Can heavy coughing and laughter ruin a rhinoplasty?

Question

I am currently 3 weeks post op and have come down with a cold. It has caused me to cough A LOT and even though I try to suppress it as much as possible, sometimes I just have violent coughs. My nose never hurts post cough attack and only feels mildly stretched/agitated while coughing. I also laugh a lot as well, and sometimes I laugh so much that I really feel my nose stretching which leads me to beg the question: Can coughing or laughing cause any damage or negative alterations to a nosejob?

Jill Hessler, MD · Answer

It is extremely unlikely you can do any damage to your surgical results with excessive coughing and laughing.  In the first week after surgery, heavy coughing or vomiting can lead to an increased chance of nose bleeds, but beyond this point it is much less likely.  Cough suppressants could also help if it is uncomfortable or concerning for you.

David R. Broadway, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question.
It would be very unlikely that coughing or laughing would ruin your rhinoplasty so I wouldn't be overly concerned.  Focus on getting better from your cold while maintaining your great sense of humor!Best of luck!

Can heavy coughing and laughter ruin a rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)