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Visible Graft After Rhinoplasty

asked 1 year ago by 123anona in US
Latest answer by Ramtin Kassir, MD
Question viewed 1,200 times
Tags: nose, bump, cartilage, graft

I had rhinoplasty abt 2 mnths ago &although there is still some swelling, there is a small bump sticking out on middle part of my nose where a cartilage graft was placed. To the touch it feels like edge of cartilage. Can I expect the bump to go down as healing continues(maybe that part is still be extra swollen?) or will a graft that has moved not change much anymore? How soon would you do a revision if graft has moved and leaves a visible bump? I won't see my suregon until 3 months post op.

12 answers to Visible Graft After Rhinoplasty

Visible graft after rhinoplasty.

It is too soon to make any judgement about the nose. You should wait at least 6 -12 months. Discuss this with your surgeon at your next visit.

Toby Mayer, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

Cartilage graft visible and palpable after rhinoplasty

Hi Annon, From your description, this appears to be a part of the graft that was used. You should not hurry back to the OR. It may reabsorb and soften significantly. Please bring it up to the attention of your surgeon and it can be corrected very easily if it is required. Please see the article below that discusses these grafts in detail. Sajjadian, Ali M.D., et al. Current Status of Grafts and Implants in Rhinoplasty: Part II. Homologous Grafts and Allogenic Implants Plastic... more

Ali Sajjadian, MD
Orange County Plastic Surgeon

www.DrSajjadian.com

Grafts you can feel after rhinoplasty

Hi anon, Talk to your surgeon at your 3 month visit to get an idea of what may be causing the palpable bump you are feeling. If the bump is small, and it is in fact a graft edge, you may see this soften with time as a bit of the grafted cartilage softens and resorbs. On the other hand, sometimes it can still be seen or felt through the skin as swelling continues to settle. In this case, it is usually not a big ordeal to fix it. Most surgeons would advise waiting at least 6 months or... more

Jason Litner, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Visible Graft After Rhinoplasty

It's best to wait at least a year after rhinoplasty for swelling to fully subside; if still an issue you can discuss corrective options with your surgeon. Grafts can resorb over time so hopefully you won't need another procedure.

Ramtin Kassir, MD
New York Facial Plastic Surgeon

Feeling a cartilage graft

If a cartilage graft has been placed over the top of the nose it is not uncommon to feel it and it may move slightly. If you can see it then a revision is most likelyt required. If you can only feel it then I would recommend leaving it alone and , if you are otherwise happy, be happy with your aesthetic result. Best, Tal Raine MD

Talmage J. Raine, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Palpable Graft after Rhinoplasty

Your nose will change over the next 6 months as swelling decreases, but the "bump" may still be present. Discuss the possible need for a revision when you see your surgeon in 3 months.

Richard W. Fleming, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Visible graft after rhinoplasty

Hello, It is still soon after your procedure. It is important to discuss any concerns with your surgeon, as he/she knows the extent of your surgery and exactly what was performed. Swelling will last for 18-24 months following rhinoplasty. If it is a major concern, it would be best to seek your surgeon's advice sooner. I hope this helps answer your question. Thank you and best of luck to you. Dr. Nassif

Paul S. Nassif, MD
Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

Palpable Cartilage Graft in Rhinoplasty

Often small pieces of cartilage are used in rhinoplasty for grafting. The cartilage is normally taken from the septum or ear, occasionally the rib. The cartilage is shaped and/or softened to help increase tip definition, narrow tip, fill concavities, support the tip, or other areas of the nose. When cartilage grafts are not available, then cosmetic surgeons may use nasal silicone implants. Grafts may become palpable over time, once swelling subsides. The cartilage grafts itself may... more

Houtan Chaboki, MD
Washington DC Facial Plastic Surgeon

Palpable grafts after rhinoplasty

A palpable graft at two months after rhinoplasty surgery may only get worse with time as the swelling dissipates. You should follow it carefully and then treat accordingly.

Steven Wallach, MD
Manhattan Plastic Surgeon

Visible cartilage grafts after rhinoplasty can need revision

There are two types of cartilage grafts used in rhinoplasty, visible grafts which give the nose shape, and invisible grafts which provide support to the nose. Of course invisible grafts are never meant to show. Visible grafts used to define the tip, or to raise and shape the dorsum are of course meant to show. It is often possible to feel grafts in the tip and bridge of the nose, however the appearance should be smooth. Quite contrary to what has been said, we expect visible tip and... more

Peter E. Johnson, MD
Chicago Plastic Surgeon

Visible graft after rhinoplasty

Dr Mayer hit it on the head. WAIT! at least 6 months but go discuss with your chosen surgeon NOW! This allows you and the surgeon to keep open the lines of communication. From MIAMI Dr. B

Darryl J. Blinski, MD
Miami Plastic Surgeon

Grafts and Rhinoplasty

At 2 months you can expect more swelling resolution for sure. Grafts have a tendency to soften over time, so it is possible that the edge you are feeling will settle down as well. It is also possible that the graft edge will become more visible after the surrounding skin swelling goes down. You should wait at least 6-9 months. If there is a visible edge, that can usually be shaved down in the office with a needle under local. Best of luck