Would my Nose Become Permanently Weak After Undergoing an Osteotomy Procedure?

Question

I am considering to go under the knife and a doctor suggested osteotomy procedure to narrow my nasal bone, but I am a basketball player and I am prone to getting hurt on my face and body. Would an osteotomy procedure on my nose make my nose more vulnerable to fractures in the future?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Osteotomies performed during rhinoplasty heal quickly within a few weeks. After that period of time, the nasal bones are very durable. Find the plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties each year. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Osteotomies are required for most rhinoplasties and for re-setting a broken nose. After osteotomies have been performed, it takes approximally 6 weeks for the nose bones to heal rather solidly. It would take a significant amount of force to break the nose at this point.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

The osteotomies from a rhinoplasty do temporarily weaken the nasal bones and may take up to six months to completely heal by bony union. Once they are healed they are not permanently weak and are at no greater risk of fracture injury than someone who has never had a rhinoplasty.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Osteotomies are performed with rhinoplasty for multiple reasons. Once they heal they are pretty strong and will need to be solidly struck to fracture.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Your -nose will temporarily be weak after a rhinoplasty with fractures of the nasal bones but strength will return after healing for several months. I tell my patients to avoid any nasal trauma for 6 weeks after surgery and then to be cautious for another 4-6 months.

Would my Nose Become Permanently Weak After Undergoing an Osteotomy Procedure?

Answers (6)