Hit with small ball after rhinoplasty. Should I be concerned about a hump forming or anything else? (Photo)

Question

Hi all. So. My 11 year old hit me with a small but not soft ball yesterday. I've been icing as it's a little swollen and there's a small cut/bruise. Should I be concerned about a hump forming or anything else?

Jeffrey L. Schmidt, MD · Answer

Even if you're not having problems preoperatively, reducing the size of the nose may cause issues postoperatively. Also, sometimes patients don't realize how their baseline preoperatively is actually worse than it could be if some of the anatomical problems internally were addressed. It's not uncommon for me to hear from patients after surgery tell me how they never knew how bad their breathing really was until they've experienced significant improvements to their air flow after surgery. I hope that this is helpful and wish you well on your journey!

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

I am sorry this happened. There is always a chance that trauma to the nose can lead to irregularities, but it is sometimes hard to assess right after the injury due to swelling and other factors. If you are concerned you broke your nose, I would recommend consultation with a board certified facial plastic surgeon about 1 week after the injury. This is when the swelling is down enough that an adequate assessment can be made and if a closed nasal reduction (or moving the bones back into position) is indicated the bones are still mobile enough for that procedure to be performed. If the injury is more superficial and there is not concern for a break in the nasal bones, then I would suggest waiting for the area to heal and if any irregularities of the soft tissue persist, consult a board-certified facial plastic surgeon to assess. Best of luck.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

Events like yours would not leave long lasting problem. However, small lump, swelling, can stay for prolonged period of time and ultimately create small deformity? In person consultation with your surgeon (possibly injection of corticosteroid in the area) would help. Good luck.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

The nose is resilient and can handle mild trauma. However, some trauma can show its effect months later when the swelling leads to scar tissue and it slowly pulls on certain areas of the nose. For now just ice and wait. 
Regards
Dr. J

Hit with small ball after rhinoplasty. Should I be concerned about a hump forming or anything else? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Mild trauma to nose

Answer: Mild trauma to nose

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Hit with small ball after rhinoplasty. Should I be concerned about a hump forming or anything else? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Mild trauma to nose

Answer: Mild trauma to 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.