Is it normal to have a bump on bridge after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks post op. (photos)

Question

Hi. I need a few other opinions regarding a rhinoplasty I had done 3 weeks ago. There is a bump that is appearing and it makes the profile look unattractive. I didn't see this bump when the cast was removed but I saw it the next day. I know it takes a while till the nose actually forms its shape but is this common? It doesn't seem possible to me how A solid bone-like bump can just magically smooth out. Any thoughts? I am seeing my doctor next week but need some opinions in the meantime. thanks!!

Deepak Raj Dugar, MD · Answer

Hello!After the cast comes off it's very common to see swelling the next day. You are still 3 weeks post op and healing takes time. It truly takes 1 full year for the entire dorsum (profile) and sidewalls of the nose to fully heal and for all the swelling to dissipate. Rhinoplasty healing is a tedious process because it is one of the only surgeries where we are not removing excess skin. It takes 3 years for the tip to fully heal (only if significant tip work is performed). The tip takes the longest time to heal and mold to the new framework because it is the thickest skin of the nose. The skin over the profile is thinner than the skin over the tip. Patience is required during this healing phase. I would advice to continue icing and talk to your doctor about your concern. Take it easy and keep icing!

Tim Sayed, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

It is not unusual to see swelling or a firm bump there in the weeks following removal of the cast. Sometimes this is thickening of the soft tissue and periosteum lining of bone, but sometimes unfortunately it is the result of residual tissue at the junction of the the bone and cartilage that may require revision (rasping or other maneuvers) to get a bit straighter. However, it's too early to know and you need to be patient. Some surgeons will have patients massage, tape or otherwise put pressure on the area to help smooth and reduce swelling - check with your surgeon.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

A bump after rhinoplasty is common and due to the sawdust of bone that reforms a bony prominence; this can be removed using a rasp in the office to save you money on the revision.

Devinder S. Mangat, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

It is not unusual to have a bump like yours after a Rhinoplasty.  A vast majority of the time, it is caused by swelling and should disappear after another 3 months.  You don’t need to be concerned unless the bump persists at 6 months and at that time it would be quite easy to get rid of it with a minor revision procedure.

Is it normal to have a bump on bridge after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks post op. (photos)

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Answer: Bump after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Bump after Rhinoplasty

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Is it normal to have a bump on bridge after rhinoplasty? 3 weeks post op. (photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Bump after Rhinoplasty

Answer: Bump after Rhinoplasty

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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.