goddess

Hi!

I had quite a big nose and last year, I had the hump decreased. About 11 days ago I had a revision rhinoplasty to cut off all the extra skin at the tip (7mm!). I took off the plaster and cast on Friday and I am confused as to whether I should massage the tip (after all that's where work has been done). It feels kinda sore and when I gently move my finger along the tip of my nose I feel like 2 hard sacs are hanging in. I am wondering if that's scar tissue? Will it like fall off? Can I actually touch the tip of my nose or do I risk doing damage to it?

Please help me out, my surgeon's in London and I had to fly out to Paris 3 days after my surgery so I can't drop by the office nor can I call since it's a Sunday.

Thank you,
Louise.

Norm

Hi Louise,

There are more knowledgeable people here who will weigh in, but my gut-level response is (1) give it time, since you can't be sure of the actual results while it's still freshly healing, and (2) as long as it's healing, avoid touching or putting any pressure on it.

goddess

Hi Norm
Thank you for your response. I am honestly really worried that the scar tissue will harden if I don't massage it. I remember when I asked her if I should massage right after the operation, she said ''Not now, give it 10 days'' I forgot to ask if that meant 10 days after the cast has been taken off or 10 days after the operation...

Norm

I see what you're saying. My main advice then would be not to worry too much until you can reach the doctor's office. If they said wait 10 days, then two more days is really unlikely to make any difference. On the other hand, as long as the cast is off, I don't suppose very light massage will do any great harm while you wait to talk to them. But again, this is just a lay person's opinion, so take it with a grain of salt.

robyne00

Do not massage unless your doc told you to do so. Also, you must do it exactly as the surgeon instructs you, or you might create further issues.

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I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

goddess

Hi Robyn,
Thank you so much for your reply. I gave her a call today and she said that I can massage it (with my thumb and index finger in a circular motion) to reduce the swelling. I asked her if I risk moving the cartilage and she said that it's been over a week and by now the nose has completely healed so it's ok.

I am really really worried of the the development of solid scar tissue. I have heard horror stories about cortisone shots and how the the nose looks stuffed up as a result of the tissue inside. I really hope it doesn't happen to me.

robyne00

Hi goddess and welcome to the forum!!!

The nose has completely healed in a week??? Your surgeon said this? Is she referring only to the skin that was removed?

Do you know how long to massage for? How many times per day? These are important factors.

What exactly makes you think you have scar tissue? Please elaborate.

__________________
I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

goddess

Yes that's what she said verbatim The hump was taken down in the first surgery, and in my revision she really only cut off the extra skin in the tip which caused the nose to flail down. She said to gently massage it for 10 seconds 10 times a day and to add a pressure that I'm comfortable with. The scar tissue that I'm feeling on either side of the nose is really hard, like they're sacs filled with dry blood or something... When I had my first surgery I experienced the same thing but not to the same extent and they virtually vanished within a month, but due to the surgery this time being concentrated on the tip it is a lot more. When you look at me face to face you can actually some what notice the little bumps but they are not super obvious.

robyne00

Hi Louise,

Does it feel better when you massage your nose?

You might need to wait it out, as was the case in the first surgery. Definitely monitor your progress and keep your surgeon updated. If anything seems amiss notify your surgeon at once.

Maybe you can post some pics if it is a visible problem. This might help forum members evaluate your issue in an ameliorated fashion. Remember a picture is worth 1,000 words!

__________________
I am an unpaid volunteer super moderator. I receive no remuneration from this site. Although I am a medical professional, any recommendations, statements, advice, or opinions I provide are mine, and mine alone. Consult carefully with the medical professional of your choice. All statements, recommendations, opinions, and advice expressed by me are mine personally – independent of the site and made as a forum member only – and do not necessarily reflect those of PlasticSurgerySpot.com.

la_angel

I'm surprised at the lack of guidance your surgeon has gave you for the massaging! She should have gave you detailed instructions before the surgery even took place.

Unfortunately only she will be able to tell you exactly how and when you should be massaging it (only she knows what was done to your nose. Don't hesitate to call her multiple times if need be... she should have gone over all of these concerns with her. Of course we love having you be a part of this forum and asking these questions here too but I know we are in no way a substitute for medical advice from your doctor.