9 Questions About Nose Jobs You Want to Know (But Are Afraid to Ask)

9 Questions About Nose Jobs You Want to Know (But Are Afraid to Ask)

I just got a nose job, and while there's a ton of useful information already out there about the things you're curious about, I'm going to answer questions you have about rhinoplasty that most likely won't show up on the Mayo Clinc page for the procedure...

The doctor who did my procedure was Dr. Dara Liotta, a double board certified cosmetic and reconstructive facial plastic surgeon in Manhattan who specializes in rhinoplasty. She says she adores her LGBTQ+ patients and gave a special shout-out to her trans patients. "I love my trans patients. There’s a lot of mental work that goes into anyone’s decision to have plastic surgery, but there’s so much empowerment about that kind of plastic surgery in particular," Dr. Liotta tells PRIDE. "It’s basically the reason that plastic surgery is not ridiculous. Even though it’s cosmetic, it’s can also be like therapy. My favorite compliment is when people have a [procedure] and then say, 'When I see a picture of myself I look like how I feel.'" 

I can tell you that after rhinoplasty, you see 85 percent of results in a month, but it takes a full year to see full results. While this is really important information, there's also a ton of other things you'll also really want to know. Like when can you go dancing and wear makeup again? When can you have sex? Dare we ask about drugs?

Here are some answers to nine questions you have about getting a nose job (but that you likely won't find on most medical sites). 

1. When can I have sex?

During your post-op visit, your doctor will give you an exact time based on how you're healing. But any activity that raises blood pressure, including sex, usually requires waiting three weeks after your operation. Yes, beauty is pain, and part of that pain is practicing celibacy while you're beautiful new nose heals. 

2. When can I work out?

As with sex, you'll need to wait two to three weeks after surgery before you can hit the gym again. Use it as an excuse to eat ice cream and catch up on TV guilt-free. (It's doctor ordered!)

3. When can I go dancing?

Once again, stick with the rest and relaxation and wait two to three weeks depending on your post-op appointment before you sweat all night in the club. It will be worth it when you reappear looking more fabulous than ever. Truly, Dr. Liotta says the only thing that could really ruin a nose job is getting punched or knocked hard in the nose, so just avoid elbows when you return to the dance floor. 

4. When can I have a drink?

According to Dr. Liotta, five days after surgery, it's safe to drink alcohol again. 

5. When can I use recreational drugs?

Please do not irritate your pretty new nose and straight septum by snorting things up it! "Nothing inside your nose!" says Dr. Liotta. "No cocaine period, anyway because it can raise your blood pressure and make you have a nosebleed." 

All drugs that raise blood pressure should be avoided for two-three weeks, so no uppers (unless you have an Adderall prescription from a doctor and your body is already used to it). Even medicines like Sudafed raise blood pressure and should be avoided. Dr. Liotta says that marijuana is fine, although smoking it can irritate your nose area even further, as it's sensitive and irritated already. So, if you're a cannabis user, to be on the extra safe side, just stick with tinctures or edibles for a bit. 

6. When can I wear makeup?

You can start wearing makeup as soon as you get your cast off! Your cast comes off typically the week after surgery. And by the way, while you'll still be swollen, you can put on makeup and start with the #nosejob selfies quite soon after having surgery.  

7. Will my face break out?

After you get your cast off, even with the swelling, you'll be obsessed with your new nose compared to your old one (at least that was my experience). It's normal if your nose feels oily or there's a pimple or two. "It’s normal to be oily and have breakouts after the cast because when your nose is covered and the oil glands start to go crazy," Dr. Liotta explains. 

You can wash your face normally, but don't pick at your pretty new nose, please. Just as the swelling will go down and eventually disappear with time, so will any post-op breakouts. 

8. When can I get a facial?

After your cast is off, your nose will feel swollen and tender, and you'll naturally want to avoid activities that touch it (even washing it can feel a little scary at first). Dr. Liotta says facials are okay, but you must wait eight weeks after surgery before having any extractions done. That also means no Biore strips for eight weeks, and do not dig at any pimples or blackheads. Your nose is now a piece of art; respect it as such! 

9. When can I get Botox?

While your pretty nose may inspire you to look into other cosmetic procedures, you must wait three months after having your nose job before getting any Botox near the area, so that includes the forehead and crow's feet. The same goes for under-eye injections. Lip injections should be no problem.

Congrats on your bravery in considering cosmetic surgery, and now that you know the waiting times for what you really want to know, go forth and get a consultation!