Hit my nose 4 days after rhinoplasty. Could it have done damage/affect results?

Question

4 days after my rhinoplasty, I was hugging my girlfriend from behind and she leaned her head back and hit my nose. I was in pain for a few minutes, and then it subsided. It felt a little soar and swollen after the fact. It did not bleed or pop any stitches. My nose was still taped and with a splint, although I know the splint is more to control the swelling. Is it likely it could affect my results or cause internal damage?

John Layliev, MD · Answer

Great question. The only way to determine whether there was any damage is to have your plastic surgeon examine your nose. I had a patient that suffered a hit on her nose a couple of weeks after her rhinoplasty- the bones did shift slightly and were crooked. Manual manipulation in the office made it straight again. The fact that you still had your splint on is a good thing but it is certainly possible and you should be examined by your plastic surgeon.

Dhaval M. Patel, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. The only way to tell if thwre is damage is to consult in person with your plastic surgeon. Best of luck!Dhaval M. Patel Double Board Certified Plastic Surgeon Hoffman Estates Barrington Oakbrook Chicago Orland Park

J. Phillip Garcia, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,
It's unlikely that you have done any permanent damage to your nose after trauma.  If the splint was still on the nose the risk of any displacement is even less.  Make sure your surgeon evaluates your nose internally and externally when the splint is removed.
Regards,

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

It's unlikely you've damaged your nose, but I recommend following up with your surgeon for a formal consultation. I hope this helps.

Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS · Answer

This is difficult to answer without an in-person consultation. It sounds as though you didn't negatively impact your results, but I recommend following up with your surgeon. 
Sincerely,
Philip J. Miller, MD, FACS Double Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

It is very difficult to say without examining you whether this will have an effect.  The nasal splint is in place to control swelling and stabilize the nasal bones if they have been manipulated.  The best advice is to discuss this incident with your surgeon, and in the meantime, be very vigilant about avoiding trauma to your nose during your recovery.

Hit my nose 4 days after rhinoplasty. Could it have done damage/affect results?

Answers (6)