Why does my graft shine in the light or sunlight?

Question

I have a rib cartilage graft and in the sunlight or light, it shines - like it has a reflective back while normal noses are dull. Why is that?

Nima Shemirani, MD · Answer

Dear
Raul7:

If you are still early in the healing phases,
the skin can have a shiny appearance to it.

If you have concerns, you should bring them
up to your surgeon who can reassure you.

Usually after preforming rhinoplasty surgery,
there are initial skin changes that can take awhile to resolve because of the
active lifting of the skin and replacing it.I think the best bet is to stay patient and wait for things to resolve.

Best
regards,

Nima
Shemirani, M.D.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear Raul7Thanks for the interesting post.. likely the shine that you see changes depending on the lights you under. in direct light the shine can be more pronounced, while fluorescent lighting will dull the effect. This shine is the the result of a more defined difference between the shadows and highlights on your nose.  It is likely more defined... that being said.. you may not like that part of the changeDiscuss this with your surgeon as to your concerns and possible approaches. Best Wishes

Neal Handel, MD · Answer

I think the graft has changed the surface anatomy of
your nose and is reflecting back more light. Maybe it will improve over time.
Other that waiting, I am not sure too much can be done about it. Good luck.

Richard J. Brown, MD · Answer

With any nose surgery the light reflexes are altered. Yours I am sure is due to the procedure you had and depending on how long it has been it will change some but not a ton.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Raul7, Depending on where you are in your recovery stage may answer this question or not. If you are in the early stages of recovery then I would assume the shine you see is just the changes in skin that may occur after rhinoplasty whether a graft is in or not. If you are further down the line since your procedure then discuss your concerns with your surgeon where he can examine you and shed some "light" on the matter. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Why does my graft shine in the light or sunlight?

Answers (5)

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