Tiny lump on nose tip 2 years after rhinoplasty? Could it be cartilage? (photo)

Question

It’s been two years since I had my rhinoplasty, I have noticed a small lump of my right side of my nose tip. It kinda feels like cartilage, it doesn’t hurt at all. I haven’t hit my nose at all. Any idea what it could be? Any way to treat it?

Scott Trimas, MD · Answer

It looks like you may have developed tip "bossae" which is a knuckle of twisted or bent tip cartilage. This can develop many years after a rhinoplasty due to scarring and contracture or thinning of the skin over the underlying cartilage. Correction typically involves smoothing out that area and/or camouflage the area with tissue over that region. If it bothers you, I would go back to your original surgeon or seek a rhinoplasty expert in your area.

Zoran Potparic, MD · Answer

it appears that one of cartilages that construct nose tip is scarred and deformed after surgery. This happens in patients with very thin skin. Revision of tip with cartilage shaping, possibly placement of small soft tissue graft (fascia) or allograft would correct this deformity. It can be done in local anesthesia. Discuss this issue with your surgeon. Good luck.

Behrad Brad Aynehchi, MD · Answer

Hi thank you for sharing your question and photo. This type of issue after rhinoplasty can be caused by extra cartilage, scar tissue, or inflammation around a suture.  Unfortunately it will likely not resolve on its own since it’s been two years since your surgery. The best way to address it is with an open or closed rhinoplasty approach to identify it and shave down/remove it. This can generally be done under local anesthesia or sedation in the office.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

This is likely a cartilage graft or part of the lower lateral cartilage.  The best way to address this is to do a tip rhinoplasty to remove it and ensure a symmetrical tip.

Sagar Patel, MD · Answer

Hi there!
Looks like you are correct and you have some "knuckled" cartilage called bossae. This can happen in people when too much cartilage is taken. Long story short, this has happened to even the best of surgeons but you should definately bring it up with your surgeon. In general I would reccomend revision surgery if it is something you want improved. Hopefully it doesn't bother you but if it does I would reccomend a full revision open rhinoplasty so that you can properly fix it using cartilage grafting and a secondary graft like fascia to thicken the skin overlying the cartialage. I wish you the best!!!

Robert Graper, MD · Answer

I suspect your correct that this bump is the lower lateral cartilage. It can be adjusted with a simple surgery but it is surgery. See your surgeon. Good luck.

Mehdi Sina, MD · Answer

Hi,It is hard to say definitively without an examination, but it can be cartilage or possible a permanent suture. It can certainly be treated, but it would require an exploratory surgery so see what it is. Best,

Darryl J. Blinski, MD · Answer

YES! It is a residual piece of the lower lateral alar cartilage. Removal in a minor surgery internally can be preformed with only 1 week recovery. Fee is in the $3,000 range.

Francis (Frank) William Rieger, MD (retired) · Answer

I  have seen several patients over the years with this finding after healing from nasal surgery on the tip of the nose.  Let your Plastic Surgeon see you for this discussion as to what may be needed to correct this.  It will require a limited nasal tip revision at the least, and at the most a graft may be needed internally to smooth out and camouflage the tip cartilages.Good luck to you.Frank Rieger M.D.  Tampa Plastic Surgeon

Tiny lump on nose tip 2 years after rhinoplasty? Could it be cartilage? (photo)

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