What is the risk of infection from using ear cartilage for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Question

I need to have a revision rhinoplasty and my PS said he will use my ear cartilage for my tip and he will also fix my deviated septum. I heard there is a infection rate with using ear cartilage graft and want to know how high is this infection rate. And will I always be at risk of infection for the rest of my life if I use my ear cartilage for my revision rhinoplasty.

Sam Rizk, MD · Answer

Using your own ear cartilage for a nose job is fairly common and 
relatively risk-free. However, if you are experiencing the symptoms of 
infection, it is important that you consult your surgeon(s) immediately 
to track the root of the problem. In some cases, either the sutures that
 bind together your new nose or the cartilage graft may become infected 
post-operation. To prevent further infection and to address your current
 situation, your surgeon may suggest the removal and re-application of 
the sutures. Nevertheless, fearing infection should not stop you from 
undergoing a nose job that poses other potential benefits. Those 
present, the risk of infection should not be great enough to deter you 
from a rhinoplasty procedure.

Robert H. Hunsaker, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts are amazingly resistant to infection in a proper rhinoplasty. While not impossible, it would be DISTINCTLY uncommon and should NOT be a lifetime risk as it regains a normal blood supply fairly quickly.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The risk of infection with cartilage grafting is extremely remote. It is irrelevant whether  the cartilage graft is harvested from the ear or inside the nose. On the rare chance that there is an infection, it would usually present itself in the first week after the procedure.

Brajendra Baser, MS, DNB, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

The risk of infection is same as in any other procedure. I don't see any reason why you should have risk of infection  with conchal cartilage graft in rest of your life. Artificial implants have this kind of risk,conchal cartilage is one of the most reliable graft material in Rhinoplasty.We have used ear cartilage in hundreds of patients over a 25 year ,not seen many infections

Adam Hamawy, MD · Answer

The risk of infection using ear cartilage in the nose is extremely low and should not really be a major concern.  Ear cartilage is communally used to refine the tip and is rarely an issue.However, my concern is that ear cartilage usually does not provide enough support for the septum.  If the ear cartilage is needed for spreader grafts or a columellar strut then it may not be up for the job.   Ideally you want to use cartilage from the septum itself and if you don't have enough because of prior surgery then rib cartilage is probably a better option.   You should be discussing all these possibilities with your surgeon if you are having a revision rhinoplasty.

What is the risk of infection from using ear cartilage for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: No special risk factor for infection in conchal catilage

Answer: No special risk factor for infection in conchal catilage

Answer: What is the risk of using ear cartilage to fix deviated septum?

Answer: What is the risk of using ear cartilage to fix deviated septum?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

What is the risk of infection from using ear cartilage for Revision Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: No special risk factor for infection in conchal catilage

Answer: No special risk factor for infection in conchal catilage

Answer: What is the risk of using ear cartilage to fix deviated septum?

Answer: What is the risk of using ear cartilage to fix deviated septum?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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