Risks of Using Rib Cartilage for Revision Rhinoplasty?

In general the risks of rib cartilage grafting include: Graft asymmetry or warping. With an experienced surgeon this risk is lessened significantly. Injury to the underlying lung during graft harvest (also rare with an experienced surgeon) stiffer nose after surgery Poor healing of the chest incision. Ask your surgeon what length incision they use (this varies among surgeons). The chest incision typically heals very well. risks of surgery in general such... more

I prefer to use septal or ear cartilage for nasal grafting when possible. Rib cartilage is primarily used when larger quantities of material are needed. There are additional possible complications using the ribs, but if necessary, it is a good choice. Discuss the procedure with your surgeon. Your goal should be the best possible result, understanding all advantages and disadvantages of each procedure.

In revision rhinoplasty, it is usually necessary to reconstruct and reshape the nasal framework using cartilage grafts. Because available septal cartilage has usually been removed during the first surgery, grafts must obtained from another site - either the ear or the rib. Rib cartilage has many uses and advantages in revision rhinoplasty. It can be carved or shaped to the desired configuration. Its rigidity can provide support to a weakend nasal framework. Drawbacks of Rib Cartilage... more

Optimally, one of the most important aspects in rhinoplasty, both primary and secondary, is to use autologous tissue if needed. These are the most challenging operative procedures that we do in aesthetic plastic surgery, therefore, it’s very important to choose an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. Find someone that has significant expertise in secondary rhinoplasty surgery as this is a very challenging and difficult operative procedure. One can never totally restore one to a normal nose... more

Rib cartilage's main advantage is its plentiful supply. The main risks of rib cartilage are: Risk of pneumothorax- Pneumothorax is a "popped lung". This can occur when harvesting rib from the chest area. This is not common with an experienced rib revision surgery. Risk of warping- Warping can occur with rib cartilage. Decreasing the incidence of warping significantly by experience in carving costal cartilage. There are several... more

When large quantities of cartilage are needed in revision rhinoplasty, rib cartilage can be the best solution. But, to avoid the scarring, pain, and possible lung puncture of harvesting your own cartilage, rib cartilage can be obtained from a tissue bank safely with no higher a complication rate than using your own cartilage and with the advantage of decreasing your operative and anesthesia time. Please look up this paper to see our experience with over 1000 such grafts with long term... more

You have several good answers but you may consider use of bone from scalp which in my experience is less painful and with well hidden scar with no warpping and good long term survival. But, must be done by an experienced rhinoplastic surgeon. Other sources are cadaver cartialges as well as silicone implants that work well.

Rib cartilage has a tendency to bend and warp over time.  This is the biggest risk.  The other major issue with rib cartilage is the morbidity of getting rib cartilage.  It does create a scar and is quite painful in the donor site.  Based on your picture alone, I would recommend ear cartilage with a PDS perforated plate.  I seldom need rib cartilage, and seem to always find enough cartilage between auricular and remnant septal cartilage.

Today there are many different techniques that can be employed in a revision rhinoplasty. If the patient does not have adequate tissue or requires a strong internal framework, the surgeon may use a portion of the patients rib. This can provide sufficient good-quality and strong cartilage to correct any deformities and provide support. The risks that go along with rib harvesting and rib grafts include a depression in the area of your chest where the rib section was removed, a possibility... more

Rib cartialge is the most plentiful and versatile supply of cartilage with respect to revision rhinoplasty. However, it does require a separate incision on the chest. You may have an unsightly scar (low risk) or even have pain long after surgery(low risk). However, the more dangerous issue with rib cartilage harvest is when the surgeon enters the chest which results in a pneumothorax. This is easily treated if it is recognized (and for the most part is). The incidence of pneumothorax is... more