Bump on bridge of nose scar tissue? How much will tip swelling still go down?

Question

I am two months post closed rhinoplasty. After cast removal I noticed a bruised soft bump where the hump was removed. It remained soft but lately it feels hard and in certain spots. The swelling is going down so the bump is more noticeable. Is this scar tissue? Will it go away? Also how much more can i expect the tip to reduce in size? It still feel tender at times so does that mean there's still a lot of swelling?

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Recovery after rhinoplasty will vary based on the person, characteristics of the nasal tissues and what was done during surgery. Immediately after the splint or cast is removed, it is common for the nose to look more defined. After the compression has been removed, the skin and soft tissues can swell and this can take weeks to months to significantly improve. After rhinoplasty, tip shape is typically the last thing to settle before seeing the final result; this can take 12 months or longer in patients with thick, oily skin. My experience has been that edema may take 18 months or longer to resolve. During this time you will notice that the size of your tip decreases as swelling resolves and subtle details and tip definition appear. Additionally, the tip may descend causing the tip to rotate downwards (depending on what was done during surgery). Around the 4-6 week mark, most patients are able to appreciate most of the changes from surgery as a significant amount of swelling has resolved. However, it can take somewhere in and around 12-18 months to see the final results. The areas with thicker skin in the nose such as the tip, alar rims and radix will require longer to settle. In some cases, there can be a reaction of the bone where the hump was removed and some thickening of this area during recovery. You should speak to your surgeon to see if massage of this area is advisable.  It's hard but important to stay patient during your recovery and to be diligent attending your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

Marcelo Ghersi, MD · Answer

Several changes take place on the nasal dorsum after hump removal. First it gets swollen, then swelling subsides, then hard tissue appears, later it softens up. This whole process will take between 6-12 months. Give yourself that time to allow the tissues to heal. IF you are still unhappy with results after that time has elapsed, talk to your plastic surgeon about it.

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

Depending on the reason for the contour irregularity it may take several months for this to resolve. This is something that should be carefully explained to you by your own surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Without seeing you in person it is impossible to really say what is going on. If it was soft and disappeared with light pressure, then it might represent swelling. Best to see your surgeon.

Michael T. Somenek, MD · Answer

At 2 months postop, there is likely still swelling present throughout the nose. After dorsal hump removal, there is usually a fullness in this region as it takes time for the skin to contract over the new profile that has been created. It is important for you to follow up with your rhinoplasty surgeon throughout this time so they can monitor your nose for any changes and also address any concerns you have along the way. Best of luck.

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Bump on bridge of nose scar tissue? How much will tip swelling still go down?

Answers (5)

Answer: Bump on nose and issues

Answer: Bump on nose and issues

Answer: 2 months after rhinoplasty with bump on nose

Answer: 2 months after rhinoplasty with bump on nose

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.