Touching nose after rhinoplasty - 1 week post-op.

Question

Hello, i had a rhinoplasty surgery 1 week ago and today my splint was removed. My doctor said that few times a day i will have to form uneven places of my nose with my fingers to even them out, otherwise the surgery might be ruined. Though i have never seen an advice like this here, doctors say that u shouldn't touch your nose after rhinoplasty. What do you think ?

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

You should listen to your surgeon's advice as that's who knows your nose best. It is normally fine to touch your nose after surgery, in my experience.

Daniel Barrett, MD · Answer

Dear adelasardele,every plastic surgeon has his own postoperative protocol which he recommends to his patients. I would suggest you to discuss this with your plastic surgeon.Daniel Barrett, MD, MHA, MS 
Certified, American Board of Plastic Surgery  
Member, Am. Society of Plastic Surgery

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Its certainly acceptable to touch your nose one week after your rhinoplasty procedure. In our practice, we place a cast across the nose for the first week to prevent the nasal bones from shifting

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

What your plastic surgeon is recommending that you do is actually quite common and acceptable. Follow his/her advice. If you don't understand what you are told or the reason for it - ASK!Steven Turkeltaub, MD

Jordan P. Sand, MD · Answer

Hi adelesardele and thank you for your question.
I typically ask my patients not to disturb the nose if they can. However, depending on the situation, there may be an area that needs digital massage. Many surgeons have different post-operative regimens and I would recommend discussing with your surgeon their post-operative instructions and rationale.
Good luck!

Touching nose after rhinoplasty - 1 week post-op.

Answers (6)