Revision Rhinoplasty: Q&A

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Ear Cartilage was Removed During Revision Rhinoplasty, Have Had Ear Pain Since, Normal?

I had revisionary rhinoplasty two years ago and my surgeon took out a lot of my fascia and ear cartilage to build my dorsum. Since then, I've been experiencing ear pain. Is this normal? I went to my ENT and he said there was nothing wrong, but my left ear hurts. Is this type of ear pain so long after the surgery common? What are options to make this better so it's not painful?

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5 Doctor Answers | Asked by nosegal in los angeles

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Ear Pain 2 Years after Cartilage Removal for Revision Rhinoplasty

It is not normal to have ear pain 2 years after cartilage removal. Ear cartilage is frequently used in revision rhinoplasty, but I've never seen this problem. Possible explanations include scar contracture or persistent sensory nerve irriation. Hopefully, careful examination by your surgeon will determine the cause so alternative treatments can be discussed.

Richard W. Fleming, MD

10 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Ear Cartilage was Removed During Revision Rhinoplasty, Have Had Ear Pain Since, Normal?

Not sure. I've taken ear cartilage grafts for Rhinoplasty many times and have never heard this type of complaint, especially 2 years out. Most likely scar tissue, from the surgery, is putting pressure on some sensory nerve of the ear. Not much to do about it IMHO.

The ear where cartilage is taken for rhinoplasty usually is only tender for 2-4 weeks

Dear nosegal You have done the right thing by having the ear evaluated. Ear cartilage sites usualy hurt for less than a 2-4 weeks, except when bumped. Be very specific about describing the pain to your doctor the next time, with emphasis on: the exact place that you feel the pain, whether it is throbbing, sharp, or radiating; what makes it feel better, when the ear hurts the worst. and whether it is related to when you pop your ears... more

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Ear pain after ear cartilage harvesting

Ear pain is a very vague description. If you have pain at thisp oint, you may have a neuroma from the sensory branch where the incision was made. Hard to say without an exam.

Steven Wallach, MD

13 reviews

Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Ear Cartilage was Removed During Revision Rhinoplasty, Have Had Ear Pain Since, Normal?

It's very common to struggle with localized ear discomfort after surgery. However, one would expect that after 1 year this would all subside. It's not uncommon to have intermittent inflammation in the area, however, and if you've had a formal evaluation that didn't turn up anything sinister this is all that is likely going on. My recommendation would be to start a regimen of ibuprofen 400mg at a time separated every 6 hours. If the pain completely... more

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Revision Rhinoplasty: Q&A

Ear Cartilage was Removed During Revision Rhinoplasty, Have Had Ear Pain Since, Normal?

Ear Pain 2 Years after Cartilage Removal for Revision Rhinoplasty

Ear Cartilage was Removed During Revision Rhinoplasty, Have Had Ear Pain Since, Normal?

The ear where cartilage is taken for rhinoplasty usually is only tender for 2-4 weeks