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

Question

I'm four weeks post op and I have dark discoloration on the tip of my nose. It's been like this since a day or two after the cast came off. I saw my PS then and he said it was bruising. I saw him again this week and he said it will self resolve. It seems to be getting worse. Especially in the afternoon when the swelling goes down. Have you seen other patients experience this? What is it and will it go away or should I be really concerned. What was the outcome and is there any other treatment if it persists? I had a rhinoplasty 20 years ago and this was a revision after an accident. Please help! I feel like my surgeon is just brushing me off.

David Gilpin, MD · Answer

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

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

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.

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

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

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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