Cartilage showing through thin skin after nose surgery to correct breathing. 'Closed' surgery procedure. (Photo)

Question

9 months ago, I had a revision nose surgery to correct breathing. The doc added cartilage, removed from my ear, to my nose to lift and move one nostril forward. This was a 'closed' procedure. Now I have raised cartilage beneath the skin which is very noticeable. The other side has a noticeable cartilage bump which he also added. I have thin skin. What are my options to have this corrected?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

You make a very good overall point. Most patients with thin skin who have a revision rhinoplasty and cartilage grafting can frequently see the edges of the cartilage grafts. If you are otherwise happy with your revision, I would discuss your concerns with your rhinoplasty surgeon as there may be injectable options to camouflage over the visible grafts. Alternatively, corrective surgery can be done to place other softened and less visible tissue over the cartilage grafts. Good luck in your area.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You appear to have thin skin, as you described, and visualization of grafting material may be a sequela of revision rhinoplasty as your swelling subsides. Your posted photos are not clear enough for evaluation, however, if your nose looked better when it was swollen, silicone nasal injections may be considered, depending on your examination.Wishing you well moving forward.Dr Joseph

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

... but it's really hard to tell, because the photos are microscopic. Need much much larger photos to see the details and give you good advice.Also, be sure to read my "Web reference" link, just below my response here. There's a section on how to figure out whether you should have your primary surgeon perform your revision. Looks from these tiny photos as though you need to consider that carefully.

Sean Freeman, MD · Answer

Kathylouu, Aggressive massage and steroid injections should have been done already but it's not too late to start; ask your surgeon. Otherwise wait a year and find an experienced surgeon that does "only faces". Search the Internet. Good luck!

Cartilage showing through thin skin after nose surgery to correct breathing. 'Closed' surgery procedure. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nose revision

Answer: Nose revision

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Cartilage showing through thin skin after nose surgery to correct breathing. 'Closed' surgery procedure. (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Nose revision

Answer: Nose revision

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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