I have dark discoloration post rhinoplasty. Will it go away? (photo)

Question

Hi Drs. I am almost 3 weeks post revision rhino and ever since the cast came off I've had a dark spot at the side of my tip. At first I thought it was the ink from the marker staining my skin...but its still there! Swelling has gone down a bit and I've notice a slight indent too. What im most worried about is the spot though. It looks like I constantly have dirt on my face :( I think it may be getting worse or maybe thats just anxiety. Regardless, what's happening? Thanks!

Mark Petroff, MD · Answer

It's difficult to see the spot you're referring to in the photo, but it's possible this could be bruising? Three weeks is still very early in your recovery process so I'd recommend asking your surgeon about it at your next follow up appointment if it persists. Best of luck as you continue to heal!

Garrett H. Bennett, MD · Answer

Usually bruising will resolve within a couple of months. This is a good question for your surgeon as different techniques can have bruising in different areas of the nose. Always use sunblock during healing and ideally, every day.

R. Stephen Mulholland, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear ascend,

Although uncommon, it is
certainly a side effect of rhinoplasty surgery or any surgery where a flap is
created to get blood staining in the tissues. 
Blood staining, also called hemosiderosis, can lead to prolonged
discolouration in the skin by stimulating the darkening of the pigment-forming
cells.

Dark red discolouration after
rhinoplasty, particularly augmentation rhinoplasty, can occur from the
increased blood flow over and implant or a tip graft,  and because your postoperative course is very
early – three weeks – most of these discolourations will tend to resolve.  If this discolouration doesn’t fade by the
sixth week mark, one should consider possible treatment with discolouration
lasers that can treat hemosiderosis, pigmentation or increased blood flow; but
the best advice at this time is to seek the consultation of your operative
surgeon, who will have a great understanding of what was done at the time of
surgery and what this discolouration may be related to.

The good news is most
discolourations will improve with time or can be ameliorated or removed with
laser therapy.

I hope this advice is of some help
and best of luck.

Sincerely,

R. Stephen Mulholland, M.D.

Certified plastic surgeon

Yorkville, Toronto

I have dark discoloration post rhinoplasty. Will it go away? (photo)

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I have dark discoloration post rhinoplasty. Will it go away? (photo)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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