Is it best to avoid possible hits to the nose after rhinoplasty?

Question

I saw a doctor say you can NEVER hit your nose ever again, not ever play any contact sport where you could potentially get hit. Is this true? If so i’m not sure why this surgery exists as getting hit or bumped in the nose is common specially if I want kids one day, have animals, wants to play basketball with friends, play volleyball at the beach, etc. do i have to not get hit the rest of my life?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

The nose is not in danger of having more problems after rhinoplasty if a direct shot is taken, but a patient's nose can always be broken, just like someone who hasn't undergone surgery. It's just a chance you take and would factor that into consideration of when to do the surgery - maybe get it done after the boxing career is over.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The overwhelming majority of patients who undergo rhinoplasty surgery do not experience subsequent nasal trauma. This conversation may come up if we are consulting with somebody that plays contact sports. When patience request rhinoplasty surgery and also want to compete in sports, we typically recommend a Murray mask. I hope this is helpful! Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

You want to avoid getting hit in the nose after your rhinoplasty especially in the first year while you are healing. However, it does not mean you cannot resume your daily life. If you play sports there is a special face mask you can wear to protect your nose especially during the first year. You want to be cautious of your new nose but do not let it stop you from living.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

The nose isn't particularly fragile after a rhinoplasty. In fact, I think the nose is *less* likely to get broken after a post-operative bonk than *before* surgery! The pre-surgery bones are brittle, and they break relatively easily with a strong hit. After surgery, though, the bones, which have often been moved, have healed with firm scar tissue, and they can flex with a big bonk and not move out of place. And the cartilage part of the nose doesn't tend to break, because of its inherent flexibility and the flexibility of its attachments to surrounding structures.

Don't take boxing lessons without a helmet. But don't give up on the activities that you love, either!

Peter Chang, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!

The initial healing process takes about two to three weeks. However, the bones are usually pretty stable by the three month mark. You want to definitely exercise caution but should be able to resume normal activities.

Best of Luck!

Is it best to avoid possible hits to the nose after rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

Answer: Oh, piffle. You can go back to your previous activities just fine.

Answer: Oh, piffle. You can go back to your previous activities just fine.

Answer: Hits to nose

Answer: Hits to nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Is it best to avoid possible hits to the nose after rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

Answer: Oh, piffle. You can go back to your previous activities just fine.

Answer: Oh, piffle. You can go back to your previous activities just fine.

Answer: Hits to nose

Answer: Hits to nose

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.