Popping pimples after rhinoplasty. Could this be damaging?

Question

2 weeks post op and ive been getting HORRIBLE pimples on my nose. Tons of tiny whiteheads.. And i've been popping them (gently) with a plastic toothpick. I've just not been able to stop doing this because they bother me so much.  *i have thick skin

Emmanuel Mallol Cotes, MD · Answer

Thank you very much for enquire.It's too early to make value judgments with only 2 weeks after a rhinoplasty.Swelling after a rhinoplasty depends of the surgery complexity.In this regard, the nasal swelling Post-op It can last from two weeks to two months.To reduce this swelling, I recommend you perform delicates daily lymphatic drainage massage therapy over the face (around the nose) avoid sun exposure, and take pain/inflamation pills, as your surgeron precribe you.Kind regards, Dr. Emmanuel Mallol Cotes.-

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

I would not recommend popping pimples after rhinoplasty.  It's common to get them early on after surgery.   You should use a good facial cleanser and toner.  Glycolic  acid wipes are also very helpful.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is fairly common for the skin to be pretty oily and sometimes to develop whiteheads . I would discuss with your surgeon. It is not a good idea to "pop" them with an unsterile device.

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

I would speak with your surgeon directly about this. If you were my patient, I would ask you to avoid picking because it can lead to more scar tissue and discoloration of the skin. I usually recommend using a toner or astringent a few times per day which will improve the oiliness of the skin and reduce the acne. It will improve with time. Best of luck

John B. Lazor, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It is not uncommon to have pimples on the nose after rhinoplasty, especially during the first week when the cast is removed.  Please refrain from "popping" the pimples as this creates swelling and potential infection. Gently clean the nose with soap and water

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear ashleykm,

A rhinoplasty procedure can aggravate
the sebaceous glands of the nose and lead to milia or pimples.  Generally, with a medical toner and cleanser
and astringent with or without blue light therapy these pimples will resolve.  Great care should be taken not to aggressively
squeeze pimples or it could result in scarring or displacement of underlying
cartilaginous structures.

Visit your plastic surgeon’s office
as soon as possible to find out what kind of post-rhinoplasty skin care they
can offer to minimize further outbreaks of acne.

I hope this information is of some
assistance and best of luck.

To find out more, please visit the
link below.

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified Plastic Surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

Popping pimples after rhinoplasty. Could this be damaging?

Answers (6)

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