There is a Hard Bump on the Side of my Nose After my Septorhinoplasty? (photo)

Question

I got a septorhinoplasty 11 days ago to fix my deviated septum, add a spreader graft to the right side, and refine a bump on the bridge. Now, there is a hard lump on the left side of my nose near the upper 1/3. It seems to be coming out more as time passes, and is very hard so I know it is not swelling. Why is this? What can I do? I have not called the surgeon yet as I know he will just say 11 days is too premature to tell a result. Could it be from where he took cartilage from my septum?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi K,

	It is important for you to call your rhinoplasty surgeon for an immediate follow up appointment for evaluation.  Most likely there is not much to be done at this time, but your surgeon should know about, and examine this new development.  Good luck and be well.

	Dr. P

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

I read your concerns and reviewed your photos:

	You would be best served by raising your concerns with your surgeon. He knows what your nose looked like before your splint was placed, and he may be able to provide reassurance. I have seen firm areas in the nasal bridge of some of my own nose job patients that ended up completely disappearing by 3-4 months post-op.

	A visit to your surgeon for his opinion would be the next best step for you.

	Feel free to keep us posted as you continue to heal.

	Hope this helps you.

	Dr. Joseph

P. Daniel Ward, MD · Answer

Swelling after nasal surgery persists for several months (up to 18 months even!). The appearance of the nose in the first few weeks after surgery will certainly change over the next few months. Patience is necessary during this time.

Michael R. Menachof, MD · Answer

It is too soon to tell. While you need to be patient, the only person that can give you any kind of an accurate answer is your own surgeon. Call him or her and let them know your concern. They are the only one who can put your mind to ease. Good luck.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

I would agree with your last comment. It is way to early for you to be worried about this. Placing spreader grafts and fixing the septal deviation requires lots of surgical dissection. There will be swelling for almost one year. Most of it will resolve in the first 3-6 months. You will have a much better idea at that time. Certain areas of concern will become soft and smooth with time. Give this many more months before you really worry. Be up front with your surgeon. We all want our patients to be happy in end. I think you will be in time. Good luck.

There is a Hard Bump on the Side of my Nose After my Septorhinoplasty? (photo)

Answers (5)