Hit on nose after rhinoplasty: Will the outcomes of your rhinoplasty be ruined?

As you know, rhinoplasty is a surgery that can change the shape or size of your nose. This surgery can be done either for aesthetic or medical reasons. You should know that taking care of your nose after surgery is essential. Therefore, every patient needs to be aware of rhinoplasty aftercare. One of the problems that may happen to every patient is that they may hit on the nose (or bump on the nose) after the procedure. But can a hit on the nose after rhinoplasty ruin the results of surgery? This article will help you to find out.

Generally speaking, your nose is vulnerable to injury even if you haven’t ever had rhinoplasty. This is why the person who had a rhinoplasty needs to be very careful about all their movements for some time after the nose procedure. if you hit your nose accidentally, you need to take some quick action.

According to the study of Longevita, hitting on the nose can be different depending on the severity of the injury or the level of your recovery. Usually, you don’t need to worry about a light hit. However, if the impact of the hit is significant, it can injure the nasal structure of your nose, especially in the first few weeks after the procedure. In general, it may take 6 months or more for the tissues inside the nose to heal and regain its strength. Additionally, the patient will have a cast on their nose for one week after the operation. Its padding can provide extra protection for some time but when it comes off, you need to be more careful.

If you hit your nose after rhinoplasty and are experiencing severe pain (which is a normal response by the body), excessive bleeding, difficulty breathing, green or yellow pus discharging from the incision site, high fever, a bad smell coming from the incision site, or displaced nasal structure, there is a possibility that you have permanently damaged your nose.  Some individuals also experience swelling after a traumatic event, but it is not always considered a deep injury. Your swelling should subside after some weeks, but if it doesn’t, there may be a fracture and you should contact the surgeon immediately and get examined.What Should You Do if You

Hit Your Nose After Rhinoplasty?

If you hit your nose after the surgery, it is necessary to get in touch with the surgeon immediately. The surgeon will ask for photos of your nose to look for any visible changes or fractures. He or she may recommend that you massage your nose for some months. If your nose is deformed, you will have to get back to the doctor for either a manual realignment or a revision surgery. It depends on the nature and extent of the injury. In this case, an X-ray may be needed so that the surgeon can see the injured areas underneath the tissues. Therefore, if you’ve hit your nose at any time after your procedure, you should get examined by the surgeon

If you hit your nose after the nose surgery, you should do the following tips:

1. Apply a cold compress to the area you hit to decrease any swelling.
2. Contact the surgeon as fast as you can to check for any possible damage.
3. Follow the doctor’s instructions on how to sleep, wear your nose splint, refrain from physical activity, and take care of your hydration and diet.

How Can You Prevent Getting Hit on Your Nose After Rhinoplasty?

To prevent getting hit on your nose after your procedure, there are some things you better be aware of. These include:

1. Sleeping:

There are several different ways that you can end up hitting your nose while you are sleeping. For example, it could be due to tossing and turning, pressing your arm or hand on your face, or someone (or your pet for example) sleeping next to you hitting your nose. To avoid getting hit on your nose while sleeping, prop a few pillows around yourself so that you don’t toss and turn. This will also create distance from someone sleeping next to you. If that is not possible, you better consider sleeping alone. make sure your head stays elevated, you could lie down in a recliner.

2. Sports:

Activities that raise the likelihood of a nose trauma should be avoided or limited, based on where you’re in the healing process. Surgeons usually recommend patients avoid contact sports such as football, hockey, basketball, lacrosse, or volleyball at least 6 months after the surgery. This is because the impact is very likely to be significant, enough to injure or even break the nose. Therefore, to prevent your nose from getting hit, make sure to refrain from contact sports for as long as recommended by your surgeon.

3. Kids & Pets:

It’s so easy to get smacked in the face when you are around or playing with them. That is why you should keep your distance from kids or pets as much as you can. Additionally, you may get elbowed in the face by an adult. Therefore, it is better to keep a safe distance from anyone around you to avoid any hit on your nose. 

4. Lifting:

Often, doctors advise avoiding lifting anything for about 6 weeks after rhinoplasty. This is mostly because it can worsen swelling and cause bleeding and bruising. But in this case, there is the possibility of the risk of injury to your face, which is why you better avoid it.

5. Nasal Splint:

You should wear a nasal splint for as long as the doctor recommends, usually around a week. A nasal splint will protect your nose and help maintain its shape.

6. Activities:

You better refrain from activities that can risk falling or hitting your nose, like washing your hair, leaning over sinks, or cleaning the floor.

7.  Lifestyle:

Follow a healthy diet, get lots of rest, and drink plenty of water. This will increase the process of healing and reduce swelling and inflammation.

8. Cold Compress:

If you are experiencing any pain or discomfort, apply a cold compress to your nose. This will also help decrease swelling and bruising.

There are other situations in which your nose can get hit. For example, many individuals drop their phone on their face while they are using it since it may slip, or they are just about to doze off. Other common accidents can include hitting the nose on any kind of door (like the door of a refrigerator). In addition, you could trip on something in your way, especially since looking down can be more difficult with the cast and swelling. Remember to be very careful about all these things. It is better to care for your nose than hitting your nose and dreading the consequences.

When to See the Surgeon

A high-impact blow to your nose can be a cause for concern, especially when there is extreme swelling, bruising, or a fracture. If you are experiencing nose trauma, it is better to consult the plastic surgeon to see if there is evidence of lingering damage. Keep in mind that it can take several months for your nose to fully recover from a significant injury. In general, it is advisable to wait to correct any cosmetic concerns until the nose has healed. The surgeon can determine if there is a significant deformity that may need a revision rhinoplasty – and the best time to schedule it.

Does Hitting on the Nose After Rhinoplasty Affect the Results?

It depends on the severity of the impact and the stage of the recovery. A minor hit may not cause damage, but a significant hit may result in swelling, bleeding, deviation, or fracture. If you hit your nose after the rhinoplasty procedure, you should apply a cold compress, contact the surgeon, and follow the surgeon’s instructions.