Super thin "Flimsy" cartilage on nose. Any suggestions?

Question

I was on episode 1, of the first season of a show called Atlanta Plastic. My doctor was great. I don't want to bother him with a dumb question regarding my nose, on the episode he said my cartilage was "Flimsy". Its been about 6 or 7 months since the surgery. It seems as though my nose was thinner before. It looks thicker now, and the tip thicker and harder. My question is, can that be corrected without looking like a Voldermort or is it too dangerous to correct it?

J. Kevin Duplechain, MD, FACS · Answer

Rhinoplasty results will often take 1 or 2 years to get final results, particularly if cartilage was added or used to restructure the nose.  It is important for you to  continue your follow up with your surgeon so that these types of issues can be followed or possibly treated with injections that may help swelling resolve. It sounds like you have a lot of confidence in your surgeon, so give him the chance to help you with your final results

Clark Schierle, MD, PhD, FACS · Answer

You should absolutely return to your original surgeon to address your concerns. As an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, I would absolutely not be "bothered" and would want the opportunity to help you improve your result.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is possible for nasal skin to become take after surgery.  The regeneration of tissues after any trauma can lead to a thicker skin.  There is always a possibility of some scar tissue build up under the skin.  This would respond very well to steroid injections or oral steroids.  However, it is very important to make the differentiation between thickness of skin or some cartilaginous thickness.  The treatment for both is very different.  He will need and in person evaluation to make that determination before you can have any treatment to fix it.  Both situations can be remedied.RegardsDr. Janjua

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Flimsy has nothing to do what you are describing. Surgeons on tv shows often tend to be dramatic in their descriptions.  Your description is consistent with surgical scarring.  Doing more surgery often causes more scarring. However check it out with a plastic surgeon.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Best to be evaluated by your surgeon.  You likely still have swelling and that is why your nose is likely firm.  Best of luck.

Super thin "Flimsy" cartilage on nose. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nothing to do with "FLIMSY"

Answer: Nothing to do with "FLIMSY"

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

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.

Super thin "Flimsy" cartilage on nose. Any suggestions?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nothing to do with "FLIMSY"

Answer: Nothing to do with "FLIMSY"

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Answer: Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

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.