Yes, lightweight support glasses can reduce nasal pressure.
Facial plastic surgery of the nose mainly focus on restoring the structural integrity of the nasal bridge (dorsum) during the early postoperative phase. After surgery in which nasal bones are broken (osteotomies) or dorsal grafting to the nose is done, the framework is still unstable. Even external pressure of relatively minor ophthalmic frame weight can cause, permanent dents, nasal bones displacement or cartilage grafts shifting.
We at Lin Health Europe Clinic, understand that for a lot of patients, correcting their eyesight is not a fancy thing but an absolute necessity. The problem that we, as doctors, face is how to preserve a patient’s visual acuity and at the same time not spoil the aesthetic and functional results of the operation. It is also very important for patients coming for surgery in Turkey to realize when the bones heal and become stable and to know if there are special glasses without nose support for their recovery.
The Biomechanics of Nasal Bone Healing
After a nasal fracture, the recovery mechanism follows a deeply ingrained biological pattern. The first week is a period when an external splint is used to protect the nose and it can cope with a certain degree of pressure. However, once the splint has been taken off (which is normally done between seven and ten days), the bones remain soft and can be easily moved for several weeks. From a clinical perspective, the stage of “soft callus” bone healing is the time when the hazard of fracture displacement is the greatest.
Imagine that during this period the patient wears glasses with heavy frames, the pads of the glasses can push intensely the very finely shaped nasal bridge. The result can be that the nose develops a characteristic “saddle nose” deformity or there forms a visible “dent” in the dorsal area. The doctors at Lin Health Europe Clinic strictly point out that the standard advice is not to put any load on the nose for at least six to eight weeks, so that the bones can become sufficiently well-mineralized to carry any force from outside.
Comparison of Vision Support Options During Recovery
| Option | Method of Support | Clinical Advantage |
| Contact Lenses | Direct corneal placement | No contact with the nasal structure. |
| Forehead Taping | Tape attached to frames and forehead | Suspends the glasses above the bridge. |
| Post-Op Glasses | Forehead-resting frames | Completely avoids the nasal dorsum. |
| RhinoShield/Clips | External clip on standard frames | Transfers weight to the cheeks or forehead. |
Specialized Recovery Eyewear and Innovations
Luckily, patients not in a position to wear contact lenses have been offered several solutions by medical engineering. The glasses especially designed for rhinoplasty patients usually come in the shape of a frame that has an entirely different support mechanism. Instead of sitting on the nose, the device in question takes advantage of a forehead rest or the frame’s adjustable hooks that transfer the weight of the lenses onto the zygomatic bones (cheeks) or frontal bone (forehead).
One widely used clinical method in Turkey is the so-called “nose-less” frame which does not have a bridge at all. Such frames are kept in position by a special kind of temple clamp or by a headband on the forehead. Apart from these, at Lin Health Europe Clinic, we also propose the “taping method” to those who want to keep their personal frames. It is based on medical tape that is used to attach the glasses’ bridge to the forehead. In this way, the glasses are elevated by a few millimeters thereby preventing any pressure being transmitted to the subcutaneous adipose tissue and the bone.
“Just a millimeter of divergence during the recovery process can completely change the silhouette of a rhinoplasty. Hence, protecting the bridge is as crucial as the surgery itself.” — A takeaway from the consultation with the doctor at Lin Health Europe Clinic.
Managing Sunglasses and Protective Gear in Turkey
There is a trend in which patients come to Turkey not only to have a surgical procedure but also to protect their skin from the sun. Nonetheless, it is a well-known fact that sunglasses frames tend to be heavier than those for prescription glasses which makes them an even greater threat to the nasal dorsum. Therefore, we recommend that patients should either wear a broad hat or go for the post-op glasses which are extremely light and pennyless.
In case Piezo (ultrasonic rhinoplasty) or other energy-assisted methods have been employed, the swelling at the beginning should be more localized but the bone will still be sensitive. At Lin Health Europe Clinic, we always ask for confirmation before using any type of eyewear. We also help our patients to re-arrange various aspects of their daily lives and routines to combine the need of their eyes with the surgeons’ work on the delicate nasal structure.
Rhinoplasty in Turkey
We, at Lin Health Europe Clinic, truly care about your results, thus, we look after the tiniest details of your after-surgery lifestyle as well. We know very well that to function with bad eyesight and to be able to recover after the operation is no easy task. Our Turkey center is equipped to give patients the help and guidance they need and be able to manage their due to temporarily limited eyesight in a safe way. We do three-dimensional scans of nasal bones to check their mineralization and, on top of that, have no problem letting you know when it’s time for those lovely frames again.
We dedicate ourselves to your postoperative comfort and smooth recovery just as much as we do your operation. If you choose to follow our eyewear-related instructions to the letter, you will simultaneously be able to keep your ‘new-look’ nose fresh and gradually develop its full potential as a contour. Lin Health Europe Clinic is at your disposal, as always, from that very first consultation right up to the completion of your one-year follow-up, in Turkey – to help you balance your desire for an aesthetic, beautiful, and medically sound outcome.
Frequently Asked Questions About Rhinoplasty and Glasses
It is advisable not to wear your normal glasses directly on your nose for around six weeks to prevent indentations. Putting some weight on the healing bridge can permanently ruin the final aesthetic result in Turkey.
There are specific glasses that shift the weight from your nose to your cheeks or forehead to protect the nasal bones. Such gadgets are a great option for patients at Lin Health Europe Clinic who are in life-long need of vision correction.
Provided that the bridge is attached to your forehead with medical tape making it a support point, you can wear your present glasses. Thus, the frames do not come into contact with the sensitive surgical area inside the first healing period.
The most suitable models are those that are designed to be either without any bridge or with an external headband as the support point. Such models do not bring about any load or stress on the grafted cartilage and bone.
There is a possibility that heavy frames may cause an indentation of the bone or dislocation of the cartilage. Thus, in the first two months, we advise you to choose really light sunglasses or wear a hat to protect yourself from the sun.
- Gunter, J. P., et al. (2002). Dallas Rhinoplasty: Nasal Surgery by the Masters.
- Toriumi, D. M. (1995). Postoperative management of the rhinoplasty patient. Facial Plastic Surgery.
- Tardy, M. E. (1997). Rhinoplasty: The Art and the Science.
- Daniel, R. K. (2010). Mastering Rhinoplasty: A Comprehensive Atlas of Surgical Techniques.
