What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area? (Photo)

Question

I had surgery on dec 3, 2013...loved my results! Nose was perfectly straight. Doc told me to use my cast to apply pressure to the bridge to keep bones in place, I did. 2 mos later this bump has appeared and it feels hard like bone. When I put the cast on and squeeze it will disappear but it will reappear after several minutes. Now I'm very depressed because it looks worse than prior to surgery. I was given antibiotics in case of infection but it looks exactly the same 2 weeks after taking them.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,The hard bump is the corner of your nasal bone, which is now 'sticking out'.  A very common problem after hump removal, regardless of technique.  Prior to surgery, there is a complex relationship between the edge of the nasal bone and the cartilage side walls of the nose.  The nasal bone normally overlaps this 'upper lateral cartilage', but it is very flush and seamless.  During hump removal this seam is put under stress and can be injured. Simultaneously, the normal relationship between the upper lateral cartilage and midline septum has been removed, and the upper lateral cartilage can drift toward the midline, exposing the bony edge.  This can be accentuated if the nasal bone has not been completely repositioned straight and is still angled outward.Depending on your situation, which cannot be determined by your photographs, you could be a candidate for something as simple as injection with a filler like Juvederm or Restylane, which can either camouflage the bony edge or reposition the cartilage, depending on your need.  Alternatively, a revision surgery could be considered, and a 'spreader graft' can be fashioned and interpositioned between the septum and the upper lateral cartilage, pushing it flush with the nasal bone.  If needed, the bone can be further mobilized as well.My one concern is your statement that it looks worse than before surgery and you are depressed.  Based on your photographs, it seems very subtle, even natural. You said you loved your results, indicating that your surgeon made positive changes to your nose.  I think that you are over-reacting to a minor issue, or at least you made an overstatement of your feelings.  There is certainly no reason to be depressed; your nose appears to be quite nice.  You should sit down with your surgeon and discuss this minor issue. I'm sure this can be sorted out quickly.Best of luck!

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!

It is understandable that you are
concerned. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with
every patient and what you are experiencing is not uncommon. Since you can depress this bump, the probability that it is boney may be low hence the possibility of beneficial steroid injections.

However, without a physical examination it is not
possible to provide you with a definitive answer or a solution.

It is important to keep in mind that a year is usually required before formulating how
your nose will be, but longer with a thick skin. Even then, your nose will keep
shaping itself to complement your face for better results in the years to come.

My best recommendation at the moment is
to 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

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

More than likely the edge of bone after dorsal reduction and infracturing of the bones.  You may only require a small amount of rasping to reduce this irregularity after the bones are well healed, usually 2 months later.  Best wishes!

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Over the internet we can ONLY guess! piece of bone, scar tissue, both??? Best to be seen in person in a second opinion visit...

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

Typically if something changes with pressure it is not boney.  There could be a small cyst there.  A steroid injection may settle it down.  If it is harder and fixed there may be a small spicule of bone there.  Don't worry too much.  If after a year it persists a little rasping could remove it.  Ask your surgeon about these options.

What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area?

Answer: What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area?

Answer: Fluctuant bump nose

Answer: Fluctuant bump nose

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What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area? (Photo)

Answers (6)

Answer: What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area?

Answer: What is the hard bump has appeared on the left side of my nasal bridge toward my eye area?

Answer: Fluctuant bump nose

Answer: Fluctuant bump nose

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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.