Working in healthcare I’m required to wear an N95 mask 90% of the time. Will this affect my upcoming rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Question

Will continuously wearing a splint help keep my nose from being indented or manipulated by the mask ? Is there any way around keeping my nose from being damaged ?

Konstantin Tarashansky, MD, FACS · Answer

The real long term concern in your situation is incremental displacement of osteotomized bones. It takes up to 6 to 8 weeks to get to 85-90% of the pre-surgical bone strength. 
One of the compromises would be to avoid osteotomies, if it is possible. There are also commercially available silastic pads placed on the nose, but they are not sturdy enough to resist mask compression.

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello,Thank you for your question. Related to the vulnerability of the dynamic nasal structures any kind of glasses or tight covid masks which apply pressure to the nose should be avoided for at least two months after the surgery. Wearing a splint for a long time will increase the sebaseous activity and delay the recovery. Every doctor has own preoperative and post operative protocols please double check with your surgeon as well. Kind Regards

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

3 weeks after surgery you should be able to wear the mask with out problem. You may skk l so benefit from additional padding over the bridge to reduce any pressure.

Myriam Loyo, MD · Answer

Hi, you have a really good question regarding use of N95 masks early after rhinoplasty.The N95 mas does need to have a tight seal around the face to work properly and it is tighter than other masks. I just wore it yesterday for 6 hours and the bridge of my nose and ears were tenders (even without surgery).Discuss with your surgeon. I imagine planning on taking 2 to 4 weeks off (depending on how you are healing) would be best to prevent discomfort and pain.  I do think after the first 2 weeks it would be very heard for the pressure from the mask to hurt the nose  permanently or move the cartilage or bone. My concern is also you being able to tolerate the mask. Hope this helps! Good luck

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It's probably best to refrain from going back to work for approximately two weeks after the surgery. Anticipate  the regular cast to be placed on the bridge of your nose for one week, and two weeks of visible swelling and bruising. After you go back to work, another cast can be custom-made to your new nasal bridge so that your N95 mask will fit right over the top of it without affecting your new nose. Study your prospective surgeon's before and after photo gallery to make sure that it is extensive and your surgeon has lots of experience. Don't rely completely on computer imaging.

Working in healthcare I’m required to wear an N95 mask 90% of the time. Will this affect my upcoming rhinoplasty? (Photo)

Answers (5)

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