Part of Cartilage That Can Be Pressed Down? (photo)

Question

On one side of my nose, you can push down the cartilage (the side which pushes out farther) and it feels almost like there is air under it. It feels like my nose is the same shape as the other side underneath where you can push it down. It's a thin layer of cartilage that protrudes out! Is there a way to take out the air? The cartilage feels dead or something! It's so hard to explain!

Vincent N. Zubowicz, MD · Answer

I can't tell what's going on based on your description. You do not have any air between the skin or lining in the cartilage. The cartilage can be warped with pressure. Any asymmetry should be pointed out to your plastic surgeon.

Tanveer Janjua, MD · Answer

You have a bulge in the right nasal ala at the mid nostril point. It is from the convex curvature of the cartilage. It can be corrected surgically by weakening the cartilage. It is simple enough to do under local anesthesia with very little down time.  Regards
	Dr. J
	Disclaimer: This answer is not intended to give a medical opinion and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Pablo Prichard, MD · Answer

Dear Ren,

	Thank you for your question and photo.  The cartilage may be warped as compared to the other side.  It is common to have asymmetrical cartilages that produce asymmetrical contours.  This can be corrected in rhinoplasty with sculpting of the tip cartilages.

	Best Wishes,

	Pablo Prichard, MD

Remus Repta, MD · Answer

Hello Ren,

	Thank you for the question and the photo.  What you are likely expereincing is different shaped cartilages.  The side that bulges out more likely has a longer cartilage or a different shaped cartilage than the other side.  It is not air and it is not dead cartilage.  To correct it the cartilage should be contoured to match the other side.  That will be done during a rhinoplasty procedure.

	All the best,

	Dr. Remus Repta

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I recommend that you be examined by an experienced rhinoplasty specialist to evaluate the cause of your nasal asymmetry and explain appropriate treatment options.

Part of Cartilage That Can Be Pressed Down? (photo)

Answers (5)