Horrible Anxiety About Ruining Result After Septoplasty! Can't Get a Hold of my Surgeon and Worried? (photo)

Question

Hi I had a open septoplasty one month ago to fix a minor cleft palate. Ever since I got my cast off I can not leave my nose alone! First I left a flat indent from pressing too hard on my nose and after I got over that I caused my skin to slightly stretch and rip at the columella and where my nostril was cut open from smiling way too wide. I cannot put my mind at ease I know it's normal to have anxiety after rhinoplasty but not this bad I'm terrified that I ruined the results! I'm going insane:( Please Help

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

While it's normal to have some anxiety after surgery, you seem to be having an excessive amount.  Do whatever you need to in order to stop touching your nose, because manipulating it is only going to cause harm to it.  Follow up with your surgeon, and he/she may recommend some additional support for you with regards to your anxiety.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Mila,

	Thank you for your question.  Unfortunately, you just need to leave your nose alone.  The more you manipulate it, the more you can potentially damage it.  Stay calm.  You will be fine.  Just call the physician's office and make an appointment. This is not an emergency.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Stephen E. Metzinger, MD · Answer

Dear Mila:                                                                                                                           Please leave your nose alone. You are only one month post-op and it takes an entire year for the nose to heal. If you continue to manipulate things in an aggressive manor you can potentially damage your result. Be patient and relax. As the edema resolves the nose will be less bothersome to you. Communicate with your surgeon and follow your post-op instructions. Be sure to keep all your follow-up appointments. If you cannot get in tough with your surgeon and you are worried speak to the surgeon on call. Anxiety after surgery is common and normal. Try to Relax! and don't play with your nose.

Horrible Anxiety About Ruining Result After Septoplasty! Can't Get a Hold of my Surgeon and Worried? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

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Horrible Anxiety About Ruining Result After Septoplasty! Can't Get a Hold of my Surgeon and Worried? (photo)

Answers (3)

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Septoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.