Is this dent/gap a problem or is it normal in the healing process? (Photos)

Question

2 months post-rhinoplasty, and there’s a dent/gap on my nose bridge. I had an open rhinoplasty on Dec 17, 2018. In the pictures, you can see a “dent” on the right side of my nose bridge. It feels like a gap between my nasal bone and the bridge. It’s sensitive and becomes uncomfortable when I laugh or yawn and it’s very noticeable in some lighting. Also, when I run my finger down my bridge, it feels uneven. I will be talking to my surgeon as I have an appointment later this month, but I thought I’d come here in the meantime. Did I do something wrong while healing?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear  eva.bliss,It would be best to see your surgeon and discuss thisIf the indentations are permanent, they can be filled with liquid silicone in tiny droplet fashionTypically, you want to wait until it is fully healed before placing a permanent filler, so you can use a temporary filler like Restylane until thenBest regards,
  
Dr. Nima
  
Member, American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
  
Board Certified Facial Plastic Surgeon
  
Board Certified in Head and Neck Surgery

Kian Karimi, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question and photos! It is difficult to assess the “dent” without an in-person consultation, however being 2 months post- op there is still a lot of swelling. It can take up to one year to see the final result from a rhinoplasty. In regards to the sensitivity and uncomfortable feeling, this is expected at 2 months due to the nasal bone and cartilage still being in the healing process. I suggest contacting your surgeon to discuss your concerns and possible ways to optimize the healing process. 
Best of luck,
Dr. Kian

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

The dent or gap looks like a true defect in the nasal bone that occurred as part of the bony osteotomy and will not correct itself.  Often a fat  graft will smooth out a defect on a long term basis and I prefer as a better alternative than fillers which are temporary.  Sometimes an irregularity can be rasped down as a minor office procedure.  An examination would be necessary to give the best advice.

Damien Grinsell, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

HiWhilst there can still be some swelling which can cause minor irregularities it looks like you have what is called an inverted V deformity only. This looks like an upside down V if it happens on both sides however it looks like yours is only on one side. It is due to a gap between the septum and the nasal bone and can be corrected with either filler (temporary) or a cartilage graft.RegardsDamien

Jack Zoumaras, MBBS, FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Hi, it appears you have a small contour deformity on the dorsum of the nose. This can happen when you have had a previous break in the nose and when the skin is very thin. At two months I would wait another 6 weeks and if still present entertain the idea of filler. It may take 6-9 months before truly knowing whether it is permanent as it is normal to have swelling and contour issues early on.

Is this dent/gap a problem or is it normal in the healing process? (Photos)

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Answer: Dent in the dorsum

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Is this dent/gap a problem or is it normal in the healing process? (Photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: #rhinoplasty

Answer: #rhinoplasty

Answer: Dent in the dorsum

Answer: Dent in the dorsum

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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.