1 month post op of Rhinoplasty, the hump in my nose got even bigger then before. Is this normal? (photos)

Hello,Although it is true that 'swelling takes a year' to subside, not everything takes a year to assess.  As you noted, the 'bump' has gotten worse as time has gone on and swelling has decreased, therefore swelling was actually camouflaging the problem.The perspective you are looking at is not really your profile, and therefore this is not really a bump.  It is an oblique or 3/4 view, and it gives us very different information about the contour of the nose than a true lateral or profile view.When a bump is reduced during a rhinoplasty, the cartilage part of the bridge can sometime collapse toward the midline, leaving a 'step off' or depression that looks like a bump in this view. The swelling partially camouflaged this, and as time goes on this discrepancy will not likely improve. This is the most common area where irregularities can occur after rhinoplasty.If after a year this is still an issue, you may benefit from a revision surgery. However, much earlier, perhaps in another month or so, your surgeon may elect to inject a filling agent like hyaluronic acid (Juvederm, Restylane, etc.) to improve this contour irregularity immediately.  This is a temporary fix, but may make you pleased in the meantime while your nose has a chance to fully heal. Best of luck! 

Thank you for your question!It is understandable that you are concerned especially with the bulbous tip and the slight bump on your bridge. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with every patient and what you are experiencing is normal especially that swelling takes time to subside as it masks the results of your surgery.Unfortunately, with the pictures posted, the lack of surgical details and the inability to perform a physical exam it is not possible to provide you with a definitive medical answer.It is important to keep in mind that it is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how your nose will be. Even then, your nose will keep shaping itself and to complement your face for better results in the years to come.My best recommendations at the moment is to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better results. There is no doubt that once the swelling resolves, more definition and shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.Also, it is important that you keep communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best results possible.Congratulations on your surgery and please remain positive!Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Sorry to hear your concern. You are correct that the initial swelling camoflauged the bump which is now more noticeable. If it feels  hard, it is likely to be residual bony/cartilagenous bump which will not resolve with time. Talk to your surgeon about the timing of a revision.

Dear butters, thank you for your question.It may take several months for swelling to
subside after rhinoplasty. Here in San Diego, we follow our patients for one
year to follow their healing. Consider following up with your surgeon to
monitor your progress and see if any intervention is necessary. Rarely a second
opinion may be in order. Best of Luck.

Dear Butters4you, I would see your surgeon and discuss your concerns as it is my honest opinion that this will possibly not resolve itself with time. You state that as time has gone on and the swelling is dissipating the "bump" or elevation that you see has become more visible. With an examination and palpation of this area your surgeon can discuss your options and hopefully put your mind at ease for the time being. Your surgeon may decide to use some filler to camouflage this area until your full post operative recovery phase is over. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

At 1 month post op, you are in the early healing stage.  You can expect to see changes over the next several weeks.  It is very important to follow up with your Plastic Surgeon so that he can monitor your healing.  Best wishes!