Cartilage poking on nose 8 months post-op. Is this something I should be concerned about? (photos)

Question

Had rhinoplasty on July 8th 2018 and it was nose tip reduction and I had an irregular cartilage where it was pronounced twice. 7 months on still experiencing some swelling in tip as I have thick skin on my nose. The cartilage on one side is a lot more pronounced and looks like a spot sometime. It sticks out. Is this something I should be concerned about? I went to see surgeon who said wait till 12 mo this but may have to do again. But I don’t think this is very good as my whole operation.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Several explanations come to my mind regarting that tip prominence, mainly in view of the evident tip asymmetry, and whatever they entail or involve for their management or correction is different:-tip plication sutures: I never use permanent sutures inside the nose, however some surgeons are eager to persist in their use; frequently they are intolerated or extrude through the skin; if this is the case a mini incision over it allows its removal-pre-existent asymmetry: you won't believe but sometimes the patients only begin to notice some issues in the post-surgery stage, the before images help to confirm or to rule this out; if you wished this could be treated by structure rhinoplasty techniques-paradoxical effect after tip domes plasty and/or plication: if the plication is too aggressive or if the cartilages are very thin there may appear such bossing at the tip; a revision would be indicated-damage to the tip cartilages: a iatrogenic issue would require a more complex revisionThe best you can do is discuss these options openly with your surgeon and seek from him a clear explanation to what is causing these bossae.

Anil R. Shah, MD · Answer

You should follow the plan of your surgeon and wait the 12 months for your nose to heal. While I'm sure the cartilage poking outward bothers you, the two positives in this situation is that it can heal on its own and improve within the next several months, or it can be easily be revised in a minor procedure setting if it doesn't improve. Rhinoplasty procedures do take at least one full year before the final result of the nose is visualized, and at that point, you can make a plan. Best, Dr. Anil

Cartilage poking on nose 8 months post-op. Is this something I should be concerned about? (photos)

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Cartilage poking on nose 8 months post-op. Is this something I should be concerned about? (photos)

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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