Why would I develop a bump (I think it's excess cartilage) on the tip of my nose in adulthood? How can I fix this? (Photo)

Question

I recently noticed that I have what appears to be a cartilage bump on my lower right side nose. I especially notice when I smile it appears white and it feels like cartilage. I don't recall having this even a month ago (I looked at pictures and it appears very mildly (in fact I never noticed it in my life), but now it is extremely noticeable). What could have caused this to worsen? Can it be repaired easily? Could it be related to Tori in my mouth which I do have? Thanks!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Based on your
photograph, you may benefit from a tip refining rhinoplasty. Your surgeon can
accomplish this by trimming, suturing, and reshaping the cartilage in your
lower nose.   Make sure you specifically look at before and after
pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon
and not just a computer animation system. The most important
aspect is to find a surgeon you are comfortable with. I recommend that you seek
consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate
you in person.
Best wishes and good luck.
Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Bahman Guyuron, MD · Answer

Your are correct. There are two cartilages that support the tip and are called medial crura. The one on the right is protruding more and it can be trimmed.

Milan Doshi, MS, MCh · Answer

Hello and thanks for your question and photographs.
 There is asymmetry of lower lateral Cartilage  which can be improved with cartilage modification.
please consult board certified plastic surgeon and discuss in detail.
Best of luck .
Dr Milan Doshi

William Portuese, MD · Answer

the photographs demonstrate asymmetric nasal tip cartilages which are placed on stretch when smiling with thin skin.  It is important to evaluate the nasal tip cartilages at rest, not upon animation before embarking on a rhinoplasty procedure.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Our bodies change. This can be repaired with rhinoplasty. It can be the sole issue addressed if that is what you wish without major recovery time.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

It is likely cartilage from your medial crura that are protruding on the side while you smile.  It can be trimmed.

Why would I develop a bump (I think it's excess cartilage) on the tip of my nose in adulthood? How can I fix this? (Photo)

Answers (6)

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