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Excessive Facial Aging After Rhinoplasty?

I just turned 26 who had Rhinoplasty a year and a half ago at 24. I have noticed what I believe to be extreme and embarassing aging in that time, including permanent nasolabial wrinkles, crows feet, and bags under my eyes no matter how much I sleep. I actually asked my plastic surgeon at about 6 months after, if he had ever seen sagging or problems with extra skin after Rhinoplasty, and he told me it was just aging. However, he has not seen me more recently and it seems this really is excessive aging for a 26 year-old.

I have seen from others on this site for the first time that experienced similar fat loss and drooping, which is interesting and validating. I have had some weight loss in this time, but probably not more than 5-10 pounds. However, I am about 115 at 5'6" so maybe this amount has more impact. I have also developed permanent red spots on the sides of my nose, where it looks hollow (don't wear glasses).

Question is, what are your opinions on whether this is excessive or not, causes, and especially your recommendations the best solutions for a 26 yo. It seems young to have a face lift, but I also would not want to do injections every 5 months for the rest of my life. My skin is also sensitive and laser skin resurfacing seems like something that would scar, or that Sculptra would be most likely have bad side effects for me.

I feel vain to want plastic surgery solutions so badly, but it is so dramatic that I no longer feel attractive with permanent wrinkles and eye bags no matter how much I sleep, and just feel too young for this.

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10 Doctor Answers | Asked by Charlie C

Doctor Answers (10)
Community Comments (1)

5- 10 lbs weight loss can make a difference

The pictures you show do not validate your extreme concerns. However, 5-10 lbs of weight loss can certainly make your face lose enough volume to make the difference. At your age you can help yourself with good skincare: Retin-A Antioxidants, Sunblock, Alpha Hydroxy acids, routine skincare, non-foaming cleansers, exfoliants, and good moisturizers.

Rhinoplasty not directly related to facial aging

Charlie, Rhinoplasty will not have a direct influence on facial aging, but I believe that in some patients the osteotomies (breaking the nasal bones) can alter the tear trough area and enhance lower eyelid bags. It is true that facial aging is related to age, genetics, skin elasticity, weight gain and loss, smoking, sun exposure, and exposure to free-radicals that break down skin and the supporting soft tissue. I think that many patients have the wrong concept about taking care of their... more

Facial aging after Rhinoplasty unlikely

Thanks for the question. First, it is unlikely that a Rhinoplasty in itself caused accelerated facial aging. It is possible that after investing time, money and pain from recovery and surgery, you are paying more attention to your face and becoming more critical of yourself. Doctors often encourage patients to bring in these types of pictures, but it is important to realize their limitations. I think your pictures have relatively good consistency of the position of your mouth, but in some... more

Non-surgical treatments may be the answer

Your rhinoplasty likely did not cause the change in your facial features. Sometimes though, successful nasal surgery may allow a patient to "move on" and notice other issues. Your weight loss of 10lbs is significant and can contribute to facial volume loss - one of the issues we encounter in most young patients. Many long distance runners or triathletes in their early or late 20s may have similar concerns. We usually treat this with injectables for volume restoration (i.e.,... more

Beauty is in the Eyes of the Beholder, but Sometimes Fractional CO2 Will Help

Hi Charlie, First of all you need not feel unattractive. You look very attractive in all of your pictures. If it is the crow's feet, the muscular roll under your eye, and nasolabial folds, a fractionated CO2 laser treatment (Fraxel re:pair, Deep FX, Mixto, SmartXide Dot) may be your answer. Remember that if you do nothing at all, you are still a very attractive young lady. Good luck and be well. Dr. P

Michael A. Persky, MD

21 reviews

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon

drpersky.com

Rhinoplasty does not contribute to facial aging

I would agree with my colleagues statments. At 5'6" your "ideal" body weight is closer to 130lbs. Make sure you have adequate nutrition which can dramatically effect the condition of your skin and contribute to a healthy youtful appearance. Make sure you are not malnourished and that you are sufficiently supplementing your diet with vitamins. Gaining 10 pounds may be the easiest and quickest fix. If not, contemplate facial fat grafting for a more long-term solution.... more

Otto Joseph Placik, MD

32 reviews

Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty doesn't cause aging

Rhinoplasty doesn't cause the aging changes that you are concened about. It is difficult to see in the pictures what bothers you. Smoking and sun exposure can impact aging skin the most. Also light hair and light eyes, which often coincide to fair skin will predispose you to early aging. Skin care products will help with the fine lines. Bags under your eyes may be excess herniated fat, but you are a bit young for that.

Steven Wallach, MD

12 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

No correlation between excessive facial aging and a rhinoplasty surgery

There is no correlation between excessive facial aging and a rhinoplasty surgery. Nasolabial wrinkles, crow’s-feet and bags under the eyelids are not related to any rhinoplasty surgery.

A little maintenance is all you need

First of all, your aging is not excessive. You look great in the pictures. Yes, you are getting some lines, but they are probably related more to the sun damage and genes, thin fair skin is more prone to early changes. What you call the bags under your eyes are more likely just a prominent muscle ridge. Some people tend to get them. None of it is related to rhinoplasty. Your rhinoplasty results looks actually quite good. I think the timing is coincidental, and you are just starting to... more

Rhinoplasty cannot cause aging

Charlie C, There is nothing inherent in rhinoplasty that would cause facial aging or the appearance of aging. Rhinoplasty can cause individuals to look at themselves differently however. If nasal shape has been an issue holding you back personally, sometimes having reached this goal can cause a focus shift. At the age of 26, two of the best things you can do for yourself are sun protection, and avoiding smoking and smokers. After protection you might consider some nonsurgical treatments... more

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Comments (1)

nosejob12 12 Mar 2013

I just read all the doctors answers and they are full of ...... seriously they act like oh noo big deal you can just inject ur face with poison (fillers, botox) no big deal right!! Its all part of their cosmetic advertising deal. U get one nightmare procedurewhich needs another nightmare procedure leaving you to looke unnatural and emotional. I wish I didn't touch my nose :'( seriously. There is a reason why god says don't alter your face. All this is dangerous for us.

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