Dent on the Bridge of my Nose After Rhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

One month after rhinoplasty and I noticed a dent is appearing on the right side of my nose. (The left side of my bridge is straight but on the right side, a dent is forming on my bridge) My doctor said I could lightly massage my nose from left to right-he said he thinks the fascia and ear cartilage that was placed in my nose (to form a bigger bridge) may have shifted. Will massaging my nose help correct this abnormality or will I have to get another rhinoplasty to fix this?

Evan Ransom, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for the question and your picture. Massage can have a positive role in reducing residual soft tissue swelling, particularly in the nasal tip region. It will not, however, reposition grafts that are deep down under the skin an connective tissues. In any rhinoplasty, particularly a complicated Asian rhinoplasty where the bridge has been elevated, the healing process can be 9 to 12 months. In my opinion, it is best to be conservative in this time period, meet frequently with your surgeon, and plan for revision as needed later down the road. Best of luck!

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The massage may help, but it is difficult to know at one month how much is swelling vs shift without an exam.  Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concerns and reviewed your photo:

	I see the slight indentation along the right side of your bridge. If this does not improve over the next month or two, an injectable filler procedure may be helpful. My personal preference is to use Silikon-1000, an off-label filler for permanent results.

	Hope this helps you.

	Dr. Joseph

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I would have to feel the bridge of your nose to determine if the graft that was placed there is mobile. If it is mobile you might gain some movement of the graft toward the center. If is not that you're probably wasting your time and a revision.

Kenneth Bermudez, MD, FACS · Answer

After any rhinoplasty there will be swelling which will take a while to settle.

	Minor irregularities can take a while to settle, up to one year after the surgery.

	My advice to you is to be patient, allow everything to heal (9-12 months after surgery) before assessing your final result.

	I do agree with the other doctor that massaging wont have much effect, especially if it's graft misplacement or movement. 

	Hope this helps.

Dent on the Bridge of my Nose After Rhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (8)