How to Manage A Bump Inside Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Nose jobs have their fair share of post-op complications, like every other surgical procedure. Rhinoplasty can provide cosmetic or functional relief to the affected people but at what cost? The recovery process from this surgery is not linear for everyone.

Some may experience minimal swelling after operation that subsides easily in a short timeframe. However, others may have to deal with severe complications like lumps, bumps or scars. Unfortunately, only time can tell if one should be worried about a bump.

This article focuses on highlighting bumps inside the nose after rhinoplasty, a common complication after the procedure. We will focus on different causes of bump formation, how to manage it and advance treatments for persistent ones.

What Is A Bump Inside Nose After Rhinoplasty?

A bump inside the nose after rhinoplasty is a common occurrence. These bumps either visible or nonvisible, may stay for a short period and disappear without any remedies. However, if the bump persists for a longer time, that’s when it becomes a reason of concern.

During a rhinoplasty, the nasal bones are brought towards the middle of the face, making the nose narrower. These lines may be felt when your fingers run up and down, and without any visible appearance. This could be due to a fracture line from the surgery.

What Are The Different Types Of Bumps After Rhinoplasty?

There could be multiple reasons for the formation of a bump after the surgery. Some of them are as follows:

1. Inflammatory Bump: This is a natural body response to trauma for normal healing. These bumps usually disappear after the swelling goes down.
2. Excessive Scar Tissue: When the body’s healing process is out of proportion to trauma, leading to excessive scar formation.
3. Residual Cartilage or Bone: Rarely, the surgical procedure was not successful as per plan, and it may have left behind a small irregularity of the bone. This usually requires additional surgery to correct the deformation.

As mentioned, immediately after the procedure, it is quite difficult to ascertain if the bump will be temporary or permanent. Swelling can occur due to fluid accumulation and mild bleeding under the skin. But persistent swelling which turns into hard lump can be concerning.

How To Manage Bump Inside Nose After Rhinoplasty?

Noticing a bump after rhinoplasty is critical, therefore, examine your nose daily in bright light. You can gently press your nose with clean hands to assess swelling or stiffness. Take photos every week from different angles to detect any abnormal changes.

After noticing any abnormality, keep the following points in mind to manage these bumps:

1. Regular Monitoring: Keep an eye on the bump for changes in shape, size, consistency, and inform your doctor, especially if it gets worse.
2. Cold Compressions: Non invasive measures such as cold compressions, using wrapped ice packs or frozen vegetables in a soft cloth, can help minimizing swelling. Apply for 10 minutes multiple times a day with breaks in between, avoiding direct contact.
3. Head Elevation: Elevate your head above the level of heart during sleep. You can use multiple pillows under your head for this reason.
4. Medications: Follow post-op measures as per your doctor’s recommendations including painkillers or antibiotics to prevent pain or infection at the surgical site. You can apply tape to reduce swelling and use splints to stabilize bones and cartilage to maintain nose shape.
5. Follow Up: Keep in close contact with your doctor and regularly attend your follow up appointments. Prepare your questions in advance for discussion about your recovery period.

Alternative Treatments For Persistent Bumps

For any persistent bumps that are not responding to regular treatments, these are a few additional options:

1. Steroid Injections: These can help reduce inflammation and swelling at the operation site. Hence it helps the skin to adapt to the nose’s new shape. However, multiple injections may be necessary to get the desired results.
2. Secondary Rhinoplasty: A revision rhinoplasty may be required to address persistent unresolved bumps or any residual bone to address shape concerns. Although it will be effective, it might take additional recovery time with higher risk of complications.

How To Personalize Rhinoplasty Recovery?

Various factors like skin texture, elasticity and type of surgical intervention influence each person’s recovery timeline. Therefore, a personalized care plan is essential to ensure effective and aesthetic post-op results.

Here are some additional tips to promote speedy recovery and minimize bump formation after a nose job:

• • Anti-Inflammatory Diet: Add certain food rich in antioxidants such as berries, nuts, green vegetables to ensure maximum intake of omega 3, vitamin C and E. These nutrients help in promoting healing and minimizing inflammation.
  • Scar Massage Techniques: After the swelling has subsided, apply massage techniques. Use circular motions with fingertips or gently cross-fibre pressure over scar tissue. You can also use longitudinal gliding to improve blood flow and elasticity of the tissue.
  • Precautions: Avoid heavy lifting and contact sports for some weeks. Carefully dress without risking catching your nose. Postpone air travel or any high pressure environments.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is there a bump in my nose after septoplasty?

When the nasal tissues heals, there can be some bumps in the nose which is normal and expected. This can be due to swelling or bruising and it will go away naturally after some time. Persistent hard bumps can be worrisome and need additional care.

What should the inside of the nose look like after rhinoplasty?

The inside of the nose may appear swollen causing congestion and difficulty breathing. There may be some crusting and bumps inside the nostrils.

How long does it take for the inside of your nose to heal after rhinoplasty?

Healing time may differ from person to person. Some patients may see changes within a few weeks after surgery but the overall healing takes up to a year for final results.