When is my Nose Bone Strong Enough to Not Break Easily After Rhinoplasty?

This is a great question. After 2 weeks the bones will no longer be able to be moved with direct pressure. However they won't yet be strong. In fact they never regain their original strength. They will be strong enough to withstand a reasonable bump after 2 months.

I tell my patients that they can resume their normal activities (including those that may cause minor nasal trauma) about 6 weeks after the surgery because as you correctly pointed out bones heal in about 6 weeks.  

Hi Samantha6868,

The nasal bones are never as strong after rhinoplasty as compared to pre-surgery. However, typically after 6 to 8 weeks from surgery, the bones are strong enough that special precautions are no longer required. Speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any concerns you have, and only after a comprehensive evaluation can a surgeon help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

Your nose will never be as durable as it was before your surgery. But your osteotomies heal rather quickly: usually in around 2 weeks. In my practice, there are no limitations on physical activity 3 weeks after Rhinoplasty Surgery. You should, however, be cautious not to traumatize your new nose.

I hope this is helpful for you.

Regards from NJ.

Usually by 4 weeks the bones are healed enough to withstand minimal trauma without shifting or re-breaking it.

At 8 weeks out from rhinoplasty surgery, or a nosejob, you should have fairly good stability of your nasal bones. It is usually sufficiently strong to resist minor pressure. But don't get a false sense of security. If you had other reshaping of the nose, such as tip work or cartilage grafting, these areas are still quite susceptible to minor traumas. As always, make sure you discuss things in detail with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Good luck and happy healing.

nasal bone usaually heals and strengthens by about 8 weeks after surgery. this can vary among people depending on their diet, medical condition, and health. I ask my patients not to wear glasses for about 2 weeks and not to play contact sports for 8 weeks.

Technically, the nasal bones after osteotomies do not really completely heal by bony union for almost a year after rhinoplasty. On a practical basis, however, it is fair to say that they do not easily move after 1 to 2 months after surgery. I am not sure what type of trauma exposure you are anticipating but it would be wise to avoid contact sports for at least 3 months after your rhinoplasty.

The response will be all over the place depending on a particular practice. We have been in practice over 25 years, and allow our patients full activity after four weeks and have had no problems. You can and should be careful longer, but your nose will be firmly healed and all sports are permissible. We do not suggest any sports however that result in blows to the face or nose, as these are never suggested after rhinoplasty. Nasal bones heal by a 'fibrous' union, unlike a long bone and the fracture lines are evident on an x-ray years after. Also unlike long bones, after healing nasal bones become more easily displaced or fractured again if hit, therefore contact sports come at a great risk to your investment.
Best of luck,
peterejohnsonmd

I advise my patients to avoid nasal trauma for 6 weeks after rhinoplasty surgery. Having said that, please don't return to your rugby team that soon. Good Luck!