TikTok Influencer’s Nose Job Left Her With a ‘Dripping’ Nose 24/7—Plastic Surgeon Reveals If It’s Normal or Botched

TikTok influencer Olivia Dayton built a strong follower base by keeping it raw and real while sharing bits from her life. It was earlier this year, in February, that she stirred the internet after she candidly shared the side effects she experienced after having a rhinoplasty. She revealed that she had a nasal discharge “24/7” following the procedure. Now, a plastic surgeon shared his views on the alleged potential aftereffects of the cosmetic procedure.

The TikTok creator posted a video on her TikTok flipping her hair back that caused fluid dripping from her nose. She wrote over the clip, “Just a PSA if you want to get a nose job, your nose will decide it wants to drip 24/7,” and captioned the post, “When you get sick it really is 24/7 lol, BUT I’D DO IT AGAIN IN A HEARTBEAT.”

Several internet users reacted to the post, with many expressing concerns. A user said, ” I fear that’s … not something that is normal,” and another user commented, “PSA this is NOT normal.” A section of users also insisted that Dayton check with a medical expert, as one comment read, “That’s clear liquid, probably CSF. GO TO YOUR DOCTOR!” and one said, “Check for a cerebral spinal fluid leak!! Snot shouldn’t reeeeeeaally be dripping like that.”

Another added, “Girl no. See a dr. It’s not supposed to.” One of the users shared, “Hey, you might have a synechia! I had one after my septoplasty. It was annoying to do a second surgery, but I feel way better after having it fixed.”

Meanwhile, a Boston-based plastic surgeon, Dr. Sean T. Doherty, spoke with People and suggested that nasal dripping is temporary and usually not a common cause of concern. He explained that the internal part of the nose contains a delicate mucosal tissue and tiny mucus-producing glands. According to him, rhinoplasty can temporarily impact the normal airflow, sensation, and healthy moisture levels in the nasal passages.

“Swelling and internal healing may also change how fluid moves through the nose, so patients can become more aware of normal secretions that they may not have noticed before surgery,” he added.

Dr. Doherty suggested that as a result, patients in certain cases may develop clear nasal discharge or a “runny nose” feeling which may worsen due to temperature changes, exercise, consumption of spicy foods, or emotional stress. The surgeon assured that persistent drainage usually gets better as recovery continues over the following months.

He then recommended being cautious of certain symptoms, including continuous drainage — especially if one-sided, linked with pain, bleeding, fever, or drainage with a salty or metallic taste — which should be checked by the surgeon.

“A concern here would be infection, chronic inflammation, or allergies. A rare situation is a cerebrospinal fluid leak. This would need to be treated by the surgeon,” he said.

On a concluding note, he said social media often draws attention to unusual recovery stories, but noted that temporary nasal dripping after rhinoplasty can be a normal part of the healing process and does not necessarily indicate a problem.