Nose Ruined After I Accidentally Bumped It

A slight bump after a rhinoplasty is OK.   If the bump is quite severe (enough to cause a fair amount of pain), then potentially the structure of your nasal work could be altered.  However, unless you are having your nasal skeleton completely rebuilt, as in a major reconstruction, then the strength of native cartilages are designed to withstand mild to moderate bumps.  The splint should help to shield any bumps as well.  If you see major bending of the splint, then your doctor can re-bend the splint to help continue ithe alignment of your nose postoperatively.  You need to notify your doctor immediately if you have concerns.  In general, in the immediate postoperative period, your care is best done with your own doctor rather then with doctors who are unfamiliar with your surgery. 

Bumps are pertty common right after surgery and that's one of the benefits of having the splint on the outside. It really does help protect the nose from such events (much like wearing a helmet). I'd talk to your surgeon to make sure everything is healing okay, though.

I agree with my colleagues that your nose is likely just fine after being "bumped" three days following rhinoplasty. This IS a common complaint and our noses are always sustaining slight trauma. I do recommend that you call your plastic surgeon's office to briefly discuss and determine if your doctor wants you to followup in the office, for peace of mind.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Hi nicksummers,

Generally, minor bumps to the nose immediately after rhinoplasty surgery do not result in problems. Speak with your plastic surgeon for evaluation, only he/she can help determine appropriate options for you. Best of luck.

Dr. Chaboki

 

A slight bump after rhinoplasty while stil in a splint is unlikely to have caused a problem. If you are overly concerned, you can speak with your doctor.