Best Material for Augmenting Nose Bridge?

I'm an Asian girl considering Rhinoplasty to give my bridge more height and definition. I want to use autologous grafting. Which material is best for augmenting the bridge -- ear, septal, or rib? Since I only need slight augmentation, a doctor recommended ear cartilage. However, I have read that ear cartilage is naturally curved and prone to bending. What about septal? Is there enough septal cartilage for augmenting the bridge? Which material has the best results with the lowest risk of complications such as warping and resorption?

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4 Doctor Answers | Asked by reasonnotrules in California

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Rhinoplasty Material to Augment Nasal Bridge

As others have already stated, your own tissue is the best material to use for rhinoplasty. Silicone implants in the nose are more likely to become infected and may extrude. Cartilage is available from many places in your body for nasal surgery. However, there isn't a best material - ear, septal, or rib cartilage. Each tissue has its own strengths and weaknesses. The material used is largely based on the plastic surgeon's and the patients preference. Keep in mind that all tissue used in... more

Diced cartilage and fascia for Asian Augmentation Rhinoplasty

My preference for any rhinoplasty to is to use the patient's own tissue to create a new nose. I especially like my technique of diced cartilage with deep temporalis fascia to create a new bridge in the Asian patients. In fact, I have corrected the silicone implant problem many times with this techinique.

Jay Calvert, MD

20 reviews

Beverly Hills Plastic Surgeon

Septal cartilage.

In more than 30 years of rhinoplasty, I prefer using septal cartilage with or without soft tissue covering in my Asian patients. If it is a secondary nose without enough septal cartilage, then I go to the ear. Rib is my last choice.

Toby Mayer, MD

7 reviews

Beverly Hills Facial Plastic Surgeon

www.bevhills.com

There is no best material; it's what is best for you

Cartilage is a fantastic material for augmenting the nasal bridge. Each of the cartilage sources you mentioned has its advantages and disadvantages. Septal cartilage is ideal since it most reflects the natural cartilage of your nose. But, there is often very little available for use in Asian patients and what is there is often a little flimsy. On the other hand, if you only need slight augmentation, there might be just enough to work for you. Rib cartilage is often used for nasal... more