How Long After Rhinoplasty Can I Wear Glasses? (2025)

Reduced Swelling and Bruising

Swelling and bruising peak around 3-5 days after rhinoplasty. In the second week, the symptoms gradually start improving. Most of these negative sensations should resolve within 14 days.

Once the swelling has significantly gone down and the bruising has faded to a pale yellow/green shade, this is a good sign that it may be safe to wear your glasses again. The symptoms should decrease enough so that the bridge of the glasses does not put pressure on the nasal bones or tip area.

Healed Incisions

The incisions made during rhinoplasty need adequate time to mend. These openings are typically created inside the nostrils or on the underside of the columella (the strip of skin between the nostrils). In some patients, incisions heal within 14 days, while others require 4-6 weeks.

Check with your surgeon to determine when the wounds have sealed and are no longer at risk of reopening. This is especially important if glasses sit directly on the bridge of the nose. Also, ensure that any residual swelling, numbness, or tenderness around the incisions has resolved.

Nose Stability

Another important sign is when your nose feels stable, solid, and not overly sensitive. After surgery, the nose is stiff and tender for several weeks while stabilizing its new structure.

Your nose should become less fragile as the swelling resolves and the nasal bones integrate and align. This usually happens after 2-4 weeks of recovery. You should avoid wearing glasses before you are confident that the structure is strong.

No Pain or Discomfort

Patients may experience discomfort when using eyewear too soon. Pressure or pain from glasses resting on the nose can indicate that the nasal bones and tissues need more time to heal. The absence of discomfort is a key sign that it is safe to resume wearing glasses without disrupting the recovery process.

Contact Lenses

Contact lenses can be a good temporary option after rhinoplasty surgery. They are generally recommended in the initial healing period as these devices are more comfortable and gentle on the sensitive tissues around the eyes and nose. Contact lens wearers should take extra care with insertion, removal, and cleaning during recovery to avoid bumping the nose and causing trauma.

Be sure to discuss this option with your surgeon – contact lenses may have specific recommendations on when it is safe to use them. Although these devices require extra maintenance and care, they provide clear vision without putting heavy frames on the tender nasal bridge. Just make sure to give your eyes adequate rest and lubrication.

Post-Surgical Glasses

Special post-surgical glasses are another option for managing vision after a nose job. They have bendable plastic frames designed specifically to not put any pressure on the nasal bones as they heal. The frames connect further behind the ears rather than resting on the nose bridge. The lenses are also adjustable to tilt and properly focus vision.

Post-surgical glasses can be worn comfortably with dressings and casts in place. Take care when putting these devices on and taking them off to avoid bumping the tender nose area. Post-surgical glasses allow vision correction without irritating the surgical site. They are very useful during recovery from rhinoplasty procedures.

Eyeglass Holders

Eyeglass holders are plastic or metal devices that attach to glasses and allow them to be worn without resting on the nose bridge. These can be small fixators on the cheeks or large bandages on the forehead that hold eyewear in place. There are also taping glasses that are fixated with adhesive tape. Some models clip onto the earpieces to redistribute the weight.

Eyeglass holders stabilize glasses in front of the eyes without putting pressure on the delicate nasal and bone structures. This allows for clear vision for reading and indoor activities without irritation. Eyeglass holders require periodic adjustment and reapplication as healing progresses. They provide a simple solution during the initial week or two after surgery when the nose area remains extremely sensitive.

Patients can start wearing regular glasses after the first couple weeks of rhinoplasty recovery. However, they still need to be careful in selecting frames that will not put too much pressure on the healing nose. Here are some tips on how to select the appropriate eyewear:

• Look for lightweight plastic or metal frames. Avoid heavier structures, as they can irritate the nasal bones and internal grafts while they integrate with surrounding tissues.

• Try to find frames with adjustable nose pads. Such flexible pads are important to minimize pressure points on the nasal structures. They keep most of the frame weight off the lower nose, which is the most sensitive area.

• Go for round or oval lens shapes rather than angular ones. The latter have corners that could dig into the side of the nose and be uncomfortable.

• Find a specialist to fit and adjust the nose pads and frame alignment. With professional help, you will find it easier to get glasses that rest gently on your nose without slipping or pressing on sensitive areas. A well-fitted pair of lightweight eyeglasses is essential during long-term recovery from nasal surgery.

Improper eyeglass selection can cause significant discomfort and even affect nose shape. Therefore, plastic surgeons always recommend that patients consult with an experienced optometrist.

Proper placement and adjustment of your eyeglasses is crucial after undergoing rhinoplasty. Here are some best practices to follow:

• The nose pads should hover just above the ridge of your nose without making contact with the lower two-thirds. Work closely with your optometrist to bend and contour the pads and frames to sit higher on your nose bridge. You want the glasses to feel like they are almost floating above your nose, not pressing into it.

• Periodically check that your eyewear has not shifted down. Small ongoing adjustments to the frame alignment are often needed as the nose settles into its new shape during healing.

• Communicate any discomfort to your optometrist or surgeon to receive professional advice on changing pad height, width, and angle until you can easily wear glasses after rhinoplasty.

Even after proper selection and customization, glasses may leave temporary indentations, red marks, or skin irritation during recovery. You can avoid these issues by following some simple steps:

• Give your nose a break from glasses every few hours. Gently massage indentations to help skin rebound.

• Protect tender skin with small hydrocolloid gel bandages or silicone scar sheets. Dr. Zarrabi may recommend silicone gel sheeting or ointments to reduce external nasal swelling.

• Avoid glasses altogether and use contact lenses if possible when going out.

• Communicate with your doctor so adjustments can be made for complete comfort.

These simple and easy tips will help to avoid micro-trauma and preserve your nose’s shape.

First 2 Weeks

• Do not wear regular glasses.

• Use temporary options like contact lenses, post-surgical glasses, or eyeglass holders to avoid pressure on the nose.

Long-Term Recovery (3 Weeks – 6 Months)

• Transition to wearing lightweight glasses with adjustments.

• Bend and modify pads and frames.

• Take regular breaks from wearing glasses.

• Use gels/scar sheets to protect the skin from irritation.

• Consult an optometrist.

After Recovery

• Resume wearing regular glasses.

• No restrictions on the type of frames.

• See optometrist annually to update lens prescription if needed and check frame fit.

Wearing glasses after rhinoplasty can be challenging due to swelling, bruising, pain, and other symptoms. Patients should be very careful when using different types of eyewear.

In the first two weeks, we recommend contact lenses, post-surgical glasses, and eyeglass holders. Next, lightweight adjustable frames can be slowly introduced, but frequent adjustments and breaks are needed as swelling resolves. After full recovery, you may return to regular eyewear.

Staying in close communication with your surgeon and optometrist is key to finding glasses that will not irritate your nasal structures. With some simple precautions, patients can successfully manage their vision needs while preserving the results of their nose job.

2865 East Coast Hwy
Suite 300,
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

949-873-0807

2865 East Coast Hwy
Suite 300,
Corona Del Mar, CA 92625

949-873-0807