Is it possible that the bone swells after rhinoplasty?

Question

Two months ago I had a rhinoplasty to remove a dorsal hump. When they removed the cast my nose looked perfect but after that I started to notice a hump on the right side and it feels hard like a bone , I asked my surgeon and he said that I'm having a periosteal inflammatory reaction due to the osteotomy ..is that possible? Am I going to need a revision because it looks bad from the frontal view one side is contoured and nice and the other side is looks puffy and the bone is curved outward.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

I have not encountered this problem before. If your surgeon truly believes the periosteum is inflamed a steroid taper or steroid injection might be indicated. Time will tell how your nose will heal. If you do get to the 12 month time point and the bone is still positioned too far outward, the osteotomy can be repeated to reposition that bone. Hopefully, this will improve with time and you can avoid another procedure. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Robert S. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Thanks for your question. Unfortunately this can happen following work on the bony part of the nasal dorsum. Bones heal by forming a callous just like you can get on your hands. This callous then remodels into new bone. In my experience it's more likely to happen in young people with very large dorsal humps. You probably have some improvement overall from before your operation, but it's ok to want this better- I'm sure your surgeon wants it to be better too! It's too soon to determine if you'll need a revision. For now, massaging the area can help to decrease the hump without surgery. If it's any consolation, revision for this (if needed) should be very straightforward. Your recovery would be easier than it was after the first surgery. Good luck!

Is it possible that the bone swells after rhinoplasty?

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Is it possible that the bone swells after rhinoplasty?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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