Is it ok to push on nose after rhinoplasty? I am 9 days post op.

Question

I had my stitches, inner splints, and bandage removed on Monday (7 days post op) l. A soon as the bandage came off, my nose immediately started swelling. My doctor told me I need to firmly press on the nose spending my fingers from the top of the bridge outward as if I'm pushing the swelling away from my nose. She showed me how and it HURT. I trust my surgeon so I have been doing it. Do you think it's ok to be doing this? I don't want the results to be impacted or changed.

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello,Trust your doctor! Massaging after a rhinoplasty is very common to help mold the new nose! Swelling does take about 1-3 years to fully dissipate so the shape will change, but it will not affect the final product. Be patient and trust your doctor. Best of luck,Deepak Dugar, MDScarless Rhinoplasty ExpertBeverly Hills, CA 90210

John Paletta, MD · Answer

If your surgeon instructed you how to do the massage and showed you how to do it I would think that it would be OK to do so. Without knowing the details of your surgery it's hard to give you exact advice. If boney work was performed and osteotomies were done I would not allow somebody to push on the nose this early if osteotomies were not done then it may be acceptable.  I don't see any problem with you contacting your surgeon and explain that you're having pain  with the massaging. Good luck.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. Please follow the instructions provided by your board certified facial plastic surgeon, and feel free to call your surgeon and medical team because it is important that you are very clear on the instructions.
Best wishes,

Michael J. Yaremchuk, MD (license resigned) · Answer

It is normal for the nose to swell immediately after the splint is removed. Some surgeons will continue to tape the nose postoperatively or have the patient massage / press on the nose. As long as you follow the directions your surgeon demonstrated it should be safe.

Is it ok to push on nose after rhinoplasty? I am 9 days post op.

Answers (4)