Q. When can I start wearing a mask or glasses after nose surgery?

Hello, this is AB Plastic Surgery.

Today, we will answer a question about rhinoplasty.

Q. When can I start wearing a mask or glasses after nose surgery?

A. You’re curious about post-surgery care.

The recovery process after surgery is similar to the wound-healing process.

There are several precautions after surgery, and the reasons for them may vary. Wearing a mask or glasses after surgery applies physical pressure to the nose.

During nose surgery, the bridge and tip of the nose are supported, and as various recovery cells inside the tissue work to repair it, physical pressure can naturally delay tissue healing, cause inflammation, and in severe cases, lead to changes in shape.

So you may wonder, until when should you be careful?

Although recovery ability differs from person to person, research results show that, in general, about 80% of normal tensile strength—the ability to withstand pulling force—is restored around 6 weeks after surgery (or after injury in the case of trauma). In other words, from about 6 weeks later, the area can withstand a certain degree of impact.

However, in the real world, if people who wear glasses are restricted from wearing them for 6 weeks, it can interfere with daily life, so we usually advise at least one month.

On the other hand, during the first week, because there is a splint on the bridge of the nose, glasses or a mask can be worn carefully. So if you have to go to work right after the first week following nose surgery, we relatively safely allow mask wearing.

For now, please don’t worry too much and come in for a consultation.

Thank you :)