Nasal bone on the right side sticking out. What can I do to rectify the situation permanently? (Photo)

Question

I had revision surgery 4 weeks ago, the swelling around the nasal bone has subsided. However, I have noticed that on the right side the nasal bone sticks out making my nose look very asymmetrical. My surgeon advised me to push down on the area twenty times a day. I can push the bone down with a certain amount of pressure and the bone stays in that position for a while then comes back out again. What can I do to rectify the situation permanently? Should I get the surgeon to rasp the area down?

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Coribere, you are undoubtedly experiencing ongoing nasal swelling.  Osteotomies (cutting of the nasal bones) leads to significant swelling.  When you press on the side of your nose and it looks better for a while, this is you pressing out the fluid in the tissues.  You are likely not moving the nasal bone around (at 4 weeks post op).  The fluid returns after minutes and you notice the swelling again.  It is not unusual to experience more swelling on one side than the other after surgery.  Keep your surgeon in the loop with any concerns you have.  The good news is that you can expect significant reduction in swelling over the next 2-3 months.  Hopefully this gets you to where you were expecting.  All the best.

Paul M. Parker, MD, FACS · Answer

You are still swollen 4 weeks after rhinoplasty so this area may improve with time. At 4 weeks, your nasal bones should be healed in position and it is unlikely you will move them. Follow up with your surgeon. If the fullness  does not improve in the next few months, your surgeon may want to re position that bone again. Rasping is most commonly done to "shave down" a bump where the right and left nasal bones meet.

Afshin Parhiscar, MD · Answer

Dear CoribereIn general, at 4 weeks, you can't reposition or remodel bone by intermittent finger pressure. I think at 4 weeks, its too early but you can wait till 3 months and then, if you have noticeable asymmetry consider revision surgery. Sometimes, with small asymmetries, fillers can be used to give the illusion of symmetry. This can buy you time until you decide if you want revision surgery. Best of luck.

Nasal bone on the right side sticking out. What can I do to rectify the situation permanently? (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Nasal bone on the right side sticking out. What can I do to rectify the situation permanently? (Photo)

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.