11 weeks post op, I have a bump on bridge after Rhinoplasty. Is this normal? (photos)

Question

I am 11 weeks post op. I had a hump removed on bridge, but I still see a small bump. When I touch it it feels squishy. I hope this is just swelling. Any comments. Is this normal after hump removal, I heard 2 sides don't heal at the same rate ( my surgeon's wise words.) :-). I added pics. It's inly noticeable on my left profile.

David Liland, MD · Answer

Small residual bumps in this area are common early on and you need to let 6 months to a year for the swelling to resolve.  I have my patients massage with pressure to help correct this especially if uneven like yours as this is still malleable (able to form and change shape) but ask you PS. If present at a year I usually will rasp in my office under local anesthesia . There are a small portion that will not settle down as the bone starts to grow back in that area a small amount and is not really anyones fault…just body healing. Look like you've had a nice result anyway.

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question!It is understandable that you are concerned especially with the bump over the bridge of your nose. Changes after rhinoplasties vary with every patient and what you are experiencing is normal especially that swelling takes time to subside as it masks the results of your surgery.With the inability to perform a physical exam and the lack of the before pictures, it is not possible to provide you with a definitive medical answer.It is important to keep in mind that it is early to pass a judgment. Usually, a year is required before formulating how your nose will be. Even then, your nose will keep shaping itself and to complement your face for better results in the years to come.My best recommendations at the moment is to be patient, allow nature to take its course and edema subsides for better results. There is no doubt that once the swelling resolves, more definition and shape will be achieved and you should be happier with the results.Also, it is important that you keep communicating with your surgeon and work as a team together to achieve the best results possible.Congratulations on your surgery and please remain positive!Ali Sajjadian, MD FACS

Jamil Ahmad, MD · Answer

Recovery after rhinoplasty will vary based on the person, characteristics of the nasal tissues and what was done during surgery. Immediately after the splint or cast is removed, it is common for the nose to look more defined. After the compression has been removed, the skin and soft tissues can swell and this can take weeks to months to significantly improve. After rhinoplasty, tip shape is typically the last thing to settle before seeing the final result; this can take 12 months or longer in patients with thick, oily skin. My experience has been that edema may take 18 months or longer to resolve. During this time you will notice that the size of your tip decreases as swelling resolves and subtle details and tip definition appear. Additionally, the tip may descend causing the tip to rotate downwards (depending on what was done during surgery). Around the 4-6 week mark, most patients are able to appreciate most of the changes from surgery as a significant amount of swelling has resolved. However, it can take somewhere in and around 12-18 months to see the final results. The areas with thicker skin in the nose such as the tip, alar rims and radix will require longer to settle. In some cases, there can be a reaction of the bone where the hump was removed and some thickening of this area during recovery. This periosteal reaction can benefit from massage to smooth out the tissues. You should speak to your surgeon to see if massage of this area is advisable.  It's hard but important to stay patient during your recovery and to be diligent attending your follow-up appointments with your surgeon.

Jerome Edelstein, MD · Answer

You are still early on in your recovery after rhinoplasty. It can take a year or so to see your final results. Please wait until then.

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Very hard to be sure you have residual hump tissue and just not swelling. Even in your description you state, "it feels squishy"... This is a sign of swelling. You need t wait for at least 6 month than determine if residual tissue.....BTW good attempt at posting photos, recommend to have one color background next time...

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

Swelling in the nose is kind of unpredictable in that one side may swell more than the other for different amounts of time. I would still give it time and usually around the 6 month mark, you are able to see the shape of the nose with a majority of the swelling gone. That being said, it usually takes a year for the skin to 'shrink-wrap' back around the new underlying structure. Best of luck

Stephan Finical, MD · Answer

Swelling will continue to subside for a full year. Be patient and continue to follow up with your surgeon. It simply takes a long time for all the swelling to leave the nose.

Jon F. Harrell, DO, FACS · Answer

At about 3 months after surgery you still have a reasonable amount of swelling that that needs to clear. For a modest amount of fullness that you are demonstrating I would give healing at least a year and if there is still fullness present it could be dealt with easily at that time. Be patient.  Best of Luck   Dr Harrell

11 weeks post op, I have a bump on bridge after Rhinoplasty. Is this normal? (photos)

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