Will my nose soften after graft removal?

Question

I'm getting a revision rhinoplasty to remove a tip support graft, I know my nose is going to be swollen for a while of course, but after a while will my nose become soft again? Obviously the graft has given me a lot more support, but it has also made my nose extremely hard, so I'm hoping my nose will soften again. What do you think? (Please no comments about how I will lose support, that the entire point of me removing this graft)

Robert Deeb, MD · Answer

Hello and thanks for the question.  It depends on exactly what graft is being removed. There are a large variety of grafts that can be used in the tip of the nose.  In theory, the removal of a graft should soften the nose, but often there is a fair amount of scar tissue that may form, so the softening effect may not be that dramatic.  
Another important factor is what type of material was used.  If a rib graft was used, then its removal would likely soften the tip as rib cartilage is quite firm.  Other types of material (such as ear cartilage) are not very hard, so their removal may not actually make much of a difference. 
I would recommend having a discussion with your surgeon about exactly what grafts are being removed and what the intended benefits and pitfalls are of removing those grafts.
Hope that helps and good luck

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

To answer your question, yes - removing grafts can soften the way your nose feels. As you have touched on this may alter the appearance and support. If you are having this procedure performed by the original surgeon you may find the answer to your question most easily if asking her/him if the tip will be softer after the surgery. If you are planning on a different surgeon then this may be a question that can be answered after an in-person exam.Thank you for your question and best wishes.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

It really depends on multiple factors, such as what type of graft was placed in there in the first place, was it rib, ear, or nasal cartilage? It also depends on what type of tip surgical techniques were used, such as a simple conservative cartilage removal, or suture techniques applied to the lower lateral cartilages of the nasal tip. Best to check with your operative surgeon,  since this is very technical based upon what you had performed in the past.

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