Is recovery from revision rhinoplasty that requires rib cartilage harvesting and grafting a painful process?

Question

Is the harvesting of rib cartilage painful and difficult to recover from? I have already had ear cartilage harvested for one rhino revision and that was quite painful and awkward to recover from especially because it made sleeping difficult with a 'cup' over the ear. How big and where is the incision located?

David Reinstadler, MD · Answer

The short answer is yes, the recovery from a rib graft is more painful than then rhinoplasty. The issue with rib grafts are that you need to remove the attached muscle and that muscle hurts every time you breathe deeply or cough. It is a very uncomfortable process for about two weeks. Even after that, sometimes people have "tight" or "pulling" sensations in the graft area for a few months. The incision is usually in the crease under the breast so it hides very well. The size of the incision depends on the surgeon. Best of luck

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

The answer to your question is complex.  First of all, the most painful portion of the procedure will be the rib cartilage harvest site.  However, this also is not 10/10 pain.  Most of my patients state the following:1.  It is uncomfortable requiring pain pills x 2-3 days2.  After that time it is uncomfortable when moving, deep breathing, coughing, straining, etc x 7 daysA dose of IV Tylenol in the operating room has brought my postoperative pain scores in rib cartilage cases down by 40-50%

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,Yes, it can be quite painful to recover from harvesting rib cartilage. A better option would be to either get more ear cartilage and/or use a custom shaped silicone implant, which can be more precisely shaped than rib cartilage. Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty are considered among the most complex of surgeries in facial cosmetic surgery, requiring the most highly skilled and experienced surgeon. Consult with two or more Facial Plastic Surgeons who are double board certified revision rhinoplasty specialists. Look at their before/after photos and look for results that you like. Also, ask to get your photos imaged so that you know what result you can expect. This is very important to prevent having to go for yet another revision surgery in the future. Good luck!Dr. S.

Is recovery from revision rhinoplasty that requires rib cartilage harvesting and grafting a painful process?

Answers (3)

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