What is this bump inside my nostril? (photos)

Question

I had a tip rhinoplasty about 10 months ago. I had some residual scar tissue in my left nostril which makes it look a bit asymmetrical still, but nothing like this bump that formed about 2 days ago suddenly on my septum. It doesn't hurt when left alone, but feels a little tender to the touch. It is right above my incision scar. It's not hard, but feels firmer than something like a blister. What should I do?

Kyle Kimura, MD · Answer

Great question and thank you for providing photos!
Given the appearance and timing, my guess is this is a small infection or abscess, possibly related to a retained suture. This should be handled as soon as possible as you don't want the infection to spread to other areas within the nose after a rhinoplasty which can sometimes be devastating. I would call your surgeon right away and see how they would like you to proceed as this likely needs to be drained and/or have you started on antibiotics. 
Hope this helps!Kyle Kimura, MD

Jeffrey Lisiecki, MD · Answer

Talk to your surgeon about this; this may be some scar tissue inside your nostril, or it may be a little granuloma or abscess related to a suture that was used during your rhinoplasty.  Either way, your surgeon should be able to help this situation.

Thomas Buonassisi, MD · Answer

It’s common for minor irregularities, such as scar tissue, to persist for months after rhinoplasty as your nose continues to heal. However, the sudden appearance of a bump, especially if it's firm and tender, could indicate localized swelling, a minor infection, or a collection of scar tissue forming. Since it’s near your incision and feels tender, it’s best to consult your surgeon for an assessment to rule out infection or other complications. Your doctor may suggest monitoring it, or they might recommend a treatment like a corticosteroid injection to reduce the swelling.

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello Lisa and thank you for your question.

Although an exam in person is ideal, from your photographs alone it appears that you most likely had, at baseline, a tip suture that was irritating your nasal lining/skin and/or some excess scarring.  The acuity (sudden appearance) of the bump formation and the tenderness may point to an infection in development, possibly an abscess.  Regardless, this is unlikely a major concern and can be most likely remedied with a procedure done in the office under local anesthesia and a course of antibiotics.

Complications like this can happen and I would encourage you, if you haven't already, to address this with your plastic surgeon.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck.

Mark K Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS
Harvard-trained Board Certified Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Ivan Wayne, MD · Answer

I am sorry to hear about your issues following Rhinoplasty
surgery. In general local reactions to dissolvable sutures can occur or possibly
a reaction to a permanent suture. An actual in person exam would be needed to
tell but I would advise you to first check back with your surgeon to be sure.Good luck and I hope this helps.Dr. Wayne

What is this bump inside my nostril? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty - tip concerns postop

Answer: Rhinoplasty - tip concerns postop

Answer: Bumps months after rhinoplasty are rare.

Answer: Bumps months after rhinoplasty are rare.

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What is this bump inside my nostril? (photos)

Answers (10)

Answer: Rhinoplasty - tip concerns postop

Answer: Rhinoplasty - tip concerns postop

Answer: Bumps months after rhinoplasty are rare.

Answer: Bumps months after rhinoplasty are rare.

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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.