What happens if my nasal hump comes back after rhinoplasty?
⚠️ When to contact your surgeon promptly
If you notice sudden changes in the shape of your nose, increasing pain, swelling, redness, or any difficulty breathing after rhinoplasty, contact your surgeon right away. These symptoms could signal an infection, bleeding, or other complication that needs prompt attention.
Short answer
A hump returning after rhinoplasty is called hump recurrence, and it is one of the more common complications after a type of rhinoplasty called dorsal preservation rhinoplasty. It usually requires a revision (repeat) surgery to correct. The good news is that surgeons now have specific techniques to prevent it and treat it when it does occur.
What the research shows
Hump recurrence happens when the nasal bridge gradually springs back toward its original shape after surgery. It is described as the most common complication after dorsal preservation rhinoplasty (a technique that reshapes the nose without fully removing the bridge tissue). [3] Studies show it occurs in roughly 5% of cases when surgeons are still learning the procedure, and it happens more often in patients who had a larger hump to begin with. [2]
A separate study found that about 5 to 15% of all rhinoplasty patients end up needing a revision surgery for various reasons, and a residual or returning hump is one of the top complaints patients bring to their surgeon. [8]
Why does it happen and what can be done?
The hump can return because the cartilage and tissue of the nose have a kind of "memory," pulling back toward their original position over time if they are not held in place well enough. [3] Surgeons can reduce the risk by choosing the right patients carefully, using special suture (stitching) techniques to lock the cartilage in its new position, and properly securing the nasal septum (the wall inside the nose). [3] [6] One study of 231 patients found that a modified septum-fixation technique significantly cut the rate of hump recurrence compared to the standard approach. [6]
If the hump does come back, revision rhinoplasty is the main solution. Options include repeating the preservation technique (push-down or let-down) or switching to a classic open resection approach. [2]
What this means for you
If you notice your hump seems to be returning after your rhinoplasty, you are not imagining it and you are not alone. Contact your surgeon so they can evaluate you with photographs and an in-person exam. The change may be swelling that is still resolving (swelling after rhinoplasty can last up to a year), or it may be true recurrence that warrants a revision plan. [2] [8] Having an open, detailed conversation with your surgeon about your expectations and what you are seeing is the most important first step.
What to ask your surgeon
Consider asking: "Is what I see a returning hump or is it still swelling?" and "Which revision technique would you recommend for my specific hump size and shape?" It is also reasonable to ask about the surgeon's personal experience with revision cases and what steps were or can be taken to hold the result in place long-term. [3] [5]