Manipulation years after surgery - what will cause damage or movement?

Question

I had rhinoplasty years ago with an ear cartilage graft in the tip and a Porex (Medpor) implant in the bridge. I wanted to ask how much external pressure or manipulation is considered safe this long after surgery. For example, could pressing, massaging, or pulling on the nose during cosmetic treatments (like brow or facial services) realistically move or damage the grafts or implants? At what level of force or symptoms would you be concerned about structural changes?

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you are concerned about manipulation of your nose by a surgeon during another cosmetic procedure, as you mentioned, I don't think that any of this manipulation would be significant to cause damage or changes in the appearance of your nose. Wishing you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Unfortunately medpor implants have an extremely high rate of complications, including extrusion, infection, and malposition with time. I would be exceedingly cautious about manipulation of that implant. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Kadri Ila, MD · Answer

This is a thoughtful and very reasonable question. When several years have passed since rhinoplasty, the internal structures are typically well stabilized. Both cartilage grafts and alloplastic implants become firmly supported by surrounding fibrous tissue over time. Because of this biological stabilization, light to moderate pressure applied during routine facial treatments is not expected to shift or damage properly healed structures.
The key distinction is not the mere act of touching the nose, but the type of manipulation. Standard skincare, gentle cleansing, light massage around the face, or brow treatments do not usually generate enough focused force to alter structural positioning. What should be avoided are deliberate mobilization maneuvers such as forceful squeezing, strong compressive kneading, or attempts to manually shift the nose side to side.
In practical terms, the safest approach is simple. Inform the practitioner that you have had rhinoplasty with structural support in place and request that no deep tissue massage, compression, or reshaping maneuvers be performed directly on the nose. Surrounding areas can be treated normally, while the nose itself is handled gently.
With appropriate caution and clear communication, routine cosmetic procedures years after surgery are generally safe and should not compromise your surgical result.
Wishing you continued confidence in your outcome and the comfort of knowing your nose is more stable than you might think.

Manipulation years after surgery - what will cause damage or movement?

Answers (3)

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