Misshapen Cartilage Graft During Rhinoplasty?

asked 3 years ago by seattle girl in Seattle, WA
Latest answer by William Portuese, MD
Question viewed 1,211 times
Tags: nose, tip

I had cartilage grafts placed on each side of my tip--up above my nostrils. I'm two weeks out from surgery. As the swelling has gone down, one side of the nose the right cartilage graft is more visible and more pronounced.

Will the graft-swelling go down as my nose selling goes down? Could this mean the graft was misshapen or too large?

9 answers to Misshapen Cartilage Graft During Rhinoplasty?

Allow swelling to settle down

Since it has only been two weeks from the time of your surgery it is still impossible to tell if the graft has been misplaced or too large. It is important to wait for at least a year before embarking on any revision rhinoplasty surgery. You are supposed to let the healing scar contracture and lymphatic edema settle down. Occasionally, some cortisone shots can be placed in the tip to enhance the healing process and remove lymphedema.

William Portuese, MD
Seattle Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.seattlefacial.com

Wait, wait, and wait after Rhinoplasty

You can't tell anything about the appearance of your nose yet. Way too early. It will change week to week during the first three months. Just be patient. Quit looking in the mirror. Most likely you'll be fine.

G. Gregory Gallico III, MD
Boston Plastic Surgeon

Nasal Asymmetry after Tip grafting

It is difficult to say without pictures and without knowing the details of the procedure. In any event, other than the surgeon, most other physcians would recommend waiting prior to undergoing any revisionary procedures. Discuss your concerns with your surgeon and begin an open dialogue.

Otto Joseph Placik, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Cartilage graft problems

As a general rule the thinner your skin the more visible the cartilage grafts. There are many variables at play in your current situation. If the cartilage grafts were actually sown or sutured in place then it is unlikely that they have shifted in position. It is possible that they are too large but it is just too early to tell. Your plastic surgeon will be in the best postion to know the answers to your questions and concerns.

Jeffrey Zwiren, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty results are hard to judge after two weeks

The rule of thumb with nasal shaping is that after one week as the splint comes off the nose should look pretty good. There are exceptions however, and patients with thick skin usually will have to have greater patience to wait out the swelling and stiffness in the skin which can persist for six months or longer. Results can only be judged as the swelling and stiffness have resolved the nasal shape is revealed. Visible tip grafts can pose special problems. A graft is cartilage tissue... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

You have to wait for Rhinoplasty results

I agree with what has been said. Your nose will likely look different two weeks from now and then different again 2 months later. PATIENCE is the key when waiting for the swelling to resolve from a rhinoplasty. The tip, being the lowest part of your nose, is often the last place for swelling to resolve. Somewhere in the 3 to 6 month range you will have a better idea if there is going to be any residual asymmetry in your tip. If a revision is recommended it may be wise to wait 10-12 months... more

Farzad R Nahai, MD
Atlanta Plastic Surgeon

You cannot assess the final result of Rhinoplasty in 2 weeks

Dear Seattle Girl, I completely agree with Dr. Persky. It's just too soon to tell. If you're convinced there is a problem in a month, then post your pictures for comments. I hope all turns out well, and best regards.

Eric M. Joseph, MD
West Orange Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.ericmjoseph.com

Rhinoplasty results take time

Resolution of swelling after rhinoplasty is something that takes time. If you are only 2 weeks out from surgery, it is probably too early to truly assess the final positioning of cartilage grafts that were placed. As the skin and soft tissues of the nasal tip heal, the presence of any misplaced grafts will become more apparent. Much of what you may be seeing at this point is the swelling of the skin and soft tissues overlying the cartilage. I would address your concerns with your doctor,... more

Jennifer Parker Porter, MD
Chevy Chase Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rhinoplasty Asymmetry of the Tip Two Weeks Post-Op

Hi Seattle Girl, Patience, patience, patience. The reward of patience is Patience. It is too early to access your results. Let the swellling and healing take it's normal course over the next few months. Nothing will be done for at least 6 months. Let's talk about the graft shape and size in 6 months, but most likely it will not be necessary. Enjoy your new nose and be well. Dr. P