“Ear Cartilage Graft to Correct Prolapse/breathing: Wrong Size?”

nic123

Not Sure
Spent: $100 in New York

Updated 18 Jan 2010

Posted 17 Jan 2010

I had a rhinoplasty 2 weeks ago to correct a mild case of prolapse on the right side of my nose, which was impairing breathing. The doctor used a cartilage graft from my ear in order to "cover up" the hole.

The breathing is fine now. However I am not pleased with the appearance. The swelling, it seems, has completely vanished from my face and nose, but the right side of my nose now looks much thicker than the left side. I think the doctor placed the graft at a bad angle (too much on the side) and used an implant that is too large. When I touch it I can actually feel the cartilage graft, which is very hard, and all of its contours. I am pretty sure that it is not due to swelling- the fullness starts and ends with the contours of the graft.

My question is: in order to shave it down to a more suitable size, how long do I have to wait? Do I really need to wait a whole year? and do I have to go through another full rhinoplasty or are there other milder techniques (I believe I've read something about it, but I might be wrong...)? I only have a before photo (prolapse = dark area). Thank you. Nic

This review is the subjective opinion of a RealSelf member and not of RealSelf, Inc.

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