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Scott E. Kasden, MD answers: Lumpy cartilage after open Rhinoplasty

I had an open Rhinoplasty three months ago, and I now have quite a bit of lumpy cartilage up my nose. Is this normal/part of the healing process? Is this scar tissue, and will it go away in time? I'm also not seeing any results yet and my nose still looks wide at the base.


Scott E. Kasden, MD
10 months ago

At three months, your nose is not nearly healed, but enough swelling has resolved that you can start to see some detail.

You may be seeing excess scar tissue formation, visible cartilage grafts, or warping of cartilage.  Best case you may be looking at some stubborn local swelling.

With luck, your doctor may recommend some massage, or even a steroid injetion (though this is somewhat painful).  Worst case scenario, you may require a secondary procedure to correct the problem.  It is usual to let things settle for about a year before a second rhinoplasty is performed.

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