What is the hard swelling on one side of my nose after an injury and surgery, and do I need treatment?

Given your situation, it sounds like post-traumatic changes from the injury could be behind the hard swelling you’re experiencing. Options include scar tissue formation or even some cartilage or bone changes due to the trauma. Scar tissue, a natural part of the healing process, can manifest as firm, raised areas especially after an injury and can explain the thickening you observe. Cartilage or bone changes like a septal hematoma or a fracture could also have caused a palpable bulge if they weren’t fully addressed initially. Since you’ve had septoplasty which usually targets internal nasal corrections, this external prominence may not have been fully corrected by the surgery. Although you’re not experiencing severe symptoms such as pain or infection-related signs, the persistence of this asymmetry indicates it’s wise to get it checked further. Make an appointment with your ENT specialist or plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. They might recommend a physical examination, where palpation can provide clues, or imaging studies like a CT scan for a clear view of the nasal structure. This can help determine whether this is indeed just a benign residual from the trauma or if something like an underlying bone or cartilage irregularity requires correction. In some cases, surgical options such as a revision rhinoplasty may be suggested, especially if you’re considering cosmetic improvement along with medical correction. Non-surgical options, like corticosteroid injections, could also help if hypertrophic scarring is diagnosed. However, these require professional assessment before proceeding. Let’s ensure any treatment plan fits with your lifestyle and resolves both functional and aesthetic concerns you may have regarding the hard swelling.