A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?(photo)

Question

Hello, I had a rhinoplasty carried out about 5 years ago. This lump was visible from the moment I took the bandages off. My doctor reassured me that it would disappear in time but it is still here! Please could you advise what the lump is and how it can be removed? Is it an easy operation? Thank you!

Matthew Bridges, MD, FACS · Answer

It is hard to know what that is without examining your nose and seeing the operative report.  However, if I had to guess, I would say that that is the end of the cartilage that comes from your tip out over the nostrils, called the lower lateral cartilage.  I bet you had a "closed" surgery where this cartilage was trimmed.  you have upwardly pointing tip cartilages (cephalically malpositioned) that probably deformed after they were trimmed.  Your tip cartilage is very convex.  If the cartilage is trimmed, it sometimes deforms due to changes in the internal stresses of the cartilage.  To fix this, you would need another surgery to flatten and strengthen this cartilage.  That assumes that what I'm guessing is correct, of course.  I am nearly positive that it will not improve by itself.  It is certainly not swelling at 5 years postop.  Good luck!

Robert Glasgold, MD, FACS · Answer

It appears to be prominence of cartilage in the tip.  It would require revision to remove and reshape the cartilage to give a nicer appearing tip.  It is not a difficult operation.  In person examination would help ensure that it really is cartilage.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

It is protrusion of a cartilage. It can be easily corrected as an in office procedure. These usually happen over time but most likely it was there at the time of surgery but went unrecognized or the cartilage moved during the early post operative period i.e., before the splint was removed. RegardsDr. J

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

Residual cartilage of the lower lateral alar area. Best to seek IN PERSON opinions. ONLY surgery can improve...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It could be nasal tip cartilage or a graft that was placed or displaced. An exam in person would be necessary and if you wanted this corrected, you would need a revision. Good luck.

A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?(photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?

Answer: A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?

Answer: Nasal tip cartilage

Answer: Nasal tip cartilage

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?(photo)

Answers (7)

Answer: A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?

Answer: A hard lump appeared near the tip of my nose after Rhinoplasty. Is it cartilage/callous formation? How can it be removed?

Answer: Nasal tip cartilage

Answer: Nasal tip cartilage

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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.