Can A Sneeze Damage My Results 1 Month Post-op?

Question

It's been 4 and a half weeks from my surgery and I just had an accident, I opened my mouth and wanted to sneeze through it but instead I sneezed through my nose. Now I don't have any pain and don't notice any difference at all but will it affect the outcome of the operation?

W. Matthew White, MD · Answer

I usually tell my patients to avoid sneezing the first week after rhinoplasty.  The main reason is to prevent bleeding.  If they must sneeze, I ask them to "sneeze through the mouth", instead of the nose (i.e., verbalize the "ahh-chooo" as they sneeze.  I would not worry!  Hang in there!

Michael A. Jazayeri, MD · Answer

At one month, the nasal bones (if osteotomies were performed) and the other areas of nose have sufficient scar tissue formation so that sneezing should not affect the result.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

Unless the sneeze created some sharp pain, discomfort and or bleeding there wouldn't be adequate force, IMHO to cause any damage to your nose 1 month after your Rhinoplasty. If you're concerned see your Rhinoplasty Surgeon for a nasal exam just to check things out.

Paul Loewenstein (retired) · Answer

If it has been 4 weeks since your surgery, you haven't done any damage by sneezing through your nose. Don't worry and enjoy your new look.

Louise Ferland, MD (retired) · Answer

you should be just fine to sneeze through your nose 4 weeks after rhinoplasty.  Bleeding or swelling is not expected at this stage if you sneeze through your nose.

Can A Sneeze Damage My Results 1 Month Post-op?

Answers (5)