Bruising on nose tip four days post-op from second tip plasty revision. Should I be concerned?

Question

I am just post-op of my third tip plasty. The only thing I noticed after my first two surgeries is that cold would turn my nose very red. Immediately after my third surgery four days ago, much of the tip turned a deep red purple. Should I be concerned? It may have lightened a little since the surgery day but not much. I have very deep purple bruises under my eyes and a lot of swelling. My surgeon's office tells me its par for the course to have bruising on the tip. Is that accurate?

Thomas A. Mustoe, MD, FACS · Answer

Your description of a deep red purple on the nasal tip is very unusual.  Usually there is no bruising of the nasal tip, or very mild, while bruising around the eyes is very common.  If it is getting slightly better, than you should be ok, but the question of adequate blood supply to the nasal tip has to be raised.  I would make sure your surgeon takes a look in person or at photos in the next few days, and if you take daily photos, you can objective evidence of the evolution.

William Marshall Guy, MD · Answer

Hello Sam.Wise,Having bruising on the tip is not very common.  Having such a deep purple color is also not very common.  Although you have called your surgeon's office I'd recommend he or she see you in person very soon.  It may just be bruising but it could represent that not enough blood is flowing to the area or that the blood that is getting there cannot get out.  If this is true this can lead to serious complications.  I hope this helps and good luck.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Sam.wise, I would suggest that you make an appointment to see your surgeon right away. It is not common for the tip to be bruised, or be a deep red purple. It is imperative that you have proper blood flow to the tip area. This may be bruising however I would take no chances and see your surgeon today!! Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Bruising on nose tip four days post-op from second tip plasty revision. Should I be concerned?

Answers (3)