Have I damaged my nose by popping pimples 1 year after rhinoplasty? Please help!

Question

I have a tendency to pick and scratch at my nose subconciously.... I always tend to scratch off tiny blackheads and today i got a HUGE zit right front and centre of my nose, it was on the cartilage. I gently squeezed all the pus out and after i was done i started to freak out. my nose it swollen now(where i popped the zit) and i am worried i might have ruined somthing... please help. i have thick skin.

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

It's unlikely you damaged your rhinoplasty result by picking pimples. If you actually have a suture reaction you may need a permanent suture removed by your surgeon.   If you chronically pick you may create depressed acne scars on your nose which would require treatment.   Stop picking and see your dermatologist for optimum management of your acne.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is important not tried popping acne or pimples on the nose as it can lead to severe infection.  Most likely has not caused any structural damage.  You should see a dermatologist on a plastic surgeon for high quality skin care to prevent these pimples and acne formation instead of trying to pop them.RegardsDr. J

M. Azhar Ali, MD, FACS · Answer

It is very unlikely that you can cause damage to your nose. Sometimes if permanent sutures are used on thin skin patients, they can cause irritation and pustule formation as well.  I recommend seeing your surgeon.

Have I damaged my nose by popping pimples 1 year after rhinoplasty? Please help!

Answers (3)