Why Is There a Bump on Your Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Potomac Plastic Surgery

Bumps on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty are not uncommon. Will those bumps resolve on their own? If so, how long will you need to wait for the bump to go away? I answer many of your top questions about bumps on the nose after rhinoplasty in this blog post.

What Causes a Nose Bump After Rhinoplasty?

Early bumps and irregularities, which may last several months, are usually due to swelling of the nasal tissues (skin, muscle, and periosteum). Remember, it can take a year or more for postoperative swelling to fully resolve, so seeing a bump early in the healing process is not usually a cause for concern. Patients with very large bumps prior to rhinoplasty usually have the most swelling. Large nasal bumps or individuals with a history of traumatic facial injuries or a broken nose may require more than one operation to create a smooth, straight profile.

You can learn more about swelling after rhinoplasty in my related blog post.

Will the Bump on My Nose Go Away on Its Own?

Small bumps or irregularities that develop immediately after cosmetic nasal surgery usually resolve with time. Gentle pressure and massage may be appropriate. However, pressure that is too forceful may shift and move the nasal bones and cartilage, so it’s best to consult with your plastic surgeon.

The key is to be patient after surgery and give the nose time to heal. Most people find that their results are well worth the wait, as demonstrated by the results in the before-and-after photos below:

Before & After Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic Case 291 Right Side - Smiling View in Washington, DC
Before & After Arm Lift
Before & After Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic Case 107 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Arm Lift
Before & After Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic Case 19 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Arm Lift
Before & After Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic Case 264 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Arm Lift
Before & After Rhinoplasty - Cosmetic Case 146 Front View in Washington, DC
Before & After Arm Lift

Do I Need Additional Treatment To Address the Nose Bump After Surgery?

In some cases, a steroid injection under the skin may be required to help control swelling and edema.

What About Long-Term Bumps After Rhinoplasty?

Bumps that persist beyond a year may represent scar tissue or additional bone and/or cartilage that won’t go away on its own. In some cases, a revision rhinoplasty may be necessary.

Much less common causes of bumps on the nose immediately after cosmetic rhinoplastic surgery is a blood clot (hematoma) or infection. These are normally readily apparent and can treated by your surgeon in the office.

Speak to your rhinoplasty surgeon if you have concerns about swelling after nose job surgery. If you’re considering rhinoplasty, please request a consultation using our online form or call us at (202) 800-2085.

42 Responses to Why Is There a Bump on Your Nose After Rhinoplasty?

  • Riccardo Iervasi says:

    Hello, I have a rhinoplasty almost 30 years ago by a leading N.Y. plastic surgeon. I have noticed a slight bump at the just below the bridge and above the tip of my nose. It has surfaced within the last five years. Are there any suggestions to remove it or improve it. Thank you.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Bumps on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty is not uncommon, even with the best rhinoplasty plastic surgeons. Examination would be required to help determine possible appropriate treatment options for bumps.

  • A says:

    Hello,

    I had rhinoplasty 3 months ago and I noticed a small bump on my nose bridge since a few days. I did the tip of my nose and a little bit of shaping above the nose tip. I didn’t have a bump on my nose bridge so that’s why I did my nose tip. But now I see a bump and it’s after 3 months. Is this normal and do you think it will go away??

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. Rhinoplasty recovery, similar to other plastic surgery, involves various phases of healing: early (days), middle (weeks), and late (months/years). Plastic surgeons generally consider the first few months relatively early in the healing process after surgery. Patients should speak with their plastic surgeon regarding any concerns they may have during recovery.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Corin says:

      To the original poster, did this resolve on its own after waiting a full year after surgery?

  • M says:

    Hello, I had a septorhinoplasty 5 months ago. I had a dorsal hump removed and my tip raised a bit. About 2-3 months in my bridge was relatively straight, but then I began developing a bone-like bump on my bridge that looks similar to my previous dorsal hump. I now have 2 such bumps. Why is this? I also occasionally feel pressure on my nose.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading this plastic surgery blog. Bumps and irregularities on the bridge of the nose can happen after rhinoplasty. Many issues after rhinoplasty can resolve with time. Patients should continue to speak with their rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any concerns they have.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Laine Apple says:

    I had a rhinoplasty about a year ago, I’ve had bumps develop on my bridge of my nose. I’m mostly worried about having to get it fixed and paying for another surgery with the original doctor. What is standard for that? Is it normal for corrections to original surgery to cost more?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Rhinoplasty patients, as with all plastic surgery patients, may want additional procedures. As with any plastic surgery, it’s always best for patients to speak with their plastic surgeon. Some patients don’t need a full surgery, rather just some relatively minor adjustments. Costs will vary among plastic surgeons.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Nina says:

    Hello, I had a rhinoplasty done 10 days ago. I got my cast off 4 days ago and my nose already scared me from the second I saw myself. I love my side profile but my front is extremely swollen and big and wide. I have no definition and can feel a bump between my eyes. the right side of my nose has a very big swollen bump and the other side doesn’t. Also, my left nostril is wider than my right and I can feel it’s harder than the right too. All of this together makes my nose look very deformed and not straight…especially when I take a photo using flash. I’m very worried but do not want to seem impatient and call my surgeon…can anyone let me know if it will go away?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Swelling is often a concern for rhinoplasty patients, or any plastic surgery patient for that matter. A majority of the swelling generally resolves in the first weeks after surgery. However, it can take a year for the “final” results. Patients should always keep in communication with their plastic surgeon.

      Interested rhinoplasty patients can read more about rhinoplasty swelling in our blog.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

    • Cristina says:

      Has this resolved at all? I also had surgery about 10 days ago and my nose scares me.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Rhinoplasty swelling is most significant for the first several days after surgery. Fortunately, a majority of this swelling usually resolves in weeks. However, it can take a year for “final” rhinoplasty results. Rhinoplasty patients should keep in communication with their rhinoplasty surgery.

      Interested individuals can read more about rhinoplasty swelling in our blog.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • H says:

    Hi Dr. Chaboki,

    Could I e-mail you photos of me regarding this issue? I don’t want to publicly post them. It would mean a lot.

    Thank you

    H.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Our cosmetic surgery practice offers private, secure messaging. Interested individuals can contact the office online via our Contact Us page or via Patient Portal.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Layla says:

    Hello, It’s been almost 14 months since I’ve had my rhinoplasty and now I notice that there is a very small bump on the dorsum nasi, almost an inch below the bridge. Is this anything to worry about?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog.

      Plastic surgeons like to see their rhinoplasty patient at followup and monitor recovery. If you haven’t already, then contact your rhinoplasty surgeon specialist to schedule a visit.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Mahra Yeager says:

    Hello, I had a septorhinoplasty to make my nose tip higher , lower my nose bridge and remove my nose bump like before two weeks and a half. Ever since I took my cast off after one week I had my surgery, I had this bump on the bridge of my nose, when I touch it it’s hard like bone and I don’t know if it’s swelling or it’s the actual bone/cartilage. Will this go away? I wanted a low nose bridge with a high nose tip, why there’s a hard noticeable bump on my nose bridge when I asked them to remove it? It looks off on both of my side profile and front. I’m scared that this isn’t just swelling.

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      We recommend communicating with original rhinoplasty surgeons, as circumstances will vary for each patient. Bumps on the bridge of the nose after rhinoplasty may occur even with the world’s best rhinoplasty plastic surgeons.

      Here is some information on rhinoplasty swelling that may be useful.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • ClauAL says:

    Hi Nina,
    Exactly the same happens to me… after almost one year of your surgery how is your nose right now?? did the bumb between your eyes dissapeared?? I am a bit worried… thank you!

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      A majority of swelling typically resolves in the first few months after rhinoplasty surgery. However, it takes a full year for “final” healing. If you haven’t already, then speak with your rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any issues.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Dawn says:

    I am almost 5 month out from my rhinoplasty, at about 6 weeks I developed a callous on my bridge, my nose tip is very swollen still and is actually bigger then before surgery. In the last week my nose has swelled and is very red almost like it’s sunburned and his sore to touch in the middle. My surgeon is not available to see me till next week, the NP put me on an antibiotic as a precaution. What could cause this?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      The nose, as with any body area, will go through changes after cosmetic surgery. Swelling is common after any plastic surgery, including rhinoplasty. It’s important to speak with the rhinoplasty surgeon who performed the procedure to review potential treatment options.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Kavi says:

    My agumentation rhinoplasty finished 3years but still also skin wrinkle and hard then bump on top and bottom of agumentation cartilage how to cure this tightness skin this skin not recovered 3years how to cure this skin

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Hi,
      Augmentation rhinoplasty can be performed with cartilage or implants. Revision procedures will vary based on several variables. A consultation can help determine potential options. Please contact the office to get started. Thank you!

  • James says:

    Hi there

    I had a nose job 3 weeks ago
    I understand the issues regarding post op swelling etc however when my cast was removed my nose was straight (had a hump removed and tip refined)

    I’ve been taping my nose at night however pains when I take the tape off no matter how slow I do it.

    Currently there is a small bump where my hump used to be (on the bone not the cartilage) I assume it’s swelling as it hurts and is red. I am applying arnica cream and icing it to help but not sure if this is doing more damage or not? Is there anything else I can do to reduce swelling?

    Thanks

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading our blog!

      Three weeks is very early after rhinoplasty surgery. We recommend speaking with the original rhinoplasty surgeon to help determine appropriate options. For our patients, we have specific Care Instructions to help minimize rhinoplasty swelling.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Ahed says:

    Hi!
    I am almost four weeks post-rhinoplasty and there is a red bump on the left side of my nose where the deviated septum was corrected, is the bump and its reddness indicate an infection?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      4 weeks is considered relatively early in the healing period after rhinoplasty. Swelling is still present. Any concern should be brought to the attention of the plastic surgeon.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Hanan says:

    i have gotten a nosejob and it’s been about 3 weeks and I have a slight bump on my nose bridge I didn’t have before , is it permanent?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading out blog!

      The nose is still settling after plastic surgery and is typically swollen in the early recovery period. We advise our patients to let swelling settle, which typically takes at least a year after rhinoplasty.

      Learn more about rhinoplasty swelling in our blog.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Laura says:

    I had a rhinoplasty at the end of 2020 so it has been about a total of 1 year and 8 months and I have developed a dent in my nasal bone on the left side I want to say maybe it could be a breaking of the nasal bone. The dent appears deeper some days than others and some days you don’t notice it but when you feel it you can feel the dent like the bone was cut and it fell. I do experience some days difficulty in breathing and my tip looks like it has fallen it doesn’t have the structure it’s like its separated from my nasal bone what do you recommend me to do Dr. Chaboki? Thank you

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading our blog! For those who have questions regarding their rhinoplasty, office examination with a plastic surgeon or rhinoplasty surgeon is generally recommended. Video followup is not the same as in-person examination.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • michelle says:

    Hello
    I am meeting with my surgeon next month but in the interim, was wondering if there is a way to tell if a ‘bony’ bump on side of bridge is swelling vs. callous vs. cartilage, etc. I had a dorsal hump removal, grafts, etc 2 months ago, and noticed this right after cast removal (1 week). Thank you for the info and blog!

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      Rhinoplasty, similar to any plastic surgery, takes a year (if not longer) for full healing. Rhinoplasty patients should be in communication with their plastic surgeons during the healing process.

      Best,

  • Kate says:

    Hi, I’m 2 weeks post op and on the 3rd day of my recovery I noticed a hard bump froming on the left side of my nose next to my eye. I still had my cast on so I couldn’t see fully what was going on. Unfortunately after my cast was removed, I saw a big bump stretching all the way from the corner of my eye down to my nostril making my nose twice as wide as it should be. It’s all very hard to the touch and my doctor said it’s a callus and that nothing can be done for now but wait for it to disappear, if that doesn’t happen then it can be removed by rasping. I’m terrified and surprised that something this big could form only in few days. Is it really callus and what are the chances of it disappearing on its own and how long will it take?

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog. Office consultation is required to help answer such concerns. As always, patients should be in communication with their rhinoplasty surgeon.

      Best,

  • Martina says:

    Please help.
    I have had revision nasal surgery and love it- now 4 weeks in a bump as formed on my bridge. Is this common? I am depressed as it looks awful- it Is a hard lump.
    Please help

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      Thank you for reading the blog!

      Swelling is common after rhinoplasty and can take a year or long to resolve. Patients should speak with their rhinoplasty surgeon regarding any concern.

      Best,
      Dr. Chaboki

  • Paula says:

    Buenas noches me realice una rinoplastia aproximadamente 3 meses,he notado una pequeña giba en el dorso de la nariz ,quisiera saber si esto hace parte del proceso de inflamacion o puede quedarse la giba en mi nariz y no desaparecer

    • Houtan Chaboki, M.D. says:

      ¡Gracias por leer el blog!

      La hinchazón es común después de una rinoplastia y puede tardar un año o más en resolverse. Los pacientes deben hablar con su cirujano de rinoplastia con respecto a cualquier preocupación.

      Dr. Chaboki

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