Is massaging nose after Rhinoplasty recommended?

Massaging a nose after Rhinoplasty is common in the Czech Republic. Plastic surgeons get their patients doing it from about 2 weeks onward. The massages aren't just a 'tickle' but can sometimes be a little painful.

The surgeons say (in general) that massaging a nose after surgery doesn't disturb the delicate work done and that massages prevent the formation of scar tissue and help the new nose 'settle in'.

But after reading some of the discussions here, it seems that post-operative massage is not that common elsewhere! What's everyone's opinion on this? Thank you.

5 answers to “Is massaging nose after Rhinoplasty...”

A: Massaging nose after rhinoplasty surgery not recommended

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

Postoperative massaging of the nose after a rhinoplasty operation will not have any bearing whatsoever on the healing process of the nose. It will not make the nose settle in nor will it prevent scar tissue formation.

A: Nasal Massage

By Richard W. Fleming, MD - Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

I do not recommend nasal massage two weeks after surgery. If I want to narrow the nose, I prefer to do this at the time of surgery. Unfortunately, the multiple components of the nose can easily be manipulated within four to six weeks of surgery; the patient may massage too much or too hard. The swelling will... more

A: Do not massage the nose after rhinoplasty

By Tanveer Janjua, MD - Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

It can twist the nose and make it crooked. It can flare up and acne break out on the nasal skin and can even start a nosebleed. There is no reason to massage it. Regards

A: Massaging the nose after Rhinoplasty is not recommended

By Guy Lin, MD - Manhattan Facial Plastic Surgeon

I'm not in favor of this practice. Occasionally the nasal bones can slightly displace after rhinoplasty. It is in this case that i will encourage the patient to massage the bony portion to try to narrow it as it is healing. Otherwise, I don't think that massage assists in healing process during the... more

A: Massaging the nose is unnecessary

By S. Randolph Waldman, MD - Lexington Facial Plastic Surgeon

I was actually trained to have my patient squeeze the bony portion of their nose several times daily to provide additional narrowing . However I abandoned this practice many years ago as I feel it actually did little more than giving the patient something to do.