Possible ear cartilage warping from Rhinoplasty?

Frank- Ear cartilage is higly specialized, thin deformable cartilage that is used all the time for nasal surgery, mainly in reconstruction, and primarily in areas where fine-tuning needs to be performed. Warping occurs as the scars heal and contract over time...these forces can uncontrollably deform the... more

The best source of cartilage for nasal grafts is the septum, if available. Warping is the change of shape of cartilage after the graft is placed. Although it is possible with ear or rib grafts, this is very,very rare.

Ear cartilage can be used for rhinoplasty surgery.  It tends to be more flexible and therefore give less support than septal cartilage.  For that reason, septum is my personal preference for refining the tip.  "Warp" refers to the tendency of some cartilages, including ear cartilage,... more

Ear cartilage, which is thinner than septal cartilage, will warp.  For smaller more delicate uses ear cartilage can be ideal.  For more structural uses septal cartilage tends to be better. 

You have asked some interesting questions. "Warping" is when the cartilage implant bends, or changes shape. This may happen to cartilage implants, but is not usually a problem with the strut you have described. Ear cartilage is not very straight to begin with--so it's not my first choice for a tip... more

Cartilage warping after rhinoplasty can occur and may not even be visible until many years after the procedure. The absolute best cartilage for rhinoplasty surgery is your own septal cartilage if it is available. Septal cartilage rarely if ever warps and is always in my opinion the best and should be the first... more

All good questions. Warping is when the cartilage actually bends after it is placed in a given pocket.  This can happen with any cartilage graft. Although some surgeons prefer to sue ear cartilage for small grafts, I prefer septal cartilage.  It is stronger.

Dear Frank, Ear cartilage is not typically used if you have never had rhinoplasty. It doesn't have the same support as septal cartilage and has a greater chance of warping. It will also leave an unnecessary scar on your ear. I do use ear cartilage grafts in revision rhinoplasty when there is insufficient... more

If you've never had a previous rhinoplasty, I'm not sure why your surgeon is suggesting the use of ear cartilage. Septal cartilage is stronger, straighter, easier to harvest, and won't leave a scar on your ear. If your surgeon is experienced, you'll get a good answer. If not, please get a second opinion. I've... more

There are a number of choices for cartilage grafts for the nose. My preference is septal cartilage. It tends to be stronger and straighter than ear cartilage. They are actually different kinds of cartilage. Not only is ear cartilage weaker, but just look at your ear, the cartilage is already inherently curved,... more