Rhinoseptoplasty 3 weeks ago - Could my septum have shifted on its own and caused the cartilage to expose itself?

Question

I have a small white piece of what looks like bone sticking out of my septum on one side of my nose (the originally deviated side), this side of my nose is also more sensitive and if i lightly touch that side, I can feel it in my whole septum. I have been very careful not to bump my nose and have been sleeping elevated since the surgery, I use q tips soaked in saline to clean the nose and apply antibiotic treatment. Could my septum have shifted on its own and caused the cartilage to expose itself?

Suleyman Tas, MD, FEBOPRAS · Answer

Hello, thank you for the question and provided information.  You are in very early healing phase. Exposed cartilage can bring some complications, you need be examination by your surgeon.Best Regards,

Julian Rowe-Jones, MBBS, FRCS (Eng), FRCS (ORL) · Answer

I advise that you see your surgeon urgently for an examination.  If you have got exposed cartilage the risk is that it will get infected or without blood supply will dissolve.  Both could result in septal perforation or nasal deformity.

Ali A. Qureshi, MD · Answer

This kind of depends on whether the splints are inside or not. It could be exposed cartilage especially if its super sensitive. Prompt medical attention is important in the case of exposed cartilage because it can lead to an infection. Hope this helps. Best, Dr. Ali

Rhinoseptoplasty 3 weeks ago - Could my septum have shifted on its own and caused the cartilage to expose itself?

Answers (3)