Hump still present one month post rhinoplasty, is this swelling or is this permanent? (photos)

Question

I had rhinoplasty exactly one month ago, I had a significant dorsal hump before and a large droopy tip, my surgeon done a lot of work he reduced the hump, lifted the tip, shortened the nose and refined the tip and performed external osteotomies so it is hugely different and still extremely swollen however it is bumped over the bridge and this is obvious, it feels quite hard and I wonder if this is just swelling or maybe a callous that will slowly go down or does this look like a permanent bump?

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question! You are not alone - this is one of the most common concerns a patient has one month out from surgery. Even though it is firm, there is significant soft tissue swelling that will reduce and "shrink wrap" to the structural components of your nose in the upcoming year. It will be difficult to tell what is normal swelling and a residual bump until all of the swelling goes away. Be patient and try not to focus too much on your nose until the swelling goes down. Hope this helps!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Re asking your query with preop photos may be helpful. Your nose appears wide on front view, and you still appear to have a dependent tip. It is not clear how much change you will see as you continue to heal. Best to discuss with your surgeon, or consider a second opinion from a reputable revision rhinoplasty specialist.Wishing you well.

Marc Pacifico, MD, FRCS(Plast) · Answer

Many thanks for posting this question - many rhinoplasty patients share your concerns.At only a month ago, you are right when you say that there is still a lot of swelling, and it is far too early to determine your final result - in fact the rule of thumb is to wait until 1-year post-op before making a final assessment. Therefore, try not to worry too much at this stage.I think a good analogy when you have had a significant reduction rhinoplasty (as it sounds like you have) is to imagine the nasal skin is a bit like wearing an oversized jumper - it needs time to contract, and in the meantime the space that is left between skin and nasal skeleton fills up with swelling. I hope that makes sense!Good luck, and I'm sure things will be fine

John Layke, DO, FACS · Answer

Post-operative nasal swelling can be one of the most frustrating things for both the patient, as well as the surgeon.  At 1 month, this is quite early in the postoperative course - and it can take several months up to 1 year to resolve completely.  Relay your concerns to your plastic surgeon and they will appropriately provide you with the next course of action as necessary.  Best wishes!

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

At one month postop, you still have a considerable amount of swelling throughout the nose that will continue to go down in the coming weeks to months. If a large dorsal hump was removed, this can sometimes take months for the nasal skin envelope to contract and heal over the new profile. It is imperative that you follow up routinely with your rhinoplasty surgeon while you are healing so they can monitor your nose for any changes and address any concerns along the way. Good luck.

Hump still present one month post rhinoplasty, is this swelling or is this permanent? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post-Operative Swelling

Answer: Post-Operative Swelling

Answer: Swelling over dorsum

Answer: Swelling over dorsum

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

Hump still present one month post rhinoplasty, is this swelling or is this permanent? (photos)

Answers (5)

Answer: Post-Operative Swelling

Answer: Post-Operative Swelling

Answer: Swelling over dorsum

Answer: Swelling over dorsum

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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