Painful nostril and deformed alar region. 6 months PO revision rhino, is this exposed cartilage? (Photo)

Question

Internal and external pain still even though no more drainage from bad infection that lasted 4 months around septal alar rim graft. red lump, inflammation still on skin outside of nose and internally rawness. Do I have exposed cartilage and should it be trimmed away? Surgeon too far away, due to see another surgeon close to home. Does trimming exposed cartilage help with pain? This area looked fine before surgery so I'm very upset!

Jeffrey Epstein, MD, FACS · Answer

It is difficult to diagnose without seeing you,
but it sounds like exposed rim cartilage that usually heals up
eventually.  Something to discuss with your doctor is possible having the
graft removed, letting it heal up, then consider having it replaced.

Eugene L. Alford, MD · Answer

The photos you provided do not appear to show cartilage extrusion. I don't see any redness in particular but you do have a tick webbed scar which could be the source of irritation and discomfort.

Painful nostril and deformed alar region. 6 months PO revision rhino, is this exposed cartilage? (Photo)

Answers (2)