When Using Cartilage for Rhinoplasty, Will It Move if I Wear Glasses All Day, Everyday?

A properly placed secured dorsal cartilage graft for augmentation will not shift over time nor will it atrophy due to the wearing of eyeglasses. One should note, I don’t usually allow patients to wear eyeglasses for the first 4 weeks after surgery.

Restrictions after nasal surgery are related both to grafts that are placed along the bridge, as well as whether or not the nasal bones were broken during the procedure. Most cartilage grafts placed in the bridge have healed solid in about 4 weeks. However, bones take about 6-8 weeks to heal after being broken. So keep that in mind.

Dear changaroo,

I recommend that glasses not rest on the nose for a total of six weeks after surgery. During this period the options are 1) no glasses )including sun glasses, 2) "frame-ups" that allow glasses to rest on the cheeks or 3) taping the glasses to the mid-forehead.  Glass frame styles that place even pressure along the frame are better that glasses that direct the pressure to a single point. I don't think glasses are a contraindication to rhinoplasty and in some cases the glasses fit better and more comfortably after rhinoplasty.

Good luck

Tom Kaniff

Cartilage grafts usually do not shift, move, or migrate after nasal surgery.  Patients are able to wear eyeglasses placed on top of the nasal cast during the first week after surgery and should be very careful when the cast is removed.  After 2-3 weeks the grafts will not shift, move, or migrate due to wearing glasses.  

After I place cartilage graft on the dorsum of the nose where glasses sit I don't allow patients to wear their glasses for several weeks. I discuss this with preop to let the know this possibility.