Could the bump on the bridge of my nose be permanent or temporary?

Dear Kosherbeans in Woodland Hills, California:
 One week after the accident it is not unusual to have swelling.  As it dissipates, you will get a sense of whether it will disappear or not.  It is going to take a few months, at least 2 months.  You may have had a little bruise under the skin or you may have had some thickening of the covering of the bone and all of these things would impact on the appearance but typically reverse themselves.  However, if the bone has been cracked but not greatly out of position, then the healing forces including the internal “scab” to promote healing may be persistent and, therefore, if it is still there in 2-3 months and you are not happy with it then you have the option of having surgery.  Certainly at 1 week do not expect nature to have finished it’s job. 

Best wishes and happy holidays,

 

Robert Kotler, MD, FACS

Over 4,500 nasal procedures performed

Bumps and lumps on noses after trauma are common and can be from swelling or some underlying bleeding. Those will usually go away with time. More severe injury to the tissue or underlying bones can cause more serious lumps that can be permanent. A good sign is that the bump seems to be getting smaller which means it will likely resolve. Any residual bump may then require surgical intervention to correct but it is still too early to tell. Hope this helps!Johnson C. Lee, MD Plastic Surgery@drjohnsonlee