Periosteal Thickening after Rhinoplasty

If you don’t like the appearance of your nose, rhinoplasty is about your only option. This brings up the subject of periosteal thickening after rhinoplasty.

Periosteal Thickening after Rhinoplasty

If you decide to have plastic surgery done on your nose, known as rhinoplasty, you are probably unsatisfied with the look of your nose area. Whether you are unhappy with the bridge or the tip, plastic surgeons can help you to achieve a look facially that stop you from groaning every morning when you look in the mirror. Most patients are completely happy and satisfied with their “new” nose, however, complications do occasionally arise.

There are quite a few side effects and complications that can be caused by rhinoplasty, as there are with any plastic surgery. Bruising and swelling are common side effects of nasal surgery, but these usually fade within a short amount of time as does the pain from having surgery performed. External scar tissue can form where the doctor cut into your skin, but this will also fade. One more serious complication is periosteal thickening after rhinoplasty.

Your periosteum is the fibrous tissue that covers all parts of your bone, excluding the areas that are protected by cartilage such as at the joints. If the periosteum covering any bone is irritated, it can thicken and cause bumps and other issues. In most places, this is not a problem since the bone is surrounded by other tissues, such as muscle and fat. In your nose, periosteal thickening can be more of a problem.

Plastic surgeons state that it is common to feel small bumps and lumps in your nose immediately following nose surgery. However, the healing process can actually cause more problems in this area. Periosteal thickening after rhinoplasty can cause these smallish bumps to enlarge, as new bone and tissue grows from the periosteum. In some cases, this swelling and thickening goes down, leaving no lasting damage, but in others it can be permanent. The scarring that causes this thickening can be the result of some issue related to the surgery itself or just be from the way your body heals and is responding to being manipulated.

Consult your plastic surgeon immediately if you feel you are having periosteal thickening after rhinoplasty. Your surgeon will be able to evaluate you and help you to know the best course of action and whether your condition will just need time or treatment to heal. Some instances of periosteal thickening after rhinoplasty will need to be corrected with further surgery, although any additional procedures do carry with them the risk of more periosteal thickening. Only a doctor will know for sure what would be the best plan for your situation. Don’t assume the worst. Talk with your physician. If you have doubts about them, get a second opinion from another surgeon.

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