2 weeks post rhinoplasty, cartilage/septum sticking out. Advice? (photos)

Question

I'm 2 weeks post op and I absolutely love how my nose is looking. I can breathe fine but I noticed that my left nostril looks like it has cartilage sticking out. I can feel it when I take a breath in, it's kind of irritating and I hope it's not my septum being crooked. Could this be because of swelling? Is my incision healing unevenly?

Philip Solomon, MD, FRCS · Answer

It appears that you likely have a residual deviation of the caudal septum.  The Front edge of the septum can be difficult to secure in the midline.  Moniter the swelling over the next few months.  If it persists a miner revision may be required.

Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD · Answer

At only 2 weeks postop from rhinoplasty, you are still very early
in your recovery with a tremendous amount of swelling in your nose. 
The swelling will resolve in a progressive fashion over months in the direction
of gravity: the upper third will resolve in about 3 months, the middle third in
about 6 months, and the tip in 9 - 12 months.  In general, it takes a
full year to see the final result.  It is too early to
judge the appearance at this point, as swelling likely is a big component
of what you see.  Swelling does not always resolve evenly.  I would recommend following up with your rhinoplasty
surgeon to discuss any concerns you may have throughout the healing
process.  Only he/she will know exactly what was done during your operation.  Good communication between patient and surgeon both
before and after surgery is very important. 
Best of luck in your recovery!
Ziyad Hammoudeh, MD

Kristina Tansavatdi, MD · Answer

Since we do not have any information about the examination of your nose before surgery it is difficult to give you a proper assessment at this point other than to say that asymmetric swelling in the nose is common 2 weeks after surgery. This often resolves as times goes on. However, if there is residual asymmetry than your surgeon should be able to discuss what the cause of this may be, whether it is due to a deviated septum or to the medial crura which attaches to the septum being off alignment. Whatever the case may be, you should follow up with your surgeon for the best care since he or she is most familiar with your nose and what was performed during surgery.

Paul N. Afrooz, MD · Answer

At 2 weeks following surgery, it is far too early to determine if this is anything other than normal post-operative swelling.  Keep in mind that swelling does not necessarily occur symmetrically, and therefore, you may see more swelling on one side than the other.  Try to be patient as your swelling subsides, and follow up with your surgeon as scheduled.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

Not appreciating any cartilage sticking out ! Are you talking about your medial crural foot plates? You need to follow up with your surgeon.

2 weeks post rhinoplasty, cartilage/septum sticking out. Advice? (photos)

Answers (5)

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