Cartilage keeps growing. Nose out of shape. Will nose tip surgery correct it? (photos)

Question

I am a 34 year old female. In the last 2 years I have noticed a bump growing on the left alar cartilage. I also have a 2nd bump higher up inside my right nostril. Both are causing my nose tip to distort. I have seen 2 ENT consultants. One privately. Both have said its my cartilage continuing to grow. Is this possible? One said surgery will not solve the problem. Will it get any bigger? There was no mention of rhinophyma. No tests or biopsies have been carried out. Can it be resolved. Im so distressed.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your photos appear to reveal thin nasal skin with tip asymmetry and slight droopiness. Rhinophyma is a skin disorder associated with rosacea, that typically has a different appearance than your photos. As we age, the thickness of tissue between our skin and nasal cartilage may lessen causing tip irregularities to become more visible with time. An intranasal mass should be identifiable by a reputable ENT, so if that's not the case, you may have asymmetrical alar cartilages that are becoming more noticeable. If that is the case, rhinoplasty surgery may be considered for achieving a narrower and more symmetrical nasal tip appearance. You may consider visiting several rhinoplasty specialists for a definitive diagnosis, and to see what to expect after surgery. Hope this helps! Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  The
best advice you can receive is from an in-person consultation.  With that
being said, based on your photographs, this could be either cartilage or a soft tissue mass.  Both can be fixed with surgery. I recommend
that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who
can evaluate you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Thank you for your question and photographs. Photographs can not substitute personal examination
 If tumor is  there it treatment solve your problem. If septum is growing and distorting  its correction will correct tip distortion.
please see board certified plastic surgeon and discuss.
Best Of Luck
 Dr Milan Doshi

Talmage J. Raine, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

So, the pictures seem to show a mass beneath the skin. It may not be cartilage. I've never seen cartilage do that. It is most likely a subcutaneous mass that a dermatologist could help you with. I'm surprised that a surgeon didn't mention that possibility. If the plastic surgeon said it is definitely cartilage , then it could be removed, hopefully internally, though the nose.All the best,Talmage Raine MD

Cartilage keeps growing. Nose out of shape. Will nose tip surgery correct it? (photos)

Answers (4)