Excess Cartilage on Only One Side of Nose, Is this a Simple Procedure to Have Done?

Hi Rachel. Thank you for your question. With rhinoplasty, what may seem to you like a simple procedure can be more involved than you may expect. Several factors can contribute to the appearance of a crooked nose. During a consultation, an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will likely be able to provide you with a more clear understanding of the factors that are contributing to your apparent crooked nose and how your nasal appearance may be improved. Good luck.

Hello,

I am very glad that you have asked this question.  Becoming educated about the desired procedure will allow you to ask the right questions during a consultation, should you choose to proceed with the next step.  Just as important, researching general opinion about your question may make it easier to receive a surgeon’s recommendations regarding your specific anatomy. 

As the other surgeons have discussed, rhinoplasty is complicated.  It is frequently regarded as the most challenging facial plastic procedure.  Changes that may appear simple to achieve, shaving down a piece or cartilage or correcting a small asymmetry, can have a profound effect on the balance of the remainder of the nose and how the nose interacts with the face. 

It is rare that simple requests are achieved simply.  I agree with your other consultants that without images it is impossible to answer your question.  I also think it prudent to prepare for your expectations for more of a detailed procedure than just a simple shaving.

Nasal asymmetry and how to fix it depends on the cause and I would need to see photos to give you an informed answer.

A tip rhinoplasty procedure is not necessarily a simple operation.  It is important to diagnose what the current existing problem is and the cause.  We deal with these types of asymmetries in the nose on a daily basis.  You should have an examination of the internal and external portion of the nose to determine the cause and then formulate a surgical plan of action to correct the asymmetries.

Without photos and of course ane xam in person, it is difficult to say what exactly would need to be done. Certainly if there is some prominence more so on one side and it is related to cartilage, then it probably is a simple tip procedure.

It's hard to advise you without photos. It is common though for patients to believe that a simple maneuver will solve their concern and look to have that confirmed. Patients don't really know the anatomy and it's interrelationships so often are surprised at what is found to be needed after an exam.  From your description it sounds like you probably do have a crooked septum which pushes the outer cartilages up and out in a way that makes it seem like there is excess.  This cannot be fixed by shaving but needs structures restored to their natural position.

It is impossible to answer your question without pictures. However, you need a good consultation. Be preoared to hear that you need more than what you are asking

Rhinoplasty is a complex surgery.  Although it seem like you could "shave off" a bit of cartilage, successful long term results require much mor finesse. Make sure you consult an experienced  rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss your options

Without a picture, it is hard to offer specific recommendations. If you have an asymmetric lower cartilage, it can be improved with a tip rhinoplasty. This would be good to discuss with a Board Certified plastic surgeon or facial plastic surgeon.

An experienced rhinoplasty surgeon may be able to easily address this problem through a very limited incision and simply shave off the offending cartilage.