When ear cartilage is used to build a bridge, is it one piece on each side that extends from radix to tip? Or are they segments?

I like to do video imaging on my rhinoplasty patients as a way of getting an idea of what they want and whether or not I can accomplish it in the operating room. In the past I've made generous use of Medpore when dorsal augmentation has been necessary. I have had very little difficulty with this and there is no donor site.

Augmentation of the nasal dorm with ear cartilage can be done as one piece or in multiple pieces depending upon the preference of the surgeon. Whether a singular piece is used or multiple pieces are used, they can be customized to fit our profile by your surgeon. In addition, it can be tapered down or removed if necessary as well and hopefully that will not be the case. Good luck with your procedure.

Hello and thank you for your question. It would be useful to see some photos for a better advice. A variety of techniques and cartilage sources have been described for dorsal augmentation. Cartilage can come from ears, nasal septum, rib cartilage or allograft (cadaveric). Cartilage can be placed in one large segment, diced and formed into paste, diced and and wrapped up in fascia (temporalis fascia taken from behind the ear is common), etc. My best advice to you is to make sure your plastic surgeon has extensive experience in performing rhinoplasty. If you are not satisfied with one consult, get a second opinion. You should ask to  see before and after pictures of their patients. Best wishes and good luck,Pejman Aflaki, M.D.

Johns Hopkins-trained double board-certified plastic surgeon