What happens when one bumps the nose after Rhinoplasty?

What happens if you sometimes bump your nose, especially after Rhinoplasty? And why is it that after someone gets hit in the nose, the structure changes, looking more swollen or small humps appear? Are these changes permanent? What should one do to prevent that, such as first aid tips? Thank you.

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7 answers to “What happens when one bumps the nose...”

A: Pain and tenderness

By William Portuese, MD - Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

After a rhinoplasty, the nose has to be hit relatively hard enough to be able to shift or fracture the nose. Just small bumps to the nose in the first month after the surgery will elicit pain and tenderness. No further surgery will be indicated unless there is an obvious nasal fracture and twisting of the... more

A: Nose after rhinoplasty

By Steven Wallach, MD - Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

A nose that recently underwent a rhinoplasty is more prone to break early after surgery. One has to be careful for the first 6 -8 weeks. Small bumps after banging nose may simply be swelling that usually goes away with time.

A: Slight bump after Rhinoplasty won't be a problem

By G. Gregory Gallico III, MD - Boston Plastic Surgeon

Are these hypothetical questions? A slight 'bump' will produce no problems. Hitting the steering wheel will makean alteration to shape. Ideally, have your rhinoplasty and don't injure it in any way ever. Simple. No need to hit your nose ever.

A: The nose is delicate while healing from a Rhinoplasty

By John Diaz, MD - Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

After a rhinoplasty, the nose is very delicate and must heal carefully. Often, the nasal bones are broken during a rhinoplasty. It takes several weeks for the bones to heal solidly in place. If it is bumped before it is fully healed, it might shift the bones thus changing the appearance. Also, small bumps may... more

A: No prevention needed

By Tanveer Janjua, MD - Bedminster Facial Plastic Surgeon

Once you are well healed from a rhinoplasty (1 year on average) you do not have to protect your nose. If you get hit on the nose the most important thing is to make sure you do not have a 'septal hematoma'. That is a collection of blood inside the nasal septum (the partitioning wall that separates your nose... more

A: Your nose is easier to break after rhinoplasty.

By Eric M. Joseph, MD - West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

In my experience, your nose will be a more fragile organ, after Cosmetic Rhinoplasty. Especially if you had a bump removed. If you would like more specific information about your nose, you should consult with your surgeon. Or, feel free to post / email me a full frontal facial picture; also include the date of... more

A: It depends on when and jhow you bump it

By Stephen Prendiville, MD - Ft. Myers Facial Plastic Surgeon

My general recommendation after rhinoplasty is to avoid contact, bumps, or any form of trauma for a minimum of 6 weeks. The reason: the nasal bones are frequently broken with a maneuver known as osteotomies during rhinoplasty and 6 weeks is the general time to allow for fibrous healing of the nasal bones... more