Rejected cartilage graft. Is my nose going to collapse? (Photo)

Question

I had revision rhinoplasty 18 months ago. My surgeon used a cadaver cartilage graft, I had a cortisone shot 6 months ago to help with scarr tissue, but everything was healing nicely. 2 months ago I sneezed and a hard piece came out, I thought I was crazy until yesterday I had a snotty nose and another large piece came out. My surgeons first reaction was asking if I do drugs, I do not! Has this happened to anyone else?? I’m terrified my nose is going to collapse

Mark Baldwin, MBBS · Answer

Are you sure that's cartilage? It looks a lot like medpor to me?

You need to have a long chat to your surgeon, and find out exactly what was put where in your nose, generally if substantial pieces of structural graft are lost, you can expect both functional and cosmetic problems.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It really depends on the locations of where these grafts were inside your nose and how large they were. If you are having any noticeable problems now, I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

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