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

Various cartilage grafts can be used for augmentation of the dorsum of the nose (septum, ear, rib). Only on the basis of in person evaluation and discussion about your goals an experienced board certified plastic or ENT surgeon, with good reputation in rhinoplasty, can give you a more detailed answer. Good luck.

Hello and thank you for your question. The best way to perform dorsal augmentation is with DCF (diced cartilage wrapped in fascia).  Make sure you specifically look at before and after pictures of real patients who have had this surgery performed by your surgeon and not just a computer animation system.  You should be able to view numerous pictures of actual patients with noses similar to yours performed by your surgeon.  If you cannot find enough real before and after pictures, then consider continuing your search for a surgeon.
Best wishes and good luck.


Richard G. Reish, M.D. FACS

Harvard-trained plastic surgeon
 

 Nasal/septal  cartilage with a first choice to build up the nasal bridge line.   Not ear cartilage.  Digital computer imaging would be helpful to understand what can be accomplished with a rhinoplasty procedure upon your nasal anatomy and facial features

Septal and ear cartilages are my first choice when I augment the nasal bridge. I would not be concerned if your surgeon does not use morphing. You want to see multiple examples of results you like in other people who had a nose like yours. Select a good surgeon, not a computer expert.