Could a lump on the nose be swelling after a rhinoplasty?

Question

I underwent a Nose job 14 days ago to remove a hump and to elevate the tip. So far, not so good. After removal of splint and swelling subsided, I found that a small lump is still on the left side of my bridge and more to my frustration day by day, I find that the tip is going downward. When I asked my doctor he said that its not a bone its residual swelling and the tip after time will go upward is it true? Any help or advice? Should I wait? What to do?

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

The nose undergoes significant changes in the first 2 to 12 weeks following rhinoplasty. Swelling can persist during this time, particularly in the tip and over the area where a boney hump was removed.  The swelling can also fluctuate. 
Following a hump removal during a rhinoplasty, it is very common for there to be excessive swelling over the central portion of the nasal bridge overlying the area where the boney hump was removed. This area often appears more swollen that the rest of the bridge and can remain swollen for several months. As a result, patients frequently worry that the bump will be permanent. 
If the bone was adequately reduced, that bump should disappear as the swelling subsides over the first several months. Be Patient.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It takes 6-12 months for the swelling and differences of the 2 sides to resolve. Be patient and it is unlikely that you will need anything else done.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

The residual fullness on your bridge may well be swelling that could take several months to completely resolve.
I don't think your tip will rotate up with time. Gravity has the opposite effect. In any event, there is no emergency, and you should wait for the swelling to completely resolve before considering any intervention.
Feel free to post / email me a full facial frontal and profile photo, and I'll be happy to give you my thoughts.
Best regards.

John Diaz, MD · Answer

It is still too early to make any final judgements.
I have had patients with large humps who required more time for the swelling to go down. In some cases, it has taken just 2 weeks, in other cases, it has taken 2 months.
I recommend you give it more time. Also, make sure to follow all instructions and return for all of your post-operative visits. Let your surgeon know about your concerns. I am sure he/she will take good care of you.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Some irregularities may appear after a rhinoplasty. Some do disappear as time goes by because of differential swelling. However, it is unlikely that a tip will go up again if the tip is already dropping.

Could a lump on the nose be swelling after a rhinoplasty?

Answers (8)