What are the telltale signs you messed up your rhinoplasty?

Question

It seems like there's a lot of questions from patients worried about compromising their rhinoplasty results. I share a lot of those anxieties. After a small brush or light itch I think I've annihlated my nose. But a rhinoplasty has to be much more durable than that, right? Prolonging swelling is one thing, but altering the results/new shape of the nose has to be pretty noticeable. What are the telltale signs that you've ruined your rhinoplasty? (I'm 1 1/2 weeks post tip-plasty & I gotta relax)

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

The question of ruining your rhinoplasty is appropriate but overly emphasized. You are right, the nose is very strong, however the newly manipulated nose fragments are fragile and have to be protected for several weeks. A light brush will not do damage. An elbow on the basketball court will be devastating. You can't play tennis, for instance, for six weeks. Wear your glasses, but be careful. The result is totally stable after six weeks and it really takes quite a blow to do some damage. There is nothing that can't be fixed if it does happen.

What are the telltale signs you messed up your rhinoplasty?

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