The Impact of glasses on Rhinoplasty Recovery

After undergoing rhinoplasty, many patients are concerned about whether they can wear glasses, including sunglasses and regular eyeglasses, during the recovery period. 

Why should you avoid wearing glasses directly on your nose skin immediately after rhinoplasty?

Wearing glasses shortly after a rhinoplasty procedure can adversely affect both the aesthetic and functional outcomes, especially when the surgery targets the improvement of the nasal bridge. Here's why:

1-Potential Cosmetic and Functional Compromise:
Wearing glasses too soon post-surgery may result in minor shifts and depressions in the cartilage, thereby jeopardizing the procedure's intended outcome. Even in the absence of immediate discomfort, the continuous rest of glasses on the nose could cause enduring dents and damage to the nasal structures. These could negatively impact both the aesthetic appeal and the functionality of your newly reshaped nose, increasing the chances of deformities. As the nose remains delicate during this period, the weight of the glasses could depress the healing nasal bones, potentially distorting the nose's shape.

2-Pressure and Discomfort:
Post-rhinoplasty, the nose experiences significant swelling and inflammation. The weight and pressure of glasses can lead to discomfort and unnecessary strain on the healing tissues, cartilage, and bones.

The Timeline for Resuming Eyeglass Use

The appropriate timeframe to start wearing glasses again after a rhinoplasty procedure can vary. It depends on the individual patient, the extent of the surgery, and the post-operative condition of the nose, i.e., whether you have a splint and bandages, nose tape, or nothing on your nose. Here are some general guidelines:

1-Immediately After Surgery (up to 1 week):
On the day of the surgery, you will have a splint and bandages (the removal time depends on the surgeon's decision, usually within a week post-surgery). You can wear glasses during the first week after surgery, before the splint is removed, since the splint's rigid surface prevents any alteration in the nose's shape. However, it is advisable to opt for lightweight glasses during this period.

2-After Splint Removal (1 week to 4 weeks):
Once the splint is removed, it is essential to avoid wearing glasses directly on your nose for approximately 1-4 weeks. The nose requires this initial recovery period to heal without the added pressure of glasses. During this time, you'll likely have nose tape applied. The duration of nose tape usage depends on your surgeon's decision.

3-Healing Process Duration (5 weeks to 8 weeks):
The complete nose healing process typically spans between 5 to 6 weeks. Depending on factors such as the type of surgery performed and your personal healing progress, you might need to abstain from wearing glasses for up to 5-8 weeks. Some patients, as advised by their surgeon, may be able to resume wearing glasses earlier.

4-Complementary Healing Process Duration (2 months to 6 months):
The timeline for resuming eyeglass usage post-rhinoplasty often differs among plastic surgeons. The recommended duration tends to range from a minimum of 2 months to a maximum of 6 months, contingent on the procedure's extent and your surgeon's advice. It is clearly recommended to avoid prolonged use of glasses until approximately 6 months post-surgery. After this time, you’ll be free to fully return to your bespectacled lifestyle.

Also Read: Rhinoplasty Recovery Tips: 15 Essentials to Guide You to a Swift Nasal Recovery

Alternative Solutions for Eyewear After Rhinoplasty

While it's essential to avoid wearing glasses directly on the nose during the initial recovery phase, there are alternative solutions that can help you maintain your vision without compromising the healing process. Here are some options:

Taping Glasses to the Forehead

An Easy solution is to tape your glasses to your forehead. This method secures the glasses, preventing them from resting on the nose and causing deformation. To do this, wrap tape around the middle section of your glasses, ensuring the sticky side of the loose end faces your forehead. Cut the tape about 2 inches above the top of the frame and press it against your forehead to keep your glasses from touching the nose.

Contact Lenses

Using contact lenses instead of glasses allows you to avoid any pressure on the nose. However, it's important to wait at least one day after the surgery before inserting contact lenses. If you experience excessive swelling, it's advisable to wait until the swelling subsides or explore other options.

Post-Surgical Glasses and Eyeglass Holders

Post-surgical glasses and eyeglass holders are designed specifically for the recovery period after rhinoplasty. These devices provide support for your eyewear without resting on the nose, ensuring proper healing. You can find these glasses online or opt for adjustable eyeglass holders that prevent contact between the glasses and the nose.

Optic-Bridge Clamps

Optic-Bridge clamps are soft, medical-grade gel clips that attach to the lower part of your glasses' frame. They grip onto the glasses and keep them off your nose, allowing for proper healing without pressure.

Bridgeless Glasses

Some patients opt for bridgeless glasses as an alternative to traditional glasses. These glasses don't rest on the nasal bridge, eliminating the risk of affecting the nose's recovery.

See what people say about it: Rhinoplasty Discussions

LASIK Surgery

For patients planning to undergo both LASIK surgery and rhinoplasty, it is recommended to have the eye correction surgery three months before the nose job. This way, you can see clearly without the need for glasses or frames during the rhinoplasty recovery period.

Should you avoid sunglasses as well?

Regardless of whether you're using eyewear to enhance your vision or shield your eyes from harsh sunlight, it's essential to minimize nasal strain during your recovery period. Consequently, the guidelines applied to regular eyeglasses equally pertain to sunglasses.

What Happens If you Continue to Use your Glasses?

Although using glasses post-rhinoplasty won't cause irreversible harm, it could potentially hinder the optimal healing process. Moreover, if any indentations occur, you'll likely need to consult with your doctor to rectify the situation.

When Can You Wear Glasses After Other Rhinoplasty Procedures?

Septoplasty:

If you undergo septoplasty, which aims to correct a deviated septum, it is best to avoid wearing glasses immediately after the surgery. Follow the general guidelines mentioned earlier and refrain from resting glasses on the nose until the healing process is complete.

Revision Rhinoplasty:

After revision rhinoplasty, it is crucial to follow the same guidelines as for primary rhinoplasty. Avoid wearing glasses directly on the nose until the recommended healing period has passed.

Conclusion

In conclusion, wearing glasses immediately after rhinoplasty is discouraged due to the potential for discomfort, shifting of tissues, and permanent damage to the nose structure. The timeframe for when you can wear glasses again depends on the extent of the surgery and your individual healing progress. In the meantime, there are alternative solutions available, such as contact lenses, post-surgical glasses, eyeglass holders, taping glasses to the forehead, optic-bridge clamps, and bridgeless glasses. Discuss these options with your surgeon to find the most suitable solution for your specific case. Remember, proper care during the recovery period will contribute to achieving the best possible results from your rhinoplasty procedure.