Hard Lumpy Tip 3 Months Post Op. Swelling or Scar Tissue? (photo) Doctor Answers, Tips
Rhinoplasty: Q&A
Ask a Question

Hard Lumpy Tip 3 Months Post Op. Swelling or Scar Tissue? (photo)

I had rhinoplasty on October 3. It is now January 16 and I feel like my nose is even bigger than before in terms of the front and the profile. The surgery was supposed to be a minor closed procedure to reduce a dorsal hump. However, it does not appear to be healing as desired. I know I still have to wait to consider revision. Is there any hope of it correcting itself?

8 Doctor Answers | Asked by tucansam in Overland Park, KS
+3

Hard lumpy tip

Part of the reason the tip looks bigger is that if it was untouched and only the dorsum was worked on then it is now out of proportion and more noticeable making it look bigger. However your photo suggests that you still may have a fair amount of cartilage hump that needs to be lowered unless this is the look you and your surgeon agreed on before surgery. Being patient can only help and staying in contact with your doctor about your concerns and options is very important at this time. more
+3

Rhinoplasty surgery

Dear tucansam, If it is truly scar tissue underneath the bump, steroids can be injected to bring it down Did the nose ever look good right after surgery and then the hump started? Start with your original surgeon first to see what he says Best regards, Nima Shemirani
+3

Rhinoplasty???

I am so sorry to see such an outcome fallowing a rhinoplasty. No, things are unlikely to improve. Please consider requesting your operative report from your surgeon and seek evaluation by a qualified Rhinoplasty surgeon in your area. Members of the Rhinoplasty Society or the ASAPS are going to be your best bet for future corrective surgery. Best, Gary R Culbertson, MD, FACS

You might also like...

Real Stories

Rhinoplasty Surgery is Booked!!! - Paoli, PA

I've been following everyone's stories on here for about a month now so now that I have...

Before + After Photos

View 3511 Rhinoplasty photos
+2

Hard Lumpy Tip 3 Months Post Op.

Of course examination would be required for a final opinion. However from your pictures it appears that you have a polly-beak deformity, causing the fullness on the profile photo. I believe this is from the septum/upper lateral cartilages being too high. The hardness of the tip is part of the normal recovery process at 3 months. I would wait until the tip has softened, and discuss options with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon.
+2

Wait for a year before making a final judgement

After a rhinoplasty procedure the nose will taken some time to achieve the final shape. There is also a 5-10% chance in experienced hands that you may need a revision procedure. Many patients are unaware of this fact. But at this point you should be patient.
+1

Residual Dorsal Hump after Rhinoplasty

Even rhinoplasty surgeons who do hundreds of rhinoplasties each year have to revise a few. I would wait for at least 6 months if not a year and take it from there. You will likely need additional correction. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA
+1

Hard Lumpy Tip 3 Months Post Op. Swelling or Scar Tissue?

From the photos provided, the Rhinoplasty did reduce the dorsal hump however some cartilage hump seems to remain. It's still early in the recovery phase and this could still decrease somewhat but IMO, it won't disappear completely.
+1

Issues with nose

It looks like form you new profile that you still have a dorsal hump. The tip will stay firm for quite some time. If you are unhappy, then I would wait about a year before having a revision.
Doctors will not see your comments on their answers. If you'd like to follow up, please go here to ask another question.

Comments (1)

tucansam 18 Jan 2013
Thank you for your responses. I am disappointed to say the least. I spoke to my surgeon yesterday and he indicated that a revision will be needed because my cardilage has "fallen" and I will be evaluated again three months from now. It's unfortunate but I suppose it could have been worse. Just looking at the bright side.

Ask a Question

Welcome Back

Sign in with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Forgot your password?

Don't have an account? Create one now.

Join RealSelf

Join with Facebook

Your information remains private and will not be posted without your permission.

Please enter a valid email address
 Did you mean ?

By creating an account, you are indicating that you have read and accept the RealSelf Terms of Use.

Already a member? Sign In.

Retrieve your password

Enter your username or email address and we will send you a link to login.

Check your email

Check your email. We've sent you a link to reset your password.

Ok