Will this bump ever go away?

Question

6 months ago, I was holding a metal mirror up to my face and accidentally dropped it on the side bridge of my nose but I don't think I broke it because I didn't have a nose bleed and it didn't hurt too bad. Just a small mark was left on the nose which healed after about a week, but now the nose bridge has a bony bump and it has remained sensitive and tender on the impact spot still to this day. When I touch the spot where the mirror fell, the tissue underneath still feels tender.

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

Thank you for sharing your experience. It sounds like you've been dealing with a persistent issue following the injury. Here are a few considerations regarding the bony bump and tenderness on your nose:

Healing Time:
Typically, minor injuries to the nose can take some time to heal, especially if there was some trauma to the bone or cartilage. However, six months is a relatively long time for persistent tenderness and a bony bump, suggesting that further evaluation might be needed.

Possible Causes:
The bump could be due to a small fracture or a callus formation on the bone as it healed. Sometimes, even without a nosebleed or significant pain, a minor fracture can occur and lead to changes in the contour of the nose.
Persistent tenderness might indicate underlying inflammation or irritation of the tissues.

Evaluation:
I recommend consulting with a healthcare provider, preferably an ENT specialist or a plastic surgeon, who can assess the area more thoroughly. They may suggest imaging, such as an X-ray or CT scan, to evaluate the underlying bone and cartilage structure.

Treatment Options:
Depending on the findings, treatment options could range from conservative management, like anti-inflammatory medications, to more interventional procedures if necessary.

When to Seek Further Help:
If the tenderness increases or if you experience any new symptoms, such as changes in breathing or persistent pain, it's important to seek medical attention promptly.

In summary, while some bumps can resolve on their own, persistent symptoms like yours warrant a professional evaluation to ensure appropriate management and to rule out any complications from the initial injury.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

After somebody sustains nasal trauma, the majority of swelling and bruising is dissipated within one to three months. If you are seeing a persistent irregularity six months after the trauma, perhaps a permanent nonsurgical nose job should be considered to camouflage this, if it's bothering you significantly. Thank you for this question, and I hope it helps. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

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