Does skin around the nose stretch after a rhinoplasty with rib cartilage graft?

Question

Hi, I am of Asian Descent. I completed a Rhinoplasty using own Ribs Cartilage. I would like to have a revision Rhinoplasty To make my nose bridge higher. My doctor told me to wait for 6 months for the skin to stretch in order to have more capacity to insert more Ribs Cartilage to make the nose bridge higher. Does the skin around the nose stretches after the Rhinoplasty? Would the initial Ribs Cartilage stay in the nose and put more Ribs Cartilage into the nose during the revision surgery?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Skin is elastic and it is also vascular. A small or under-projected nose will stretch immediately when augmented, and the skin will adapt and allow for further projection once recovered. The blood supply must also recover from the trauma of an initial surgery to allow for proper recovery and healing from a revision surgery.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you underwent augmentation rhinoplasty 6 months ago utilizing your own rib, I believe it is too soon to consider revision surgery. You need all of your surgical swelling to go down. Before considering the uncertainties of adding more rib cartilage, you may wish to consider a permanent non-surgical nose job to permanently raise the bridge of your nose from where it is now. And our practice, we utilize microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections to achieve several millimeters of additional nasal bridge projection. Thank you for this excellent question, and I hope it's helpful. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.  It is always advisable to wait for the swelling to resolve prior to performing a revision. The skin will accommodate around grafts which can be placed. That part should not be a problem. It is possible to place additional grafts during a revision to build the tip and dorsum.   With good surgical technique, you could likely have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Zamir Paez, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question. After a rhinoplasty using costal cartilage grafts, the skin can gradually adjust to the structural changes, depending on its elasticity and the extent of the modification. Surgeons often recommend waiting 6 to 12 months to allow the skin to adapt and the tissues to heal before considering a revision surgery.In a revision rhinoplasty, the initial costal cartilage graft is typically preserved, and additional cartilage can be added to achieve further augmentation or refinement, based on your specific needs. It’s essential to consult with an experienced surgeon who can assess your anatomy and develop the best plan for your goals.

Does skin around the nose stretch after a rhinoplasty with rib cartilage graft?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin Adaptation and Revision Options After Costal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Answer: Skin Adaptation and Revision Options After Costal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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Does skin around the nose stretch after a rhinoplasty with rib cartilage graft?

Answers (4)

Answer: Skin Adaptation and Revision Options After Costal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Answer: Skin Adaptation and Revision Options After Costal Cartilage Rhinoplasty

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.