Is It Normal to Have Bruising and Throbbing After a Ear Cartilage Harvest Used for Rhinoplasty? (photo)

The pictures you have posted look fairly unremarkable, but an in-person exam with your surgeon is best.  Some throbbing, aching and bruising is expected after ear cartilage harvest (it's usually the source of more discomfort than the nose after surgery). 

     An ear infection after result of the harvest of cartilage for rhinoplasty is uncommon and pain from ear cartilage harvest can be normal.  However, whenever there is concern for infection of the ear cartilage an exam by your plastic surgeon is merited.

In my experience, mild redness and pain at the site of harvested ear cartilage is common. I prefer to keep my patients on antibiotics until the derssings are removed at 7-8 days post-op. You should schedule a visit with your surgeon to ensure you do not have an infection that might benefit from a different antibiotic.

Hope this is helpful.

Dr. Joseph

The photos you show do not look too worrisome. However, you should clarify this concern with your surgeon who will be able to give you a more accurate assessment. 

The answer to your question is yes.  Often the ear donor site is more uncomfortable than the nose after Rhinoplasty.  Absolutely no red flags.

Dear MBS88,

 

The best person to answer these questions is your surgeon.  I will say that bruising should be expected, but your surgeon would need to see you to ensure you don't have any collections and/or infections.

 

Best,

Asif Pirani, MD, FRCS(C)

Best to see your surgeon immediately to decide if additional antibiotics are needed and better wound care. 

Some bruising and swelling is normal after ear cartilage is harvested.  If concerned see you surgeon.

From your photographs it appears that you have normal and not unexpected swelling and bruising following cartilage harvesting from the posterior ear.  If it continues to hurt or you notice unusual drainage, redness or odor then it is time to see your plastic surgeon.  

What you are experiencing is precisely how a conchal cartilage harvest will look and feel at just one week after surgery. There is nothing to be concerned with. This will resolve in the next few weeks although the ear will remain slightly sore for a month or two longer.