Can ear cartilage extrude if I have very thin skin? (Photo)

Question

I had nasal hump reduction with osteotomies and transferred ear cartilage to my nose tip a year ago. I can clearly see and touch the white circular thing on my tip and I feel too tight and stiff around the area. 1. what would that be? why is it threatening to poke out? should I remove the graft? 2. Also, a bump appeared on my middle of my nose which I didn’t have before the surgery and it becomes more pronounced compared to the nose 6 months ago. What would that be? Thank you so much!

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Ear cartilage does not typically extrude as it is a living tissue graft. Any irregularities in the cartilage graft or your native tip cartilages, however, will show through thin skin. The photos you've posted don't show any detail to make an assessment possible. I would pose your questions to your surgeon. In many cases, the graft can be removed, further reduced or camouflaged with an onlay graft of fascia. With regard to your bridge, some irregularities do not become noticeable until the swelling has resolved to a point that they are visible. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Brian J. Reagan, MD · Answer

One of the problems with the use of cartilage grafts in thin skin is the tendancy for them to become visible.  It may be that you have a dorsal graft as well.  Return to your surgeon for examination.  All the Best.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Your nasal tip has been rotated too high and is not look aesthetically pleasing. You are going to need to have your tip rotated down to get a more aesthetically pleasing nasolabial angle. In addition, your grafts can be covered with an dermal onlay to cushion your grafts. A consultation would be very helpful to give you recommendations.

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for your questions and if you have concerns see your surgeon or get some second opinions from experts in your areaDr Corbin

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

It would be unusual for the cartilage graft to extrude through the tip skin but you may be feeling a sharp edge of the cartilage. Unfortunately I cannot determine what you're seeing when I look at the pictures you submitted. I suggest that you have an examination to determine the cause of this as well as the other problem you describe.

Can ear cartilage extrude if I have very thin skin? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ear cartilage

Answer: Ear cartilage

Answer: Ear Cartilage Extruding Through Tip Skin?

Answer: Ear Cartilage Extruding Through Tip Skin?

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Can ear cartilage extrude if I have very thin skin? (Photo)

Answers (5)

Answer: Ear cartilage

Answer: Ear cartilage

Answer: Ear Cartilage Extruding Through Tip Skin?

Answer: Ear Cartilage Extruding Through Tip Skin?

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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.