Did I Mess Up my Nose Job or Am I Just Being Paranoid?

Question

Hi I underwent rhinoplasty last week and got the cast removed just recently and the doctor told me that the nose is extremely fragile and and that I should be very careful with the nose for about 6 weeks. No touching and absolutely no hits on the nose, because "that would traumatize the tissues more than they are and risk moving the nose out of alignment". However, ever since, I've gotten random accidental hits on the nose from friends. It didn't hurt much, but did it possibly hurt the nosejob?

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

It would take a fairly significant blow to the nose to damage a rhinoplasty after a week.  Minor trauma to the nose is of no consequence and your're cognizant of it because you just had surgery.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

It is unlikely that you have “messed up” or greatly affected
the results of your recent nose job. Though it is true, as you said, that you
should avoid direct contact with your nose as much as possible especially in
the first weeks after surgery, sometimes such contact is simply unavoidable.
Random accidental hits as those you have described are expected in normal
day-to-day interactions. If you are still worried that your nose has been
negatively impacted, contact your surgeon and schedule a follow-up visit to
track your progress and assess your condition in person.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Jessica (said in a stern voice like your father)!

	Did you really mean "random," "accidental," and "friends?"

	If you decided to "test" your surgeon's advice and try something else, do you really want to pay for revision surgery? Maybe your "friends" will offer to take up a collection for your repeat surgery if you DID mess up your nose.

	I liked Dr. Aldea's answer, but some patients really need a bit more encouragement to do what they already know is right for them. Or do you want to see just how many random accidental hits on your nose that don't hurt too bad it will take to damage your rhinoplasty?

	Your surgeon obviously takes his craft and your result seriously--you would be wise to do the same! For now, only time will tell if your nose has survived its "inadvertent" trauma.

	But really, stay out of the clubs and away from alcohol and those "friends!"

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi Jess,

	Be more careful!  Have your rhinoplasty surgeon check your nose.  Most likely all will be well.

	Dr. P

Robert Whitfield, MD · Answer

Hopefully nothing is wrong with your nose.  I have had patients have their nose caught in elevator doors or being hit in the face randomly.  When in doubt go back and get a splint to wear.

Did I Mess Up my Nose Job or Am I Just Being Paranoid?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bumping Nose Repeatedly After Rhinoplasty Not Best Idea

Answer: Bumping Nose Repeatedly After Rhinoplasty Not Best Idea

Answer: Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

Answer: Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

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Did I Mess Up my Nose Job or Am I Just Being Paranoid?

Answers (7)

Answer: Bumping Nose Repeatedly After Rhinoplasty Not Best Idea

Answer: Bumping Nose Repeatedly After Rhinoplasty Not Best Idea

Answer: Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

Answer: Dr. Robert Whitfield, MD, FACS

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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