Rhinoplasty Q&A
80%
WORTH IT RATING
"Worth It Rating" shows the % of consumer reviewers that stated the procedure was "Worth It" or not. See more RealSelf Worth It Ratings or Add Your Review
1,002 Reviews
Rhinoplastybefore & after photos
View Before and Afters

Average Rhinoplasty Cost: $5,975

Learn about Rhinoplasty

5,047 people and 803 doctors are talking about Rhinoplasty

Get Free Email Updates

One Month Post-Op. Is It Safe for Me to Touch my Nose to Feel How Swollen It Is?

asked 1 year ago by brown123 in United States
Latest answer by Oakley Smith, MD
Question viewed 551 times
Tags: swelling

I run my fingers gently across and on the sides of my nose to feel if it is swollen. Some days it feels wider and bigger than others. I'm just wondering is this safe to do? I know you don't suppose to touch your nose right after rhinoplasty, but i'm a month post op.

7 answers to One Month Post-Op. Is It Safe for Me to Touch my Nose to Feel How Swollen It Is?

+1

Swelling 1 Month after Rhinoplasty

You will do no harm if you carefully touch your nose 1 month after rhinoplasty. However, I assure you there is swelling at this time. Palpation is not necessary - you will see changes over the next year.
Richard W. Fleming, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

+2

Healing after Rhinoplasty

At one month after surgery, you certainly won't hurt anything by gently touching your nose. I would check with your surgeon regarding resuming your activities. My usual advice for my patients is to avoid having glasses or sunglasses resting on the nose for the first 3-4 weeks after surgery as the pressure from the feet of the glasses is constant while they are worn. Intermittently gently touching the nose with your fingers is fine though. I would wait 8 weeks after surgery... more
Umang Mehta, MD

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.mehtaplasticsurgery.com

+1

When can you touch your nose after Rhinoplasty?

At one month after Rhinoplasty, you can touch the nose. In fact you can lightly touch the nose immediately after surgery. You just can't apply any pressure or cause the nose to move or bend. I have my patients carefully clean their nostrils during the first week to gently remove crust and dry blood.
Oakley Smith, MD

Toronto Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.droakleysmithrhinoplasty.com

+1

Touching Nose One Month After Rhinoplasty

Hi Brown, It is okay to touch your nose one month after rhinoplasty.  It is normal for there to be fluctuations in the shape of your nose for a few months following surgery due to swelling.  As with other parts of your body, it is still better to keep your hands to themselves.  Good luck and be well. Dr. P 
Michael A. Persky, MD

Los Angeles Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty

I understand your notion of trying to determine the degree of nasal swelling post-rhinoplasty.  While it will unlikely cause a problem to palpate this region one month following rhinoplasty, I would perform this with caution.  Nasal bones are often fractured during this procedure, and there is little to benefit from examining the region.  You will continue to see resolution of swelling over the next six months.  Good luck.
Jason R. Hess, MD

San Diego Plastic Surgeon
+1

Rhinoplasty and touching.

There is no problem in touching the nose 1 month post op. It will change for the next 6-12 months.
Toby Mayer, MD

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
+1

Touching Your Nose Following Rhinoplasty

Although touching your nose gently will not likely cause a significant problem one month post rhinoplasty, I would still refrain from doing so if you can. There is no compelling reason other than curiosity to do so. In some cases, the nasal bones might be particularly fragile from repositioning. Or your surgeon might have placed delicate grafts along the side of the bridge. If you happen to touch these areas slightly harder than you should, your end result might be compromised. If you... more
John M. Hilinski, MD

San Diego Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drhilinski.com

Ask a question