Can ear cartilage be safely removed from the bridge of my nose? (Photos)

Any cartilage inserted into the dorsum of the nose has the potential to warp or show through, especially if you have thin skin. It is safe to have revision surgery to remove or replace the problem area. The incision is usually inside the nose, and if a replacement is needed the use of finely diced cartilage wrapped in fascia should provide a smoother surface. The old cartilage which is removed can even be recycled. The cartilage will not pop through your skin, so you have time to consider your options. The cost will vary depending upon whether anesthesia is needed, and where you live.

Yes, it appears that the ear cartilage can be safely removed without damaging the skin, but this will ultimately depend on how adherent or scarred down the cartilage is to the skin.  A formal consultation with physical exam will help determine this.  There are different incisions that may be used to remove the ear cartilage including one inside the nostril or an external incision at the columella.  Although there are reports of extruded implants, it is very unlikely that the cartilage will “pop out” of the skin. 

dear SallyThe previously placed graft can be safely removed via a closed rhinoplasty approach. There is essentially no risk of your skin tearing. There might be need for temporalis fascia based on your exam . 

Hi there, thank you for your question and photos. I do think you can smooth the dorsum and remove the ear cartilage from the bridge safely without hurting the skin. The incision is done through the inside of the nostril so you should not have an external scar. It is important to have an exam in person to have your surgeon palpate the skin and make sure it is ready for a revision after your initial surgery. In terms of the cartilage popping through the skin over time, I think that is very unlikely. I mostly would recommend a revision if you do not like the shape of the bridge and not for fear for the cartilage becoming exposed.Hope this helps. Have a good day

The ear cartilage can usually be removed without damage to the skin.  It really depends upon how stuck down it is ..

Yes the cartilage can be removed safely from the nose without damaging the skin. The incision is done through the inside of the nose. There are of course more information that is needed such as why it was placed there, and how long has it been. This will help us determine if the bridge needs to be contoured after removal. The cost of the procedure depends on what else needs to be done or just the removal. Generally, this is not a very expensive procedure but a price is determined after a consult. We are happy to help you with consultation in person or over Skype. Best wishes. 

 Yes, the dorsal hump created from your ear cartilage can be removed safely. Best to seek out a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon for best results,  Since revision rhinoplasty is more complicated than a primary rhinoplasty.