Can Cartilage Grow Back After a Rhino/septoplasty and a Tip Revision?

Dear Debber,

Thank you for your question.  Cartilage does not grow back, but cartilage can shift in the healing process.  Sutures can give way, the cartilage can be pushed on accidently in your sleep if you unconsciously roll over onto your nose, as well as many other reasons for shifting of the cartilage.  I have my patients sleep in a recliner at home for weeks after surgery to try to prevent this. 

Best Wishes,

Pablo Prichard, MD

Hello,

Thank you for the question.  Although anything is possible it is highly unlikely that your cartilages have grown back.  It is more likely the case that the cartilage has shifted after being molder either by suture or through cutting it.  This difference does not matter as much if your final result after the revision is what you desired.  When your plastic surgeon goes back in for the revision he/she will reshape the cartilages and assess why they shifted during the healing process.

All the best,

Dr. Remus Repta

Dear Debber, a recurrence of tip deformity after rhinoplasty is not regrowth of cartilage, but bending or contracture due most likely to weakening of the remaining tip cartilages. Removing more cartilage may thus be a mistake, and lead to more deformity due to structural deficiency. Often these cases require structural tip grafting using septal, ear or rib cartilage. It can't hurt to get a second opinion before committing to a 3rd procedure. See an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for another opinion, and good luck!