Would I be able to rub my nose vigorously after having had rhinoplasty?

Question

I'm interested in having rhinoplasty done on my nose; however, I have severe allergies and at time my nose itches so badly that I rub it vigorously with the palm of my hand. Would doing something like this be a "no, no" after having rhinoplasty? I'm talking about days, weeks, months after having rhinoplasty. I'm talking years and years later. Will my nose remain easily injured indefinitely?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

After the first six weeks following rhinoplasty, the nose is fairly stable with scar.Kenneth Hughes, MDLos Angeles, CA

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

Allergies can play a role in the nose.  Nasal itchiness and rhinorrhea can sometimes be improved with intranasal maneuvers.  In general, limited manipulation of the nose is acceptable 6 weeks to 6 months after a rhinoplasty procedure depending on the type of rhinoplasty performed.  Ideally, controlling your symptoms, either medically or surgically, will hopefully reduce the desire to rub your nose.

Stephen M. Becker, MD · Answer

Thank you for you question. Manipulation of your nose is only a concern during the acute healing time. After 6 weeks you should be fine.

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

Once your nose is well-healed, rubbing is safe. This would require 6 weeks of hands-off your nose! Your nose will remain numb and firm-feeling for 6-12 months after surgery, so the numbness might reduce the itchy sensation, at least early after surgery.The problem, of course, is waiting that 6 weeks before you traumatize not-yet-durably-healed tissues!Once healed, the nose is just as strong as it was before surgery, but it can still be broken by a blow, brawl, beer bottle, bitchy broad, or baseball! Perhaps a daily non-drowsy antihistamine (Claritin, Zyrtek, Allegra, etc.) might help your allergy symptoms while allowing daily functioning without as much itching. Best wishes! Dr. Tholen

Jonathan Pontell, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi.  Once the nose has healed from the type of rhinoplasty that I do, it is more structurally sound (stronger) then it was before surgery.  I use cartilage grafts to get a very nice result and support the nose very well.  I don't remove large amounts of cartilage as was done with old fashioned rhinoplasty. After a few months, you would be able to rub your nose.  Good luck.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rubbing your nose gently after rhinoplasty is usually OK. Vigorous rubbing may be painful and not appropriate for 3-4 weeks.

Jay M. Pensler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Good question.The nose is fairly stable at two weeks after surgery. You wear a splint for a week so with the splint on not much to rub. After a month the nose should be solid and you can rub away.

Somyos Kunachak, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

During the first 2 weeks post-op, oral antihistamine will keep you away from the itching symptom of allergy. After 2 weeks, steroid nasal spray may be added if needed. After 6-8 weeks, you may do what you normally do with your nose before you had rhinoplasty.

Would I be able to rub my nose vigorously after having had rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

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Would I be able to rub my nose vigorously after having had rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)

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