How Pregnancy Can Affect Rhinoplasty Results Over Time

Pregnancy is synonymous with intense physical changes and shifting hormones that affect tissues throughout the body. One change, though less often discussed, involves the nose. These physiological shifts can produce nasal obstruction and subtly influence the appearance of the nose, even if a rhinoplasty has been performed previously.

Led by double-board-certified facial plastic surgeon Dr. Richard Westreich, New Face NY combines over two decades of surgical experience and peer-reviewed research to help patients achieve results that last through life’s natural transitions. We’ve created this guide to help you understand how pregnancy-related hormonal changes can impact nasal appearance and what you can do to preserve rhinoplasty outcomes.

Hormonal Effects on Nasal Tissues

During pregnancy, elevated levels of estrogen, progesterone, and relaxin influence connective tissues throughout the body:

Progesterone supports cartilage health, while estrogen’s effects on cartilage can be both protective and disruptive, depending on hormone levels and tissue status
Relaxin, especially in early gestation, can loosen connective tissue by affecting collagen and elastin, altering soft tissue structure

While these effects are best characterized in musculoskeletal tissues, they may cause subtle changes in the stability of the nasal cartilages and result in changes to the nasal tip in particular. While the majority of these effects reverse after pregnancy, there is a small subset of patients in whom they do not completely reverse.

Many patients who have not had prior nasal surgery experience changes to the nasal tip, including widening and separation of the cartilages in the midline, leading to a bifid or clefted tip. Some patients will experience slight nasal tip ptosis. These changes are much less likely to occur if a previous tip-plasty Rhinoplasty has been performed.

Pregnancy-Induced Swelling & “Pregnancy Nose”

A relatively common occurrence known as pregnancy rhinitis (or casually, "pregnancy nose") involves nasal congestion and swelling. It is driven by:

Hormonal increases leading to vascular dilation and mucosal edema
Increased blood volume contributing to overall tissue swelling
Enhanced glandular secretions and mucus production

One study found that 39% of pregnant individuals experienced nasal congestion during the second or third trimester—symptoms that typically resolve within weeks postpartum.

Prior Inferior Turbinate surgery and Septoplasty may protect you from some aspects of nasal congestion during pregnancy.

Changes in Nasal Physiology and Function

Pregnancy affects nasal airway dynamics significantly. Studies tracking pregnant patients show that:

Upper airway resistance increases, indicating narrower nasal passages
Total lung capacity decreases, altering breathing mechanics
There is a higher likelihood of developing sleep‐disordered breathing and nasal obstruction during gestation

These changes are typically hormonally based and reverse in the months following birth.

What This Means for Rhinoplasty Results

Though rhinoplasty is typically stable and long-lasting, pregnancy-induced changes can transiently affect nasal appearance and comfort. These may include:

Temporary nasal tip swelling or broader appearance due to increased vascular volume
Altered breathing sensations, which might mask earlier postoperative improvements
Postpartum resolution, with most symptoms subsiding naturally within weeks to months

Understanding this can help manage expectations, remembering that most changes are reversible and related to pregnancy physiology. Some patients worry about having a Rhinoplasty and then getting pregnant. The truth is, Rhinoplasty will protect you against most pregnancy-related changes to the nasal tip, provided the nose is healed by the time of pregnancy.

Let’s Create a Surgical Plan That Grows With You

Pregnancy can introduce temporary shifts in nasal appearance—commonly through swelling and mucosal congestion—but these effects are usually reversible. While rhinoplasty delivers enduring outcomes, it’s wise to consider the timing of surgery relative to pregnancy for optimal stability. If you have specific plans to grow your family, we are happy to discuss the timing of your surgery during your consultation.

If you’re curious about how pregnancy may impact your aesthetic journey or timing, we'd be happy to guide you toward a plan that harmonizes with your life and goals. We’ll help align your surgery with your unique timeline for beautiful, resilient results. Contact us today to book your consultation and learn more.

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