Does rasping 1 year post rhinoplasty cause more scar tissue? (Photos)

Question

Hi there, I am 1yr 1 month post rhinoplasty, 7 months after the op I noticed there were 2 bumps as the swelling went down, on the top/side of the dorsal and a smaller softer lump underneath that. My surgeon says one of the bumps is scar tissue and the other may be a formation as a result of where the bone has joined, I have a small bump on the dorsal part of my nose too. He has suggested rasping but was vague when I asked if it could make the scar tissue nips worse/ larger. Can anyone clarify?

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.  Having a nasal rasping one year out from surgery should be fine, and shouldn't cause atypical scarring.  Sometimes after rhinoplasty, a small callous of bone can form on the nasal dorsum (bridge) that needs to be removed with a rasp.  This can be done relatively easily under local anesthesia.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

It is unclear from your photos whether irregularities are bonny (particles of bone, cartilage, bone dust) or soft tissue (scar). Only on the basis of in person evaluation one can make such a distinction. Rasping bone and cartilage irregularities will improve current deformity and very likely will not result in similar irregularities in the future. However, if this is soft tissue scar one could try injection of steroid to soften and melt the scar. In any case, possibility of scar recurrence can not be completely excluded. Good luck.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Rasping the dorsum should correct this issue.  The scar tissue that forms after this should not cause any bumps that are this discernable.

Brian Peterson, MD · Answer

At slightly more than 1 year post-op, your nose should be close to having it's final shape.  Assessing the photos that you have attached, I think rasping of your nose would improve the contour of the dorsum, or 'keystone' area.  All surgery creates some scar tissue, but I think the improvement would correct what you are seeing.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Rasping some of those irregularities may be enough. This is not that unusual to occur.  Best of luck...

Does rasping 1 year post rhinoplasty cause more scar tissue? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rasping of nasal dorsum

Answer: Rasping of nasal dorsum

Answer: Rasping

Answer: Rasping

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Does rasping 1 year post rhinoplasty cause more scar tissue? (Photos)

Answers (6)

Answer: Rasping of nasal dorsum

Answer: Rasping of nasal dorsum

Answer: Rasping

Answer: Rasping

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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.