Have I caused harm to my septorhinoplasty result by eating crunchy/chewy foods?

Question

I am 2 days post-op after a septorhinoplasty. After my doctor removed the packing from my nose the day following surgery, he said I could eat any food of choice without restriction. However, today I ate something crunchy as well as something chewy and now I'm feeling pressure and discomfort in my nose. Is it possible I've caused damage to my result? What is the worst that could happen as a result of chewing something too hard or too chewy?

David C. Yao, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for sharing. It is unlikely you've caused damage with the type of food eaten. See your surgeon who knows your situation best. I tell patients to avoid spicy and salty foods to reduce the water bloating and swelling but this is a minor part of the actual healing process as a whole. Best wishes

Todd Christopher Hobgood, MD · Answer

Your surgeon is correct and you can relax!  It would be impossible to change your nose in any way simply from chewing.   It is completely normal to have unusual feelings, especially around the upper lip because of the action of the depressor septi that pulls the nose down toward the lip with smiling, chewing etc.Rest assured, you'll be great!Dr. Hobgood

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

It is very unlikely that you've caused any damage to your nose. I also give my patients the same advice to eat whatever foods they desire post-surgery. The discomfort that you're feeling is likely due to you becoming more active and your swelling increasing. This should begin to resolve at 3-4 days following surgery. Best of luck with your healing.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

You can't do damage to your nose by eating anything specific. If you eat things that are hot or spicy, there is a risk that they can dilate the blood vessels and you can have a bit of bleeding, otherwise nothing will do any actual damage. Best of luck

Have I caused harm to my septorhinoplasty result by eating crunchy/chewy foods?

Answers (4)

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