Got bumped on nose 3 months after revision rhinoplasty. When will my nose be strong enough to handle minor bumps?

Question

Hello I had a revision rhinoplasty 3 months ago.My hump was removed and bones were broken to reshape the nose.Septal cartilage has been used for building up my nose.Just few days back i got hit by a towel sharply on nose.I felt some pain and then I felt my nose swelled.Now I would like to know I have I harmed the bones.It was just a towel,still I was surprised when I felt pain after 3 months.Guess nose is still too sensitive.When will my nose be strong enough to handle minor bumps??

Shahram Shahidi, BSc, MBBS, FRACS · Answer

it is best to visit your surgeon so they can assess your
nose to make sure everything is ok and to inform you how to mange your nose.
The nasal bone can take up to 18 months to set fully so it is best to avoid
injury particularly during this period.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Usually it takes about 6-8 weeks for the nasal bones to be fairly solid.  At 3 months the nose should be able to tolerate light trauma.  If concerned, it is always best to see your surgeon.

Inessa Fishman, MD · Answer

The nose continues to heal and change for up to 1-2+ years after rhinoplasty, as swelling in the skin and soft tissue envelope of the nose dissipates.  If osteotomies (incisions in the nasal bones, performed to narrow or straighten the bridge) are performed, the nasal bones take 6-8 weeks to heal and settle afterwards.  Therefore, it is especially advisable to avoid trauma to the nose during the initial 8 week period; however, it is certainly possible to break the bones or dislodge nasal cartilage at any time and with enough force.  Nasal fractures may be accompanied by nosebleeds, swelling, change in the appearance of the nose, change in breathing, and blue/ black eyes, and are a clinical diagnosis. Furthermore, trauma to the nose may result in shifting of cartilage, from native cartilaginous septum to grafts.  All this being said, the best course of action involves following up with your rhinoplasty surgeon for a thorough evaluation--inside-the-nose exam, external nose, the rest of the head and neck--and piece of mind on your part.  In the meantime, cold compresses and some Tylenol can be very helpful for discomfort.  Good luck!

Robert A. Guida, MD · Answer

After 3 months, the nasal bones are relatively stable and should be able to handle a hit from a towel.   The nose is pretty resilient and can handle mild to moderate trauma - especially the lower 2/3 which is cartilage.   However, a very forceful blow to the upper nose with a fist or heavy object could be more damaging.After the injury, if you  heard the bones crack and the nose looked very crooked, that would indicate that the bones were broken and may need reset - but this is very uncommonMild to moderate trauma after a nose job can cause the nose hurts as it is still very sensitive.  It often swells and can take several weeks for the swelling to come down.Certainly go see your doctor to make sure the nose is not broken if it looks off center at all

Got bumped on nose 3 months after revision rhinoplasty. When will my nose be strong enough to handle minor bumps?

Answers (4)

Answer: You are probably okay.

Answer: You are probably okay.

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Got bumped on nose 3 months after revision rhinoplasty. When will my nose be strong enough to handle minor bumps?

Answers (4)

Answer: You are probably okay.

Answer: You are probably okay.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.