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I have a bump and line in the middle of my nose after rhinoplasty. How did this happen and can it be fixed? (Photo)

I had rhinoplasty about 4 months ago but I started noticing a bump and a horizontal line developing in the middle of my nose. This wasn't much initially because of the swelling I guess, but it became more obvious with time, especially when I look at the mirror... My doctor said he never saw something like this over his 25 years of experience and suggested that I massage my nose and bone and wait for a while... He mentioned filler too but I want to know what happened and what my options are.

Doctor Answers 7

July 2nd, 2014

Contour irregularities after rhinoplasty

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Although it's difficult to provide a definitive answer based on photos alone, it does appear that there is an irregularity in the bone and cartilage of your dorsum.  At 4 months you are still fairly early in your recovery so your nose will change in appearance, so your bridge may or may not improve.  Revision rhinoplasty may be necessary to smooth the contour, but shouldn't be considered until the nose is fully healed.  
Donald B. Yoo, MD


Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon
4.9 out of 5 stars 64 reviews

July 2nd, 2014

Re: I have a bump and line in the middle of my nose after rhinoplasty.

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Hello,


Thank you for your question, and included images.


It appears that the transition between the upper lateral cartilages, and the lower lateral cartilages is more pronounced than I would like to see. 

This is a particularly complex area, and the best measure of how significant this will be, is best determined after you fully heal.  This may take several more months. 

I agree with your surgeon's advice to massage and remain patient.

Thank you,

S.P. Maggi, MD, FACS
Austin Plastic Surgery Center 
Sergio Pasquale Maggi, MD, FACS
July 1st, 2014

I have a bump and line in the middle of my nose after rhinoplasty. How did this happen and can it be fixed?

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   It is always difficult to speculate on something of this nature.  There does appear to be swelling, which will mask the nature of what may develop.

Kenneth Hughes, MD

Los Angeles, CA

Learn more: http://www.hughesplasticsurgery.com/Rhinoplasty.php

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD

Kenneth B. Hughes, MD
Los Angeles Plastic Surgeon
4.8 out of 5 stars 524 reviews

July 1st, 2014

Revision Rhinoplasty

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Without actually seeing the internal anatomy of the nose at this time- it is limited to determine an explanation. The nose is comprised of -- skin, bone and cartilage. The surgeon has control over the cartilage and bone under the skin. Therefore, it is imperative that the surgeon skillfully sculpt the bone and cartilage under the skin so that the skin can reflect this internal sculpting. Healing occurs at differing rates-- what you see could be just swelling. Time and massage will tell. If after a reasonable amount of time--- you are still concerned-- time to possibly have a revision.
Thomas Trevisani, Sr., MD
July 1st, 2014

Contour irregularity of your nose probably will require surgical revision but not now.

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There seems to be some asymmetry of the height of the cartilaginous dorsum versus the bony dorsum. There's also obvious swelling. This should be allowed to resolve before a revision but I do think a revision will be necessary.

Learn more: http://www.zubowicz.com/subpag,25-atlanta-rhinoplasty.htm

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD
June 30th, 2014

Groove

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This is uncommon and could represent several things....none of which you should attempt to treat at the present time in my opinion. Waiting until lees swelling and all is stable is best. Then options can be discussed. it may well be that fillers are a great option. Only time will tell.
Robert H. Hunsaker, MD
June 30th, 2014

Unusual line on nose after rhinoplasty

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It still very hard to tell what's going on in spite of the photos you supply. it almost looks like a pressure mark, from glasses, or a bandage. I suppose it could be the effect of a steroid injection if any was performed. Otherwise it might be just the underlying bone and cartilage showing through. Follow your surgeon's instructions and follow up visits until it becomes clear.

Learn more: http://www.cosmeticsurgerybaltimore.com/

Ronald Schuster, MD

These answers are for educational purposes and should not be relied upon as a substitute for medical advice you may receive from your physician. If you have a medical emergency, please call 911. These answers do not constitute or initiate a patient/doctor relationship.