Should I be concerned of bumpy nose 20 days post-op after rhinoplasty/septoplasty? (photos)

Question

I am 20 days post-op for a rhinoplasty/septoplasty(which included tip rotation and alar base reduction). My nose bridge has hard bumps that make my nose look wavy. Attached are photos. Should I be concerned?

Michelle Spring, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still very early in the recovery process so please be patient.  Swelling after rhinoplasty can take many months and look irregular before it settles down.  You should gradually see changes over the next few months.  Keep all of your post op appointments and make sure you communicate your concerns with your surgeon.  Best of luck!Sincerely,Dr. Michelle Spring

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still early in your recovery period and the nose is expected to be quite swollen at this point. The majority of the swelling will resolve in 3-6 months, and will continue to resolve as your nose heals for up to 1-2 years. You have not reached your final shape as the nose will continue to heal and reduce in size for up to a year. Once it does reach its final shape you may be more pleased with the appearance of your nose.

Mark Been, MD · Answer

Thanks for your post. You are still quite early in the process of healing. The swelling may be giving a false impression of bumps on the bridge of your nose, though it is difficult to say based on your photos alone. Be sure to follow up with your surgeon to address your concerns.

Nirmal Nathan, MD · Answer

It is far to early to evaluate your rhinoplasty because of swelling. Both your dorsum and tip will continue to evolve and soften over the next several months. I would not make any judgments about your nose until at least 6 months after the surgery. Good luck.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question!  At 20 days out from rhinoplasty, it is certainly reasonable to have some irregularities in the dorsum (or bridge) of the nose.  This is all secondary to swelling that has occurred after surgery.  With time, these should smooth out on their own.  I will counsel my patients that it can take anywhere from 6 months to 1 year for all swelling to resolve.  Sometimes, a small injection of steroid is needed to help these resolve.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon, as well, and be sure to follow his/her post-operative instructions.  I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Thanks for your question.Unfortunately, swelling tends to remain much longer than bruising, lasting up to six months.
Swelling can mask the changes to the underlying structure of your nose after rhinoplasty. This is one of the most difficult things for patients following a nose job. Everyone wants immediate results and it’s hard to wait many weeks to see the new nose appear through the swelling.

Ritchie Younger, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty less than 3 weeks out is characterized by swelling, asymmetry and more swelling !
Normal post  rhinoplasty surgical swelling can readily cause:
1)a very swollen nasal tip with some degree of asymmetry to the tip
2)asymmetry along the borders of the nose where it joins the face making the nose look crooked
3)distortion along the bottom part of the nose, the columella , which divides one nostril from the other, thus making it look rather crooked
4)asymmetry along the nasal dorsum-which again can give the nose a rather crooked appearance, with  small areas of elevation and depression that will resemble bumps.....
So grasshopper,  you may have some or all of the above just as a result of the surgery itself-all temporary and resolving with time.  Time to Panic?  Heck NO !!!!  Just relax and enjoy the ride as your swelling subsides and your sensational rhinoplasty result starts to appear in your rear view mirror !!!

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

You need to have patience with your body as it begins to heal. The skin, bone and cartilage are all traumatized during surgery. Inflammation (swelling) is the normal response and will help your nose to heal and look beautiful in the end. If, one year from now, you are unhappy with your nose, then that is the time to think about a revision procedure. Right now, concentrate on other things you like to do and let your nose and under eyes take the time to heal. I hope this helps.

Jan Zemplenyi, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. At 20 days post op you are still very early in the healing process and will still have a fair amount of swelling. Typically, the initial swelling after nose surgery subsides within two to three weeks.  However, residual swelling, especially in the tip of the nose, can take about a year to resolve as the contour refines. Try and be patient as your nose continues to heal. Be sure to go to your post op visits with your surgeon. Best of luck to you!

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,20 days post rhinoplasty is much to early to worry about irregularities. Another important consideration is that if the bridge of the nose was reduced in any way using a rasp, you will always have some tactile irregularities (although nothing should be visible). Over the ensuing weeks, the swelling will continue to go down and you will have a better sense of the final result. Follow up closely with your surgeon with concerns.Best,Mehdi Sina, MD

Should I be concerned of bumpy nose 20 days post-op after rhinoplasty/septoplasty? (photos)

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