Hitting Nose After Septoplasty and Rhinoplasty Affect Healing?

The nose is a relatively fragile structure that’s prone to
injury because of its location. After
rhinoplasty and septoplasty it takes about six to eight weeks for the nose to
regain most of its pre-operative strength. During this period the nose is very susceptible to injury if
bumped. If the impact is severe the
nasal bones may actually be displaced and this might result in the need for
secondary revisional surgery.Fortunately,
your history suggest that your nasal trauma was relatively minor. This level of trauma shouldn’t be associated
with secondary deformities or have negative consequences.Following
surgery we ask patients to avoid situations that might result in trauma for at
least eight weeks following these procedures. Patients should avoid contact sports and other activities where the nose
is at risk.In patients who can’t avoid
these situations, rhinoplasty and septoplasty should be delayed until they are
able to protect their nose.

The nose gets stronger each day after a septorhinoplasty.  It is paramount that the nose is not hit during this period as it is delicate.  This is especially true if grafts were used or a complex reconstruction of the nose was utilized.

While a small tap is unlikely to alter the appearance of the nose, it definitely can.  You should speak openly with your surgeon about this and have him/her follow your nose along.  Often times it is not possible to tell if a hit to the nose was disruptive until much of the swelling has dissipated.  

We are all told not to move/shift the nose after surgery because it's in a weakened state and could more easily be altered. However over 20 years of practice only a few times has the course of healing been negatively affected by an injury. A small 'tap' on the nose is unlikely to cause trouble.