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Losing cartilage/nasal deformity post Septoplasty - recommendations for moving forward? (Photos)

Humorous207517Nov 30, 2025
Hello, I had a septoplasty in 2017. After, an urgent care Dr put gauze into my nose to address excessive bleeding (my ENT/surgeon was upset). Ever since the surgery, my nose is collapsing/deforming. The cartilage inside the left nostril’s diminished, creating space, and the right side of my nose—both inside and out—has developed a bump. There’s a bump on the septum as well as an external bump, which you can see in the photos. The external bump is shiny, and both are sensitive to touch. Maybe the 2 bumps are unrelated, and I should consult a dermatologist to look at the external one? I’ve seen my ENT, a plastic surgeon, and recently consulted another ENT for a 2nd opinion, but nobody is concerned; they believe it’s another deviated septum. I feel they aren’t taking seriously the fact that my nose continues to lose cartilage/structural support, that its appearance is worsening, and that the bumps are becoming more aggravating. I’ve become quite discouraged, avoiding seeing yet another ENT who might simply dismiss me. But if I could request more detailed imaging beyond having a camera inserted into my nose—which they have already done—or something more specific, perhaps it would help them better understand the issue. Part of me feels like leaving it alone and trusting them that all is ok, but another part of me is noticing symptoms and is worrying about what my nose may look like 10 years from now. Is it all in my head? Any response is appreciated, thank you!

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Dr. Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS
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Answered on Dec 5, 2025
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It looks like you still have a hump, and yes, your tip has losts projection, and also your tip has dropped and sits lower than it was before surgery. The bump probably appears more prominent than it was before surgery because it wasn't changed during surgery, and when the tip loses projection,...

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