Concerned about nose tip cartilage 9 years after rhinoplasty. It looks like a piece of cartilage is poking on one side. (Photos)

Question

It's very hard. It seems like it starting getting bad a few weeks ago and it has gotten worse. It is starting to feel sore. No idea how all of a sudden this could happen years later. After my original rhinoplasty I had a tiny piece of cartiledge poking and causing a red mark so 6 months later he went back in and shaved it down a bit. Haven't had a problem with it until now. It's really bothering me. What could cause this out of nowhere?

Thomas Trevisani, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts can shift even after secured during surgery. I suggest you see you Operating Surgeon for continued evaluation

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It may be possible that you had a cartilage graft from rib cartilage. If that is the case, then sometimes over time those cartilages are firmer and can cause some issues in the tip region. It could also be a septal cartilage graft that has shifted with time. I would recommend you see your rhinoplasty surgeon and have them evaluate you and address this issue. In either case, it needs to be addressed at some point as it will likely continue to worsen with time.

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

It is not unusual for scaring to distort the mobile tip cartilage years after the original surgery. See you surgeon for options. You may want to expose those cartilages and sew them in a more symmetric position. Good luck.

Fred J. Bressler, MD, FACS · Answer

Thanks for your post. It appears that you have developed a nasal tip bossa of the left lower lateral cartilage, a known sequela of rhinoplasty in some cases. You may have had a similar issue with your cartilages early on and perhaps the "shave" resulted in some skin indention issues now. Fortunately, a revision tip rhinoplasty could be consider to correct these concerns. You may wish to consult with an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon, with proven skills for revision rhinoplasty, and ask for recommendations regarding how to best proceed. Best Wishes.

Concerned about nose tip cartilage 9 years after rhinoplasty. It looks like a piece of cartilage is poking on one side. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Longterm Concerns Post Rhinoplasty

Answer: Longterm Concerns Post Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Concerned about nose tip cartilage 9 years after rhinoplasty. It looks like a piece of cartilage is poking on one side. (Photos)

Answers (4)

Answer: Longterm Concerns Post Rhinoplasty

Answer: Longterm Concerns Post Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.