Visible irregularities on nasal tip after rhinoplasty. I have thin skin. Can this be corrected?

Question

I am approaching 4 months post op. I believe my surgeon made my nasal tip too small, and I also have thin skin. So I have a perfect oval shape on the tip of my nose that has been there since cast removal day. It has not gotten any better, and I am sure its not "just swelling" How can this be corrected? How difficult is it to fix, and what are the risks? If I have very thin skin will I always have this issue? I feel like there is no hope for my situation. Have any of you seen this issue before?

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hello, thanks for your query. The Bumps you see are tip defining points. Since its just 4 months and if PDO suture was used to create the points the suture may absorb over time. If it persists and you are no happy a revision may be required. There is additional risk in people with thin skin during secondary rhinoplasty. There is option of placing a dermal graft over the bumps to efface it. Consult your operating surgeon.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Visible tip cartilages after rhinoplasty. This will probably not get better. This requires possible shaving of the tip cartilages and placement of fascia over this. This should be done by a VERY experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon. See several in person and go from there.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

Without an in-person physical examination, it would not be possible to determine the exact cause of your problem.  If it is not swelling, it could be the lower lateral cartilages of your tip or a tip graft used to create definition that you are seeing and feeling.  I have seen surgeons use oval-shaped tip grafts in the past.  Being able to see and feel underlying cartilage is more likely in patients with thin skin such as yourself.  In patients with thin skin, I typically use a fascia graft as an additional layer of thickness to camouflage the underlying structures.  If a revision is required, it would be best to wait until you are 1 year postop from your previous rhinoplasty.  Any structural abnormalities can be corrected and a fascia graft added at that time.  In the meantime, I would recommend following up with your rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss any concerns you may have throughout the healing process and inquire more about the details of your original operation.  Only he/she will know exactly what was done during your operation.  Good communication between patient and surgeon both before and after surgery is very important.  Best of luck in your recovery!
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Visible irregularities on nasal tip after rhinoplasty. I have thin skin. Can this be corrected?

Answers (3)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Visible irregularities on nasal tip after rhinoplasty. I have thin skin. Can this be corrected?

Answers (3)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.