During rhinoplasty, one or more cartilage transplants are frequently required to stabilize the nose or improve the shape of its reliefs. Both open rhinoplasty and closed rhinoplasty approaches can be utilized for them, but the open rhinoplasty approach frequently affords greater vision and allows for more exact positioning and fixing compared to the closed rhinoplasty approach. The cartilage can be removed from many areas, each of which has advantages and disadvantages that the surgeon must be aware of depending on the type of graft that is needed. However, when they realize they could require a cartilage graft in order to get the nose of their dreams, many patients express worry. Others believe the cartilage grafting procedure is overly invasive, while others are concerned that the grafts may become apparent and harm their aesthetic outcomes.

In order to give the nose structure, stability, and shape, cartilage grafts are often utilized during nose surgery or cartilage rhinoplasty, but what are the sources of nose grafts?

A cartilage graft is a small piece of tissue used in rhino nose surgery to support, shape, or enlarge the nasal structures. It is taken from one area of the body. The following are the three sources of nose grafts frequently used during nose jobs:

Septum cartilage or nasal septal cartilage

The bone and cartilage wall that separates the nasal cavity into its two parts is known as the nasal septum. Due to its accessibility and lack of apparent scarring during harvest, the septum makes a great supply of cartilage for grafting in rhinoplasty. Using the patient's own tissue (also known as autologous grafting) also avoids the possibility of allergic or rejection responses. Using a septal cartilage transplant, a deviated septum can be fixed, the nasal tip or bridge reshaped, or structural support for the nose is added.

A tiny incision must be made within the nose to harvest the septum, and the cartilage must then be shaped to the right form and placed where it belongs.

Ear cartilage or auricular cartilage

Another often-used source of graft material in rhinoplasty is ear cartilage. Due to its strength and malleability, the cartilage in the ear is a useful material to use when rebuilding the nose or contouring the nasal tip. The ear cartilage can also be removed with little scarring and is often easily accessible.

During the procedure, a little incision is made behind the ear to reveal the cartilage. After that, the cartilage is removed, formed, and placed within the nose.

Rib cartilage

Most people would be surprised to learn that our ribs are made of cartilage as they reach our chest's sternum or center. Because of the strength of our rib cages, it is usually a perfect choice for surgeons to reshape the nose. Rib cartilage is a flexible source of graft material that can be utilized to reconstruct the huge nose volume or treat abnormalities that are challenging to treat with other graft materials. When prior surgeries have damaged the nasal structure, rib cartilage is most frequently used in secondary or revision rhinoplasty procedures.

A minor incision must be made in the chest region to harvest rib cartilage, which may leave a noticeable scar. The cartilage can, however, be removed in sufficient quantities to provide the nose with the required support or volume.

Donated Rib Cartilage Graft Vs. Autologous Rib Cartilage Graft

The use of either the patient's own cartilage (autologous cartilage) or donor cartilage is up to the patient, thus if it is necessary, it is crucial to discuss with the surgeon whether to go for the donated rib cartilage or autologous rib cartilage. Each choice has advantages and disadvantages.

Donated Rib Cartilage Graft

The use of donor cartilage, such as rib cartilage, might significantly reduce the amount of time needed for surgery. It is ready for the surgeon to use and may be immediately transplanted into new nasal regions. This can assist in accomplishing results considerably more quickly than if all of the cartilage had to be taken from the patient's own body since it allows for more precision in sculpting the desired form. Additionally, donor rib cartilage can provide the nose with more rigidity and support following rhinoplasty since it is often stronger than other forms of cartilage.

Risks of Donated Rib Cartilage Graft

Utilizing donor tissue carries the risk of rejection even though it might give the nose after rhinoplasty more support and stability. This is because if the body does not identify foreign tissue as being its own, it may reject it. Surgeons should always get premium donor cartilage from reliable sources and make sure that all sterilizing procedures have been carefully carried out in order to lower the danger of any rejection or complications.

Patients should be advised that this procedure entails a higher risk than more conventional rhinoplasty methods since any changes in the rib cartilage's structure might possibly result in overt alterations to the look of the nose.

Some surgeons choose to employ artificial materials in addition to donated rib cartilage while doing surgery. Using artificial materials to supplement or replace cartilage transplants offers an alternative option, but it also entails more dangers. It covers the possibility of infection as well as other issues that can have an impact on the way the operation turns out. The upkeep of artificial implants might be more time- and money-consuming than that of natural grafts.

A great aesthetic form of the updated nose with a natural look results when rib cartilage is employed appropriately, making it a viable alternative.

Autologous Rib Cartilage Graft

The use of autologous rib cartilage for rhinoplasty has a number of advantages, including the ability of the cartilage to heal with the body and be incorporated with the rest of the nose for a more natural and long-lasting result. The cartilage is harvested from the patient's own natural tissue, which lowers the risk of infection. It is also moldable, with edges that can blend seamlessly with the patient's own tissue.

As it has often not calcified at this stage, an autologous rib or the patient’s own rib can be used in males under 45 and women under 50. During the procedure, an additional 2-3 inch long incision will be made right under the breast. and compared to the donated rib cartilage, autologous rib cartilage presents minimal absorption and has a higher resistance to infection.

Risk of Autologous Rib Cartilage Graft

Using the patient’s own cartilage results in an additional minimal scar on the chest specifically underneath the breast line. Additionally, the area where the cartilage was removed will be uncomfortable for a few days to weeks.

Risks of Rib Cartilage Graft

When rib cartilage is used by unqualified surgeons, there is a possibility that the nose may look weird since rib cartilage has a tendency to bend or alter shape. It is not as though doctors with greater rib cartilage experience miraculously stop ribs from warping or altering form. The likelihood that any alterations to the form of the rib cartilage will result in changes to the nose's external look, on the other hand, is much decreased when the rib is used in the right places and in conjunction with competent and advanced rhinoplasty procedures.

FAQ

Are rib cartilages from donors safe?

Yes, each donated rib cartilage is thoroughly examined and assessed using a variety of methods. All donor ribs are put through a rigorous process of quality control and infectious disease testing.

Does cartilage grow after rhinoplasty?

Following a nose enhancement procedure or rhinoplasty, cartilage does not grow on its own. On the other hand, cartilage grafts used in rhinoplasty can ingratiate into the surrounding tissues and experience alterations over time, which can lead to subtle changes in the form or placement of the nose.

How long do swelling and bruises take to go away after rhinoplasty?

After about two weeks, the majority of the bruising and swelling disappear or may be covered up with makeup; but, low-grade swelling will continue to worsen over the course of a few more weeks. If any manipulation of the nasal bones is required, there is a slightly increased chance of bruising that will not go away after a few weeks.



As a result, during cartilage rhinoplasty, it is crucial for a surgeon to not only be knowledgeable about the newest and most modern skills and techniques but also to be able to choose and use the best ones in order to get the greatest results. This depends primarily on the skills and techniques of the performing surgeon. Therefore, selecting a professional surgeon with extensive training and experience is crucial. There could be a lot of issues if a doctor is unqualified to handle rib cartilage. The reason for this is that obtaining the necessary skills to harvest, carve rib cartilage, create the nasal structure, and develop an artistic understanding of the human anatomy involves a steep learning curve. So, if you are thinking about undergoing a rhinoplasty, Docfinderkorea will help you plan for your medical trip to Korea and find the most skilled surgeon to get the nose shape of your dreams.