Bumped the tip of my nose 6 months post op, could I have made my nose weaker or displaced cartilage?

Question

Hello, I'm 6 months post-op. My young niece bumped her forehead into my nose head on with moderate force. Only the lower third of my nose made contact. My nose was smushed into her forehead if you will. There was no pain, no swelling, no bleeding. I do still have some tenderness a couple of days later. The shape doesn't seem changed either. But I'm worried I might have made my nose tip weaker or displaced cartilage which will show its effects later on. Is that possible?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In general, if there is a trauma strong enough to change somebody's nasal appearance, there tends to be nose bleeding involved. If things are moving back to baseline, in all likelihood, you should not have any issues with your niece. I hope this helps! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Lucian Ion, FRCS · Answer

Thank you for your question.

It is very difficult to be completely sure that the support of the nasal tip is safe following an injury, but in most instances it appears to be the case.

I think you should talk to your surgeon about this and possibly organise to see them. They understand what procedure they have carried out and the likelihood of the structural support being affected by the injury.

Another reason to have your nose checked is the possibility of a septal haematoma. If you have experienced a change in the quality of the nasal airway, it could be related to the bleeding around the septum and ideally this needs to be drained to protect the cartilage support. It can happen in the absence of a nosebleed.

All in all, the nose tip has the ability to withstand a reasonable amount of displacement whether slow or abrupt without getting damaged, and, in most instances, recovery from such an injury is full.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can understand from your question you definitely need to be examined by your surgeon and early intervention is very important. Best regards!

Mats Hagstrom, MD (license on probation) · Answer

At six months, you are completely healed and unless you break your nasal bones, moderate physical trauma is not going to change the outcome of your rhinoplasty.
If you have ongoing concerns, then I suggest you follow up with your provider.
Best,
Mats Hagstrom, MD

Bumped the tip of my nose 6 months post op, could I have made my nose weaker or displaced cartilage?

Answers (4)