I got hit hard in the nose 7 months after rhinoplasty. How can I reduce the swelling? (Photo)

Question

Hey so I'm 7 months post op for a rhinoplasty and septoplasty and my sister was goofing around in the car while I was driving and I was yelling at her to sit right because she kept rolling around and putting her feet up and she accidentally kicked me REALLY really hard in the nose while trying to sit up. I felt my nose was about to fall off. now I'm worried like my nose was doing so well now it's kind of swollen and red. I'm so scared like should I call my doctor and let him know or will I be fine. I'm breathing fine but she kicked me really hard. Like basically a blow in the face and she was wearing shoes. It's really swollen and I'm so upset rn. Like is my nose job ruined now.. I need someone to reassure me please I don't want to tell my doctor he will be so mad. This is my nose now it's really swollen is there anything I can do to reduce the swelling I'm just scared i messed up my nose job man.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

In general, swelling after nasal trauma will completely dissipate within 1 month. Additionally, if your nose was broken, there is a 7 to 10 day window after the trauma to undergo a closed reduction of a nasal fracture, which is something that could be done with local anesthetic in the office, if necessary. The best advice would be to visit your surgeon for a checkup. I wish you well moving forward. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Guler Gamze Eren, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Try to be calm! Bone healing is achieved after 6 months, and a hit may cause swelling after rhinoplasty and it hardly causes deformation with a small hit or trauma.I would recommend you to apply ice on your nose for a couple of days and see your doctor. I think your doctor will not get angry with you when you tell him/her this kind of situation.Best Luck

Paul Chatrath, MBBS, FRCS · Answer

HiI’m sorry to hear of your accident and I know you must be worried and upset. It is surprisingly common. I would suggest 1.some cold compresses or an ice pack applied over some tissue or a thin towel (not direct contact between the ice and skin); apply for 5-10 minutes each time and then repeat an hour later. 2. If you can get some anti inflammatory medication such as ibuprofen (usually available without prescription) and take some, with food, this will help to reduce inflammation. Beyond this you should find that the swelling settles quite quickly, within a couple of weeks in most cases. Wishing you all the best with this.

I got hit hard in the nose 7 months after rhinoplasty. How can I reduce the swelling? (Photo)

Answers (3)