How much force does it take to break/fracture a nose or deviate my septum after rhinoplasty?

Question

Last night I was texting on my phone in bed, I moved the blanket and my phone slipped out of my hand and hit me in the forehead and nose. It didn't fall from an extreme distance but it did hurt. There was no bleeding and it doesn't look bruised/discolored. My nose is sore though, I'm really paranoid. I had a rhinoplasty 1 year and 7 days ago. ( I had everything done to it ) How do I know if it is damaged or not?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

The nose reaches about 85% of its normal strength at eight weeks and is back to normal tensile strength at approximately one year. The force of the trauma should be about the same as if you never had a rhinoplasty. That being said it should be minimal if any damage from dropping a phone at that distance.

Michael I. Echavez, MD · Answer

Since your rhinoplasty was a year ago, I doubt that any damage was done to your nose from your phone hitting it.  During the first few weeks after a rhinoplasty, the nose is more fragile, but after a year everything should be well healed.  If it would make you feel better, you could always contact your surgeon and have him or her examine you.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

When the nose is broken, there may be nasal bleeding, and purple discoloration under one of both eyelids. Mild tenderness in the area will likely subside. Hope this helps. Dr Joseph

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. At the one year mark, you are very unlikely to have any damage after dropping the phone on your face. That said, feel free to bring it up with your surgeon during your one-year consultation if you are concerned. Best wishes,

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

With such minimal force it is unlikely you did any harm one year after surgery, especially if there is no change in appearance or nasal function. If you want reassurance consult with a rhinoplasty specoialist

How much force does it take to break/fracture a nose or deviate my septum after rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Force Necessary to Break a Nose after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Force Necessary to Break a Nose after Rhinoplasty

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How much force does it take to break/fracture a nose or deviate my septum after rhinoplasty?

Answers (6)

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Force Necessary to Break a Nose after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Force Necessary to Break a Nose after Rhinoplasty

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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.