Hard nose tip 2 years after primary open rhinoplasty - is this normal?

Question

In December of 2020 I had a primary open rhinoplasty. Since then, the top and the sides of my tip have softened, but the bottom part is still very hard to touch. Is this normal? Is there anything I should worry about? Unfortunately, due to work I won’t be able to go to my home country and see my doctor until February 2023.

Caner Kacmaz, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. Without physical examination, it's not easy to determine the underlying cause Most of the time the cause is scar tissue or cartilage. It's not a problem and doesn't require another procedure as long as it is not affecting you. Best wishes.

Selcuk Inanli, MD · Answer

Hello! Thank you for your question.As far as I can understand from your question.It is not possible to make an accurate assessment without uploading your photos.If you can provide photos with better lighting, 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!

George Bitar, MD · Answer

The hardness at the bottom of your tip is likely nothing to worry about.  In fact, if you are happy with the appearance or your nose, you may not want to have any further surgery as it can change the nasal appearance.  Without knowing more details, it would be difficult to know exactly what is causing it.  It may be caused by scar tissue that forms after any surgery or cartilage placed at the time of surgery.  An examination of your nose and review of your operative note would help pinpoint those as a cause.  It may be related to residual swelling although it is less likely 20 months after surgery.  But swelling can hang around the nose, especially if you have thicker skin.  Things that may clue you in on swelling are fluctuating size and/or hardness of the tip, usually bigger or harder at night.  It is a great idea to see your doctor as soon as you are back home.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

The hardness may well be due to a cartilage graft. I would find out from your surgeon. It can be removed but if the air Saran e is good leave it alone

Robert Ciardullo, MD · Answer

Why does the underside of your nasal tip feel hard two years post open Rhinoplasty? there are two things in the nasal tip that could feel hard after open Rhinoplasty. One of these is scar tissue which should be mostly, though perhaps not completely resolved by two years. The other is Cartilage. There is only a layer of thin skin on the underside of the nose covering the cartilage. Beneath that is the cartilage and perhaps some cartilage grafts that may have been inserted such as columella struts. These will all feel firm. In some cases the Columella is supported up onto the caudal septum which could also feel firm when touching the underside of the nasal tip. My guess is most is that most of what you are feeling is cartilage perhaps coupled with some residual scar tissue. Your surgeon will be able to assess this knowing what he did with the tip during surgery.

Hard nose tip 2 years after primary open rhinoplasty - is this normal?

Answers (5)

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