Nasal Bone or Swelling After Rhinoplasty Revision? (photo)

I have a bump on the side of my nose that feels like bone after my second time of having Rhinoplasty. Could this be swelling, or did my doctor miss this? It is my second time having it done for the same spot.

First time I had it done was October 2008 and I just recently had it done again Feb 2009. My plastic surgeon said I just need to massage it, but it really feels like bone to me, and looks the same as the first time I had it done that he had to go in and re-do! How can I tell if this is swelling or bone? It's making my nose look crooked which I never had before. I am the person in the middle and you can see the bump on the left hand (would be my right in person).

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bump swelling post-op

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6 Doctor Answers | Asked by Walks

Doctor Answers (6)
Community Comments (0)

Time will tell if it's swelling or bone

The original bump should have been filed down and addressed with both primary and secondary revision nasal surgery. If the bump is still there three to six months after the secondary revision rhinoplasty, it will probably stay. Massaging will not help this go away and it needs to be addressed by narrowing the nasal bones or filing the bump down. Any crookedness to the nasal bones will have to be addressed through osteotomies and resetting of the nasal bone.

Bump after revision rhinoplasty

Without examining you, it is impossible to tell for sure. However, if firm, it is likely that there is a residual bone or bony overgrowth (callous formation). In some cases, this does go down, but not usually. After waiting one year or so, it may be possible to take care of this. Hope this helps, Dr. Sam Most

Sam Most, MD

23 reviews

Bay Area Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.drmost.com

Revision rhinoplasty for swelling

You need to wait a minimum of six months before undergoing another revision. From your photograph, it appears that you have not had a very skillful rhinoplasty performed and would benefit from another operation. I suggest you find a different plastic surgeon to perform the procedure.

Nasal Bone Swelling

Time will answer your question. It will be quite clear in a couple months. There is nothing wrong with getting a second opinion; it may alleviate some of your anxiety. If necessary, this should not be a difficult problem to correct.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

9 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Too soon after Rhinoplasty to make any judgement

Be patient. It will take at least 6 months for this to resolve. If it doesn't you should seek a second opinion with an experienced revision rhinoplasty specialist.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Seems like multiple surgeries in a short period of time

Sounds like you have ahad a lot of surgery in a short period of time. Whether or not you have a twist and some residual bone, at the current time you should relax and allow for the swelling to go down!