Will a bump caused by a graft absorb over time? (photo)

Question

My surgeon removed the tape from my nose today, 2 weeks after a revision rhinoplasty. If I understood him correctly, during surgery he placed a graft across the bridge of my nose to fix a depression I developed after the initial rhinoplasty (different surgeon). When I got home I noticed a bump on my profile that I believe is caused by the graft. Will the graft absorb over time as swelling does? *The bump is slightly more severe than the picture shows.*

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

Without an in person examination it is impossible to give very accurate advice. In general at three weeks it is very early in the healing phase to know what your nose will look like. In my rhinoplasty surgeries I expect some swelling of the dorsum and it would be better to have it slightly full at two weeks than looking perfect as in time the swelling can go down further and the bridge could end up too low. There are many different types of grafts, both artificial and tissue grafts from the patient. Usually tissue grafts will have some absorption over time, but it is hard to predict without know specifics. Please address your concerns with your surgeon.
Hope this helps-
Dr. Wayne

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear brokennose2014,I agree with the other surgeons and that it is still too early to tellIt will improve over the next few weeks, just takes a little patienceBest,Nima Shemirani

Jacob D. Steiger, MD · Answer

It takes time for Rhinoplasty to heal.  Can take up to one year after surgery. Revision Rhinoplasty can take longer, depending on what and how much work was done.  It is not uncommon that initially in Rhinoplasty to have a small"bump" of swelling at the rhinion, which is an area of the nose between the bone and the cartilage.  This usually goes down with time.  Speak to your surgeon about this as each case is different.  Occasionally I will have some of my patients exert gentle pressure on that area in order help reduce the swelling faster.

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

At two weeks postop, your nose will change over time, and often bumps do improve somewhat.  However, dorsal cartilage grafts often do result with a bump at the edge of the graft, because it is difficult to taper it.  Fortunately, once the cartilage graft is well integrated ( several months), with a minor revision the bump can be smoothed out.  Consult with your surgeon for the best management option.

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It is definitely too early to tell.  In answer to your question, yes, grafts do tend to settle and probably resorb a bit over time.  I will frequently have patients continue to tape the bridge at night for some time or massage focal high spots.  Don't do this unless your surgeon says it's OK, however.

Will a bump caused by a graft absorb over time? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Bump from graft: will it resorb over time

Answer: Bump from graft: will it resorb over time

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty

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Will a bump caused by a graft absorb over time? (photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: Bump from graft: will it resorb over time

Answer: Bump from graft: will it resorb over time

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty

Answer: Revision rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.