4 Weeks Post Open Rhinoplasty - Still Hint of Former Dorsal Hump? (photo)

Question

I had open rhinoplasty on 28th March to remove the dorsal hump, and refine the tip. I am aware that I have tip swelling which looks similar to before. I am however concerned about the small bump that remains, and i have read some other people's questions that it could be residual hump, or if you are young, your body may try to reform the bone (nearly 21). I bumped my nose on a door a few days ago, but it didn't make my eyes water, bleed or look noticeably different. Could it just be swelling?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

At 4 weeks, a subtle remnant of a hump is likely swelling. The after photos demonstrate a much improved profile. Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds of rhinoplasties each year. Then look at the plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a sense of who can deliver the results. Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Jonathan Kulbersh, MD · Answer

4 weeks is still soon after your surgery, and there is swelling present that will affect the appearance of your nose. Swelling can lead to:

	1) Asymmetry
	2) Irregularities
	3) Bulbous nasal appearance

	It is too soon to judge the final result, and the bump may be due to swelling. Your body would not try and reform the bone. And if you lightly bumped your nose on a door, it will not likely affect the outcome of your surgery. I would recommend waiting a bit and see how you heal before judging the final outcome. It can take up to a year to see the final result. In the meantime, please consult your surgeon with any questions. I hope this helps, and I wish you the best of luck.

Jaime Perez, MD · Answer

Hello. At thirteen days you are nowhere close to your final results and for a full year after your procedure your cosmetic appearance will continue to improve. Just try to be patient. Much of this is do to swelling.

	
	Jaime Perez, MD
	Rhinoplasty Specialist
	Plastic Surgery Center of Tampa

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

An easy way to determine whether it is residual swelling or something else is to press on it gently with your finger. If the bump disappears, then it is likely just residual edema. Your surgeon may suggest maneuvers to help speed the resolution of the swelling. Taping, digital massage, and injections of steroid or 5-FU are commonly employed to modulate wound healing.

Paul S. Howard, MD · Answer

As an overall response to you photos I would say you are healing well with the usual swelling. Specifically, it is common to have some residual swelling at the mid-dorsal region as this area is where the cartilage part and bone part of the nose meet. When your surgeon finished your operation this area probably felt perfectly smooth. Both your dorsum and tip will change over the next 6 mos so patience is in order and try not to hit your nose as this can cause damage not immediately seen.

4 Weeks Post Open Rhinoplasty - Still Hint of Former Dorsal Hump? (photo)

Answers (8)