Own Rib cartilage graft vs cadaver rib, are they equally strong for Rhinoplasty? Are they the same risks?

Question

Are they both equally strong And come with same risks ? What about resorption risk ? I didn't realize you can use donor septal cartilage, is it better to use that? So if it would be the same result using own cartilage and donor, why would someone put themselves through extra morbidity? Is swelling usually worse when grafts are out in ?

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

For more than 35 years of rhinoplasty I have rarely had to use rib cartilage of either type.  The patient almost always has enough cartilage in the septum and ears for all that is needed!

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

I do never recommend using tissue bank cadaver cartilage, always own patient's tissues are the rule in my practice. In spite some thorough studies about irradiated cadaver rib show their efficacy... it is hard to believe from my side, since that is "dead" by irradiation tissue, its long term stability should be seriously questioned.

Andre Panossian, MD · Answer

Your own tissues will always be a better source of graft material than cadaver tissues or foreign substances such as silicone. These alternative graft sources carry a higher risk of resorption, exposure, or infection.  Although septal cartilage is frequently used in primary and sometimes secondary (or revision) rhinoplasty, it is often underestimated how much is required to achieve a specific goal, especially during secondary rhinoplasty.  The question of whether or not to use a rib graft is largely related to the severity of the nasal deformity and the goals that one is trying to achieve.

Arian Mowlavi, MD, FACS (license on probation) · Answer

I have been using both your own and the organ donated rib graft for revision rhinoplasties for the last two years and they are both doing very well with no complications. At this point, I have started recommending that all my patients needing rib grafting use the organ donor ones as it only costs 500$ to purchase and saves having to harvest your own rib.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

I always prefer using the patient's own tissue vs irradiated rib cartilage from a tissue bank. It is rare that there is not enough donor cartilage material from the patient's septum or ears.

Own Rib cartilage graft vs cadaver rib, are they equally strong for Rhinoplasty? Are they the same risks?

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