What is happening to the cartilage in my nose? (photo)

Question

My nose used to be symmetrical and it has never been injured. At the age of 14-15 I got my right nostril pierced. I did have some issues with the piercing. The insertion and removal of the stud hurt alot, like it was touching a nerve. I started noticing a drastic change in the shape of my nose around the age of 21. My pierced nostril is fine, but the left one has a large lump of what feels like cartilage in it, right at the tip of my nose. What is going on? Would a surgeon be able to help me?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Your tip can be refined and your nose improved with rhinoplasty.Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The fact that your pierced nostril is fine suggests that the issues that concern you now are most likely unrelated to the piercing. The photos appear to show prominent, robust and asymmetric tip cartilages. Looking at static images is not nearly as effective as examining a person's nose but the shape that concerns you appears to result from the underlying tip cartilage shape and asymmetry. This can typically be refined with rhinoplasty. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Your columella tilts toward your left, which could be due to a deviated nasal septum. You also appear to have a dependent wide tip and a cleft between your tip cartilages consistent with thin skin.You may wish to consult a reputable rhinoplasty surgeon to see if rhinoplasty surgery would be right for you.Hope this is helpful.Dr. Joseph

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

You have matured to your genetic adult code in your family. The nasal lower cartilages are large and in need of surgery..

Roy A. David, MD · Answer

You may be feeling some scar tissue from the piercing, however this is unlikely to change the shape of the nose. More likely these are normal age-related changes that stabilize after the teenage years.  You may be a candidate for  rhinoplasty. Consult with a board certified facial plastic surgeon to discuss your concerns. Good Luck!

What is happening to the cartilage in my nose? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: What is happening to the cartilage in my nose?

Answer: What is happening to the cartilage in my nose?

Answer: Scar tissue after nose piercing

Answer: Scar tissue after nose piercing

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What is happening to the cartilage in my nose? (photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: What is happening to the cartilage in my nose?

Answer: What is happening to the cartilage in my nose?

Answer: Scar tissue after nose piercing

Answer: Scar tissue after nose piercing

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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.