How Safe is It to Go out in Public After Rhinoplasty? I Am Very Scared of Damaging my Nose

As a plastic surgeon living in Dallas, TX many of my patients I see in the malls on the weekends with their nasal splints on from their rhinoplasty earlier in the week. In general, my patients have their splints and sutures removed within a week, 7-10 days, and earlier if they don’t have very much bruising. Usually, only a small percentage have some periorbital bruising. I encourage them to be out and be active early post-op and they can be back to work in 7-10 days.

Hi Kathy,

Have your surgeon give you your nasal splint when it is taken off.  It is fine to be in public without protection, but if you are very worried/concerned you may tape your cast on your nose.  We ask our patients to do this at night for about 2 ro 3 weeks after their rhinoplasty.  Like we tell George of the Jungle, "Watch out (for that tree)! after your rhinoplasty.  Hope that you love your new nose.  Good luck and be well.

Dr. P

Hi Kathy. Your question is a common one. Once your splint is removed, you should remain mindful of your recent surgery, and continue to be more cautious than usual for the first couple of weeks. Although you should avoid contact sports, there is no need to avoid walking in public or going out with friends. I would also avoid any situations where your nose is more likely to be even lightly traumatized - for example during exercise, among crowds, or while interacting with children or pets. Even relatively minor nasal trauma can lead to pain and possible deformity during the early postoperative period. Good luck and best wishes for an uneventful recovery.