Cartilage extrusion infection? (Photo)

Question

In my case, I had ear cartilage implanted in my tip six months ago. And this morning, I noticed some kind of pus. I am not sure. When I cleaned it, it looked like a cartilage extrusion, and in the afternoon, it turned into a bump. Does it look like my body is taking back the cartilage? Or an infection. In the meantime, my doctor told me to apply an antibiotic ointment. Is there something I should consider doing? I did it overseas so it’s impossible to my doctor to examine it personally.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. If that is truly just cartilage, then that would be extremely abnormal at 6 months postop. However, if you have a silicone implant placed, that is a major problem and the entire implant should be removed. I never place silicone implants due to their extremely high rates of complications. 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

Cartilage extrusion infection? (Photo)

Answers (1)