Rhinoplasty and Soft or Hard Cartilage - How Can You Tell?

The plasticity of the cartilages themselves has little relation to the results of the rhinoplasty procedure that is performed. Cartilage in the nose is composed of hyalin cartilage. The ear cartilage is elastin cartilage and is quite stiff and friable. We prefer to always use nasal cartilage for reconstructive purposes when needed. The upper lateral cartilages and the lower lateral cartilages are all adjusted during the rhinoplasty procedure individually, so it really is of no consequence if the cartilages are either hard or soft.  

While an skilled surgeon who examines many noses over many years will have a better context for making this determination, you can also get a sense of your cartilage strength with a simple test.


lightly push on the tip of your nose at its exact highpoint. Make sure to push it towards your face.

Look at your columella (the skin separating the nostrils) and see if it bends or simply shifts.

Also, try to appreciate if the nasal tip resists this retrodisplacement.


If your tip feels stiff to the tough and the columella bends significantly, then your cartilage is likely strong.

If your tip feels sot and the columella just slides back towards the face, then it is probably soft.

Best of luck

Firmness of cartilage is important, but, as a patient, your most critical analysis is which doctor to choose.  Rhinoplasty is one of the most frequently revised procedures.  Do not worry as much about the technical considerations as the final outcome.  In LA, you can visit dozens of good plastic surgeons at no cost.  So, I would do so and gather as much info as possible.  This will all contribute to your decision making.  I know of no home test to guage the hardness of cartilage and its contribution to your outcome.  Each surgeon is different.  Some use ear cartilage, some septal cartilage, some rib cartilage, and some, none.  You real concern is the final outcome, which is technician dependent.  Good luck in your decisions.

Jason Hess, MD