Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Question

I underwent a closed rhinoplasty about 3 months ago just to file down a small dorsal hump. From one side of my face (right) the hump is not very noticeable, but from the other side (left), it looks bulky and not delicate. It feels somewhat spongy yet firm towards the bottom on the sides, but more bony towards the top. Could this still be post-operative swelling? Or do you think that my surgeon did not file down enough?

Richard H. Tholen, MD, FACS · Answer

By your description and photographs, this could be a combination of swelling plus incomplete removal. Only time will tell. If your surgeon feels this is scar tissue or swelling, then very conservative and judicious steroid injection(s) could help to reduce both swelling and scar tissue. If the tiny hump remains at one year, then re-operation is the only option to improve this, but with the additional information this time about how your body heals and forms scar tissue. Be patient and let things settle appropriately before doing something drastic or perhaps unnecessary! Best wishes!

James M. Pearson, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi Madeline. 3 months following rhinoplasty, most but not all of the edema has resolved. The small irregularity demonstrated in your photo may very well be caused by edema. If the skin overlying this region feels 'spongy' as you note, or if the small hump is temporarily compressible when gentle pressure is applied with your finger, then those findings suggest edema may be contributing to the appearance of the small irregularity. Discuss your concerns with your rhinoplasty surgeon. Good luck.

Ross A. Clevens, MD, FACS · Answer

The swelling that you have experienced following your rhinoplasty is normal.  I advise my patients that after surgery they will most likely experience some noticeable swelling that will subside within two to six weeks.  Patients should know some minor swelling can remain for as long as six to nine months, and their nasal contour may continue to change.  Final results may not be seen until the six month mark. It is likely that you will not see any signifigant changes after nine months.  I suggest discussing your concerns with your surgeon. 

	Best of luck, Dr. Clevens

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Photos demonstrate a very small residual "hump" I believe it is not edema/swelling but over the internet can not be sure. Obtain an in person second opinion.

Steven Turkeltaub, MD · Answer

At three months there is still enough swelling present to be unequivocally certain that the slight convexity that you have definitely represents a "hump" that will remain. Give this at least another 3 - 6 months. If there is a small residual that remains, a surgical revision may very well be needed.

Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answers (9)

Answer: Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answer: Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answer: Small convexity still present on nose 3 months following a rhinoplasty

Answer: Small convexity still present on nose 3 months following a rhinoplasty

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Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answers (9)

Answer: Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answer: Can I Still Have a Hump 3 Months After Rhinoplasty? Or Is It Swelling?

Answer: Small convexity still present on nose 3 months following a rhinoplasty

Answer: Small convexity still present on nose 3 months following a rhinoplasty

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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.