0455 859 548
Liquid rhinoplasty involves using a volume-adding treatment to alter the shape of the nose without surgery. While there are no incisions or sutures involved, there are still a few important things that patients will need to avoid in the hours, days and even weeks after the procedure.
Even though it’s non-surgical, the nose still goes through changes that need time and care, and the way you treat the area during this time can make a difference to how well the nose heals.
If you’ve just had a treatment or you’re planning to book one, here’s a closer look at what should be avoided after liquid rhinoplasty, and why each one matters.
Avoid touching or applying pressure to the area
A very important step that patients are told to take straight after liquid rhinoplasty is to avoid touching their nose or putting pressure on it.
That includes wearing heavy or tight glasses, pushing down on the skin, rubbing the area when washing your face, or even sleeping in a way that presses your nose against the pillow.
The reason for this is that the volume-adding product used can shift under pressure, especially in the first couple of days. Any firm or repetitive pressure might cause the product to move out of position, which could affect the result. It’s particularly important in the first 48 hours, when the product hasn’t fully settled into the surrounding tissue.
That doesn’t mean you can’t wash your face or go about your day – you’ll just need to be a little more cautious. Gently patting the face dry instead of rubbing, and sleeping on your back with your head slightly elevated, can help reduce the chances of interfering with the area.
Avoid wearing glasses too soon
If you usually wear glasses, this is something that we recommend bringing up with your practitioner during your consultation.
After liquid rhinoplasty, the bridge of the nose is more prone to indentations, particularly where the glasses rest. Depending on where the volume has been placed, even light eyewear could cause pressure on the nose and affect how the result takes shape.
Most practitioners will recommend avoiding glasses for at least 48 to 72 hours after the treatment, but the advice can vary depending on the details of the procedure. In some cases, it may be longer, especially if the treatment involved subtle or precise adjustments along the bridge. If glasses are essential, an option may be to wear contact lenses for the first few days.
Avoid applying makeup or skincare straight after
It might be tempting to cover up any redness or slight swelling with makeup, but it’s usually best to wait at least 24 hours before applying anything to the area.
Immediately after the treatment, the skin will be more sensitive, and the treatment area is still vulnerable to bacteria. Applying makeup or skincare too soon can increase the risk of irritation or breakouts, and in some cases, introduce bacteria into the area, which may lead to infection.
Once that 24-hour window has passed, it’s usually fine to return to your usual skincare routine, but anything harsh or exfoliating should still be avoided for a few more days. Mild cleansers and moisturisers are best during the first few days while the skin heals.
Avoid getting facial treatments or massages too soon
It’s important that you avoid facials, skin needling, chemical peels, or any other type of cosmetic treatment that involves the face for at least two weeks after liquid rhinoplasty. These treatments often involve pressure, manipulation, or heat, all of which can affect the placement of the volume or irritate the skin.
Facial massages in particular can be a problem, especially if they involve firm pressure around the nose and cheek area. Even if the product feels stable from the outside, it’s still interacting with the surrounding tissue underneath the skin. Any type of manipulation could shift it slightly, which may not be immediately obvious but can affect the results.
Always make sure that your practitioner is aware of any treatments that you plan to have after your liquid rhinoplasty. It’s not just about when you feel ready, but whether the nose has had enough time to adjust and the product has integrated in a stable way.
Avoid intense exercise or excessive heat
While light walking is okay, intense workouts should ideally be avoided for the first 24 to 48 hours. That includes weight training, running, hot yoga, and anything that causes excessive sweating or increased body temperature. The reason for this is that the combination of increased blood flow, heat, and movement can potentially increase swelling and affect the way the added volume responds during the early stages.
Heat in general should also be avoided for at least the first few days. This includes saunas, steam rooms, and long, hot showers. Heat can cause the blood vessels to expand, which may increase swelling and cause minor bruising to become more noticeable. Cooler environments are better in the early stages.
After a few days, you’ll most likely be able to resume normal activities, but if there’s any lingering tenderness or swelling, it’s better to wait a little longer before getting back into your usual routine.
Avoid lying on your stomach or on your side while sleeping
How you sleep for the first couple of nights after treatment can make a difference. Sleeping on your stomach or side can place pressure on the nose, which might affect how the volume-adding product holds its shape. It’s generally recommended that patients sleep on their back with their head slightly elevated – using an extra pillow can help with this.
The idea isn’t to avoid all movement during sleep, but to reduce the chance of putting direct pressure on the treated area for long periods. If you’re someone who naturally shifts positions a lot at night, using pillows on either side to limit movement can help create a bit of a buffer.
Avoid sun exposure for the first few days
While sun exposure isn’t going to affect the volume-added product itself, the skin will be more sensitive right after treatment.
UV exposure can increase redness or inflammation, particularly in areas that are already a little irritated. For that reason, it’s better to stay out of direct sunlight during the first few days and apply a broad-spectrum SPF once skincare is reintroduced.
Wearing a hat or sticking to shaded areas can also help reduce exposure while still allowing you to get outside. After the initial recovery phase, there’s no problem being in the sun, but it’s a good idea to continue wearing SPF daily to protect your skin in general.
What to keep in mind during the weeks ahead
While liquid rhinoplasty doesn’t require the same downtime as surgical rhinoplasty, the nose still goes through a period of adjustment in the weeks that follow.
Minor swelling may persist for a little while, especially in areas where the product has been placed more deeply. It’s not uncommon for the final shape to become more noticeable over time, which is why some patients are advised to wait at least a couple of weeks before deciding whether any touch-ups are needed.
If you have any concerns about asymmetry, unexpected swelling, or anything that doesn’t feel quite right, it’s important that you reach out to the clinic that treated you. They’ll be able to assess the area and guide you on what to do next, whether it’s just part of the normal healing timeline or something that needs adjusting.
Non-Surgical Nose Reshaping with Dr Scott: Experienced Brisbane Cosmetic Physician
With over 20 years of experience in aesthetic medicine and general practice, Dr Scott Horsburgh is a cosmetic doctor who aims to provide patients with a high quality treatment experience and positive results.
A consultation with Dr Scott in Brisbane will allow you to receive personalised recovery instructions to follow after your treatment, and gain any clarification on questions you may have.
Please reach out to our team to book your consultation.
