When Osteotomy is Done to Narrow Nasal Bones, Could the Bones Shift Back and Move?

Question

How long it takes for the bone to heal and stabalize, inorder not to "spring back" to its pre-op position?

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

The nasal bones certainly can move after osteotomies and is probably the most important reason not to bump your nose after rhinoplasty.  Sometimes that bones are only "greenstick fractured" and not particularly mobile.  Other times, the fracture is clean and they can be quite mobile for a couple weeks and capable to movement with light trauma up to 6 weeks.

Rod J. Rohrich, MD · Answer

Often a rhinoplasty does not require osteotomies. If it does, it is used to 1. close an open roof nasal base or 2. refine the dorsum. If done through an external percutaneous approach it can be carefully controlled as it does not spring back to the pre-operative position.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Nasal bone healing after osteotomy takes only 2-3 weeks to be relatively stable if the osteotomies were complete and therefore, they don't spring back.

Houtan Chaboki, MD · Answer

Yes, nasal bones can potentially move after rhinoplasty. Cosmetic nose surgery typically involves an osteotomy, where the nasal bones are cut. One may think of an osteotomy as a controlled "broken nose". Any potential movement usually occurs within the first couple weeks after rhinoplasty. Therefore, be careful and avoid contact sports or activity where the nose may be hit. Generally, the nasal bones will fuse and become stable 6 weeks after rhinoplasty.

	Your plastic surgeon will help guide you during your recovery process. Best of luck.

	Dr. Chaboki

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Nasal bones are pretty set 2-3 weeks after osteotomy with complete fusion at 6 weeks.  Complete osteotomies will not migrate. Incomplete ones may shift during healing.

When Osteotomy is Done to Narrow Nasal Bones, Could the Bones Shift Back and Move?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal bone movement after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal bone movement after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Osteotomy

Answer: Osteotomy

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When Osteotomy is Done to Narrow Nasal Bones, Could the Bones Shift Back and Move?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal bone movement after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Nasal bone movement after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Osteotomy

Answer: Osteotomy

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.