It’s not the greatest outcome to have a nasal bump on your nose after rhinoplasty, but the bigger question is whether this post-surgery bump is permanent? Most often, it’s just the healing process, but sometimes it can be caused by the surgery itself or how your bone heals. Here’s a quick guide.
Depending on the location of the bump, a surgeon will remove it in different ways. A bump in the upper part of the nose is made up of bone while a bump mid to lower nose is made up of cartilage. A bony bump is filed down, but cartilage is cut away. The skin redrapes over the upper half of the nose quicker than the lower half of the nose because the skin is thicker the more you move down the nose, it could take the lower nose a year to a year and a half to show all the changes from a rhinoplasty while the upper part of the nose only takes about six or seven months. Because of this, it may appear that there is a bump when it is actually the swelling or from the skin not being fully re-draped over the nose.
Can a nasal bump or hump go away if it’s not removed?
A nasal bump or hump that is on your nose prior to surgery will not go away on its own. However, a bump or hump that you see after surgery could very well resolve itself, especially if it is in the lower part of the nose.
Think of it this way. When we break our arm and the bone heals, it may develop a little callous on it either from the way it was set or how your bone heals. A surgeon cannot anticipate how a bone will heal, but a bump in the cartilage of the lower half of the nose or at the tip can resolve itself as swelling subsides and skin redrapes.
When should I consider revision rhinoplasty?
I don’t like to do revision rhinoplasty for 8 to 12 months after surgery. If there are issues in the nasal tip, I like to wait a year because the skin is thicker there and we may not see the subtle changes yet. If there are issues in the bridge, I might do a revision in about eight or nine months because the thinner skin in that location allows the skin to redrape faster and we can see what’s actually going on.
I’ve done lots of primary rhinoplasties and since my practice is in Beverly Hills, I see many people who have had their noses overdone, and so it’s very common for me to get lots of requests for revisions. If you have an issue with your nose, or if you’ve had a rhinoplasty and have a secondary problem, call or email me. I help patients like you every day, and I’d love to talk to you, see photographs, and even see you in my office to potentially fix it.
Have questions?
Email Dr. Sykes at [email protected]
Read More
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What Is a Natural Rhinoplasty?
Why Does My Nose Look Bigger After Rhinoplasty?Rhinoplasty Before & After Photos
About Dr. Jonathan Sykes
Dr. Jonathan Sykes is a world-famous expert plastic surgeon who performs all cosmetic and functional plastic surgery procedures on the face and neck. He is a past president of The American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, and served on their Board of Directors for over 10 years. He is also a Professor Emeritus in Facial Plastic Surgery from UC Davis Medical Center, and the former Director of Facial Plastic Surgery at that institution.
He is known as the expert’s expert, and is often called to consult and advise other plastic surgeons in both Northern California and Beverly Hills. He has a special interest in eyelid and browlift surgery, facial rejuvenation surgery including facelifts, and rhinoplasty. He also has a particular interest in facial feminization surgery. Have questions? Email Dr.Sykes at: [email protected]
