lightweight frames sooner.
- Use a strap – Wearing glasses with a strap takes the pressure off the nose. The strap goes around the head.
- Try contacts – Switching to contact lenses can allow your eyes to be corrected without glasses on the nose.
- Use nose pads – Having silicone or soft pads on the nose piece prevents direct contact with skin.
- Adjust arm width – Having an optician adjust the width of the glasses arms spreads pressure.
- Limit wear – Only wear the glasses when needed. Take breaks as often as possible.
- Tape bridge – Use surgical tape on the nose bridge under glasses to prevent friction.
- Try children’s glasses – They are lightweight and put less pressure on the nose.
The key is to minimize any irritation or movement of the nose bones while healing. Discuss options with your optometrist and surgeon to find the best solution during the post-op period.
What will happen if I resume wearing glasses too soon?
Rhinoplasty is a surgical procedure used to improve the appearance and function of the nose. Proper aftercare is crucial in achieving optimal results. Wearing glasses too soon after surgery can lead to complications such as holes, displacement, dents, and changes in cartilage position. It is essential to follow your surgeon’s post-operative care instructions.
Are contact lenses allowed immediately after rhinoplasty?
No, contact lenses are generally not recommended immediately after rhinoplasty surgery. Here are some guidelines on wearing contacts after a nose job:
- Wait 5-7 days after surgery before considering contacts. This allows any initial swelling and drainage to improve.
- Soft contacts are preferred over rigid gas permeable lenses for at least 2 weeks post-op as they are more gentle on the nose.
- Make sure hands are washed thoroughly before handling contacts to prevent infection.
- Use preservative-free saline solution to wet contacts to avoid irritation.
- Lubricating drops can be applied first to the eyes and nose for added comfort when inserting contacts.
- Avoid wearing contacts for more than 4-6 hours daily in the first few weeks. Give your eyes and nose a break.
- Contacts may need to be tightened or adjusted to not rest heavily on the nose.
- If contacts cause significant pain or discomfort, discontinue use and stick to glasses until the nose has healed.
After rhinoplasty, the nose is still very delicate, so contacts should be used carefully and minimally at first. Always follow your surgeon’s specific post-op instructions regarding wearing contact lenses. Let them know if you have any issues.
Can I do Lasik eye surgery along with Rhinoplasty?
It is generally not recommended to undergo LASIK eye surgery and rhinoplasty nose surgery simultaneously or closely together.
The safest approach is to space these two procedures out by several months to allow proper healing after each one. If considering LASIK first, it is advisable to wait at minimum 2 months before having rhinoplasty. This timeline gives the eyes adequate time to heal from LASIK before introducing nasal swelling or pressure from glasses that could interfere. If planning rhinoplasty first, wait 6 months after undergoing LASIK.
This allows the nose to stabilize and heal from the effects of surgery fully so that vision will be accurate and stable by the time of LASIK. It is crucial to discuss timing with your ophthalmologist and plastic surgeon to coordinate the procedures. Expect to wear glasses during recovery periods and avoid contacts temporarily when the eyes and nose are most vulnerable.
Properly spacing the surgeries apart will provide the best outcomes for vision correction from LASIK and aesthetic nasal changes from rhinoplasty. Be sure to follow your doctor’s recommended timeline between procedures.
Get a rhinoplasty in Iran or Turkey?
On the other hand, if you get them done one by one, you will have a more comfortable and easier recovery time.
Generally, it is recommended to do the first LASIK eye surgery after 1-2 months of rhinoplasty.
What other items are forbidden after rhinoplasty?
- Don’t wear a heavy or tight mask after nose surgery
- Stop heavy exercise for 3 months after rhinoplasty
- Stop swimming for 6 months for nose surgery
- Do not expose to direct sunlight
- Stop having salty and spicy meals for a month
- Stop blowing your nose
- Take your medication and especially antibiotics, on time
FAQ
How long after rhinoplasty can I wear glasses?
It is recommended to wait at least 4-6 weeks after rhinoplasty before wearing glasses. This allows enough time for the nasal bones to heal properly.
Can I wear glasses after nose surgery?
Yes, you can wear glasses after rhinoplasty once your surgeon says it is okay, usually after 4-6 weeks. The glasses should not rest directly on the nose though.
Can I wear the glasses a month after rhinoplasty?
Most surgeons recommend waiting at least 4-6 full weeks before wearing any type of glasses after rhinoplasty. After 1 month, the nose is likely not fully healed yet.
Can I wear glasses 5 months after rhinoplasty?
Yes, by 5 months after a nose job you should be able to resume wearing glasses comfortably without affecting the results of the surgery. The nose is healed enough by this time.
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