Elbowed in the nose years after rhinoplasty. Could I have broken something?

Question

Hi! I had a rhinoplasty done in 2017. Almost 3 weeks ago (Saturday will be 3 weeks) I was elbowed under my nose. It bled for about 15 minutes (not gushing but some blood) and I never had any pain. Everyone I asked says my nose looks the same. I notice that under my nose and the tip looks a little swollen. Could I have broken something? I also have a little bit on tingling but not sure if I’m talking it into myself. I’m very nervous. Is it normal to still be a little swollen this long after?

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It takes over 3 months for nose bones to heal after osteotomies; three years after surgery, your bones should be as strong as if you never had rhinoplasty. There is sometimes significant swelling after nose injury and that will take several weeks to resolve. For that reason, try to be patient and give it about 3 months before you make any conclusion about possible deformity. Hope this helps. Good luck.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi Lauren! If you've had an injury to your nose and prior rhinoplasty, it's always a good idea to have your nose looked at by a surgeon. Swelling and tenderness after injury is common and may last 4-6 weeks depending on the severity. If instability is noted, then it could mean your nasal support has been compromised. Make sure to take it easy in the next few weeks while waiting to see a doctor. Hope this helps.

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Nasal trauma after rhinoplasty:Buy a few months post rhinoplasty the nasal bones are quite strong. any injury that involves a displaced fracture of the nasal bones would result in a crooked appearance of the nose which you say is unchanged. You mentioned being hit from underneath the nose. The other structure that could be traumatized is the nasal septum. While any significant trauma to the nasal septum would probably also result in a visible change, you should probably have your septum checked out to make sure it is OK. While there , the nasal bones could be checked by palpation. Nasal x-ray could also be done but after rhinoplasty the physical exam is probably more reliable than the x-ray.

Elbowed in the nose years after rhinoplasty. Could I have broken something?

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