I have a question about nose tip cartilage. Can it be seriously damaged by hard pinching? Should I consult a doctor?

Question

I have a question about nose tip cartilage. Two nights ago, my boyfriend pinched the area in between my nostrils but also encompassing the lower part of the tip of my nose. It was an extremely hard pinch--a pain I have never felt before. Clear liquid began to drain from my nostrils for most of the night. Should I be worried about long-term damage to that area of my nose? I'm worried that the intricacies of my cartilage may have been slightly crushed or otherwise traumatized.

John Dean, MD · Answer

Pinching of the nose will not cause cartilage damage unless the pinching is so strong as to cause fracture and bleeding.  I don't believe finger pinching could generate that much force. Swelling, pain and drainage could definitely occur but shouldn't leave any permanent damage.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD · Answer

External manipulation to the nose will not cause any physical change to your nose.  You should not have any permanent problem.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

This is highly unlikely to cause any long term problems for you. Most nasal traumas that cause problems and require repair result from high energy trauma (punch, fall, car accident) that fracture and damage the cartilage. Pinching is unlikely to cause any permanent injury. Best. Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Pinching might have caused discomfort and drainage but it is unlikely to cause actual damage to nasal cartilage.  Nasal cartilage is very resilient.

Stephen M. Davis, MD, FACS · Answer

The odds low that there was actual damage, due to the elasticity of the nasal cartilages. If you see a change or if you are concerned then an in person evaluation would be your best option.Good LuckStephen M. Davis, MD, FACSGreen Hills Plastic SurgeryNashville, Tennessee

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Hwpbellemeade,The nasal cartilage is very elastic and has a great memory (meaning it wants to stay in the shape it is in).  It sounds like you took quite a pinch to the nose.  Unless it was hard enough to fracture the cartilage which usually happens with a direct hit, it would be unlikely to cause any serious damage.  The biggest question would be do you notice any difference in how your nose appears.  if you do, then there is a chance it was fractured.  My recommendation would be to consult with a facial plastic surgeon to better evaluate your nose and determine if any real damage occurred.  I hope this helps and good luck.

I have a question about nose tip cartilage. Can it be seriously damaged by hard pinching? Should I consult a doctor?

Answers (6)

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