Is my nose rotting from not being healed properly after rhinoplasty?

Question

I recently got rhinoplasty a week ago from today. I had my turbinates ballooned to help me breathe & nasal hump reduction. I have been a bit hard on my nose as its recovering and that's my fault, but today I blew my nose a little too roughly and I noticed that the skin on my nose where the previous hump was, lifted as I blew. I would blow my nose and the skin would almost inflate a little. I could feel and see it in the mirror when I blew. Could this mean my skin could rot? I'm very scared, help!

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

First of all, it is far too early for you to be blowing your nose, as most of my patients are instructed to avoid this for the first 2 weeks.  It is unlikely that your nose will "rot" but I would be careful to be too "hard on your nose" in the early period as this may change your final results.  Relay your concerns to your surgeon and he or she will be able to provide individual instructions that you should follow.  Remember, this is your face.  Best wishes!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

First, please don't blow your nose any more until your surgeon clears you to. You likely have a small communication between your nasal airway and the skin over the bridge - this is not uncommon. Your skin will not "rot" but forcing air under your nasal skin during the initial healing phase is not good. Please discuss with your surgeon. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Your symptoms are within range after rhinoplasty.  However you should keep close contact with your surgeon and let him know what you fear.  Remember he is your breast friend while you are recovering from your surgery.

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. While this is dramatic, I don't think you have permanently injured yourself. Probably there is a tiny opening in the lining of your nose where you had the hump taken down. When you blew your nose hard, you forced air through the hole which then accumulated under your skin. Your body will absorb the air. You should discuss this with your surgeon, because they may want to put a splint back on to help the skin to re-stick down to the underlying nasal skeleton. They will also coach you about what to do instead of forceful blowing. Good luck!

Is my nose rotting from not being healed properly after rhinoplasty?

Answers (4)

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