"Warping" can occur with any cartilage. Why not use the septum?

Theda C. Kontis, MD answers: Possible ear cartilage warping from Rhinoplasty?

I have an appointment for a tiplasty where the tip of my nose will be lifted. The doctor said he will use an ear cartilage strut to do this but as I have done more research I see that ear cartilage "warps".

My question is, what exactly does "warp" mean? What are the chances of it "warping" and is it normal for a doctor to use ear cartilage instead of septum cartilage from someone who has never had a Rhinoplasty done before? Thank you.


Theda C. Kontis, MD
22 days ago
By Theda C. Kontis, MD - Baltimore Facial Plastic Surgeon

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 strut. I prefer to use septal cartilage--which is generally much straighter. You mentioned that you had never had a rhinoplasty--but have you had a septoplasty--was cartilage removed from your septum? If so, this may be why the surgeon wants to use ear cartilage. If not, ask if the surgeon can use your septum as the donor for the cartilage.

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