Too Much Cartilage Graft on Nose Tip or Swelling?

Question

I had a Rhinoplasty and had cartilage grafts placed on each side of my nose tip, up above my nostrils. I'm two weeks out from surgery. As the swelling has gone down, one side of  the nose the  graft is visible and more pronounced. Will the graft-swelling go down as my nose swelling goes down? Could this mean the graft was mis-shaped or too large?

Andrew Miller, MD · Answer

At two weeks after surgery, the tip is often more swollen on one side as compared to the other side. This usually changes significantly as a few more weeks go by.  Be sure to discuss your concerns with your surgeon so you can monitor the cartilage graft during the postoperative period. Good luck.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

It will take at least 6 months to 12 months before you can make any determination about the final result. The swelling will subside each week and relax in the mean time.

Frank P. Fechner, MD · Answer

It is too early to judge from your 2-week appearance what the final results may look like. Fat grafting to the nasal tip is somewhat unusual - are you sure that your rhinoplasty surgeon did not use cartilage?

Catherine Huang-Begovic, MD, FACS · Answer

2 weeks is too soon to tell what your final nasal shape will be.  It's not uncommon for the nasal swelling to go down on one side of the nose faster than the other.  So don't worry!  Be patient.  It will take a few months before you will see the final result.  If you have any concerns, you should definitely talk to your rhinoplasty surgeon.  I'm sure he or she will be happy to discuss with you any questions you may have.

	Dr. Cat Begovic M.D.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Since it has only been two weeks from the surgery the nose is still quite swollen, and it is impossible to say how your nose will look at this point.  Full healing of the nose takes approximately one year to see the final result.  There is even further refinement even in the second or third year after the surgery.  The cartilage graft can be shaved down, softened and morcellized with a touchup procedure at one year after the surgery.

Too Much Cartilage Graft on Nose Tip or Swelling?

Answers (8)

Answer: Nasal grafts - 2 weeks

Answer: Nasal grafts - 2 weeks

Answer: Will have better idea once swelling dissipates

Answer: Will have better idea once swelling dissipates

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Too Much Cartilage Graft on Nose Tip or Swelling?

Answers (8)

Answer: Nasal grafts - 2 weeks

Answer: Nasal grafts - 2 weeks

Answer: Will have better idea once swelling dissipates

Answer: Will have better idea once swelling dissipates

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.