Discoloration on tip where graph is - 1 month post-op. (photos)

Thank you for your question.  I am sorry you are having some color changes at the nasal tip after your surgery.  At four weeks post-operatively, this color change is most likely secondary to swelling and bruising and should go down with time.  At this point in your healing process, you still have quite a bit of edema (swelling) of the nasal skin, which can cause the graft to be more prominent than it actually is.  As you have already mentioned, I would continue to discuss your concerns with your surgeon.  Continue to follow your post-operative instructions just as they were given to you. If at 6 months post-operatively, you are still having concerns, a small revision procedure can be done to help with this issue.  This, most often, can be done from a closed (incisions inside the nose) approach. I hope that this helps!-David Gilpin

Discoloration to the nasal tip skin can indicate some bruising, but persistent discoloration may represent some venous congestion of the skin or a decrease in blood flow to the skin. Revision surgery, open approach with skin cautery, alar base reduction, larger cartilage graft placement and other risk factors may increase one's chances of developing this problem. If discoloration persists, ask about applying nitro-paste to skin to increase blood flow. Hyberbaric Oxygen Therapy can also be considered. Most cases will improve without supplemental  therapy, but maybe best to monitor with your physician if treatment becomes necessary.