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Rhinoplasty Healing - Will the Shape Change?

I just had rhinoplasty. I am worried that chewing/eating, laughing, talking will change the intended shape of my new nose. Could this potentially happen? Several times my boyfriend has made me laugh pretty hard and I could feel everything move in my nose. I don't know if it is the swelling etc. but i am worried. I still have my splint and stitches it but get them out tomorrow. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks :)

Doctor Answers 8

April 16th, 2011

Post-Rhinoplasty Changes

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It shouldn't but I urge yoiu to have this discussion with your surgeon and follow his/her post Rhinoplasty advice and instructions, not mine as I'm not the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that did your Rhinoplasty.

Learn more: http://www.drfpalmer.com

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD
January 25th, 2011

Shape change after rhinoplasty

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What you have described (talking, chewing, laughing) should not affect your final result. Certainly, in this early post-operative period, it is important to avoid any trauma or pressure to the nose, but otherwise, you shouldn't worry. As long as you are following your surgeon's instructions, then you should be fine.

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD

Ryan Greene, MD, PhD
Fort Lauderdale Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 83 reviews

January 22nd, 2011

Normal facial motion after a rhinoplasty will not cause a problem

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During a rhinoplasty, the nasal bones are often broken, and with firm pressure with the fingers or another external force, the bones may easily move in the early days after the surgery.  Normal motion of the face, such as laughing,  would not move the bones, and you should not be concerned about that.

Roger J. Oldham, MD
Bethesda Plastic Surgeon

January 21st, 2011

Rhinoplasty Healing

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It is best to do everything in moderation. Talk to your surgeon for specific instructiions. The biggest concern is direct trauma to the nose.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 40 reviews

January 17th, 2011

Questions after rhinoplasty

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All these are good questions that I am sure that your surgeon can answer during your post-op visit during suture removal. 

Learn more: http://www.stevenwallachmd.com

Steven Wallach, MD
January 16th, 2011

Changes in nasal shape after rhinoplasty

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The most important thing is to follow your surgeon' advice and post operative wound care instructions. Remain in close contact with your surgeon.

Learn more: http://www.bodysculptor.com/

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
January 15th, 2011

What to expect after rhinoplasty

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Dear Rhinoplasty Patient,
This is a very common concern and anxiety that is experienced by rhinoplasty patients. Laughing and normal facial activity will not influence the long term healing results. Generally, a cast is placed on the nose for one week after rhinoplasty. This helps with swelling, but shortly after removing the cast, the nose usually swells. By the end of the second week, the nose is starting to take some of its. Good luck and good healing.
 

Learn more: http://www.galleryofcosmeticsurgery.com/face-procudures/rhinoplasty.html

Kevin Sadati, DO
January 12th, 2011

Laughter is the best medicine

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No, you won't affect anything by laughing.  The outside and inside of your nose are sensitive and that is why it feels like everything will move.  Everything that was done inside should be secured by sutures, etc. Laughing and keeping a positive attitude is advantageous to your recovery!

Jennifer Keagle, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.