Rhinoplasty in 2015 & cartilage feels like it's shifting, is this possible?

Question

In 2015, I had a rhinoplasty/septoplasty to help with breathing. I did not have any complications. Just over the past few days on the inside of one nostril it is extremely sore and I can feel a sharp edge which I think is a spreader graft. Is it possible for this to shift after so much time? thank you

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hello! Great question. Yes, you can certainly have changes years after your rhinoplasty was performed. Graft extrusion is rare but it can occur. If you notice cartilage present, you'd want to revisit with your surgeon to have a look. Exposed cartilage can be an entry point for bacteria to get under the nasal skin envelope. This can lead to major infections. Hope this helps!

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It could be the graft or something else. An internal indie toon needs to be done by a plastic surgeon to determine if that’s the case.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

In some cases, mucosa can undergo chronic changes which manifests with thining and possible show of implant (cartilage) edge. By this time your cartilage graft should be completely integrated and it is not likely that it would spontaneously be displaced. In person evaluation by your surgeon should be your next step. Good luck.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question. As far as I can understand your question the graft might be relocated due to trauma or something else. It would be better to talk with your surgeon about it. If you can provide photos from inside of your nose, from the side of your face and 1 meter away I would be able to make a proper evaluation. It would be more convenient to decide with face-to-face consultation. Best Regards!

Rhinoplasty in 2015 & cartilage feels like it's shifting, is this possible?

Answers (4)