Nose job before competing in a combative sport like boxing and MMA?

Question

I see other people asking about nose jobs and fighting. I see the answers are that they don't mix and its not recommended. But they usually ask about jobs that require work on the nose cartilage. I don't know much about nose jobs but what if I just want my nostrils to not flare so much when I smile? And maybe some skin reduction since my nose skin is thick. Will getting hit in the nose repeatedly ruin it? Can I mess up my nose for good

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Hi,Being hit on the nose repeatedly can have a detrimental outcome on your nose long term. Short term, if hit while recovering from skin excision, scarring, open wounds may be an issue. You may end up needing bone/cartilage surgery on your nose if boxing/fighting continues.Best wishes,

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello semperfi117,Thanks for your question.While you may be able to narrow your nostrils, thinning of the skin will be impossible with surgery. Additionally hits to the nose during combat sports will thicken and blunt the nose.  For these reasons, it doesn't make sense to expect prolonged results after a rhinoplasty.I hope this was helpful.Dr. Shah

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Semperfi117,A rhinoplasty or nose job is designed to change the appearance of the nose.  If you have thick skin before, you will have thick skin afterwards.  That is not a characteristic that can be changed.  If you are bothered that your nostrils are wide but only when you smile, that too would not be readily corrected.  The nostrils can be made more narrow if they are flaring, but that will be present at rest, not just when you smile.  As far as MMA and fighting, you generally want to avoid any rhinoplasty if someone is continuing to participate in sports where there is repeated trauma to the nose.  If all you wanted was to improve nasal flaring, that could likely be performed, but you would have to avoid MMA for sometime afterwards to give it a chance to heal.  Otherwise a hit to the face could cause your wound to open up.  I'd recommend you consult with a facial plastic surgeon to go over your goals.  Then the appropriate surgical options can be discussed.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Nose job before competing in a combative sport like boxing and MMA?

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Nose job before competing in a combative sport like boxing and MMA?

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