Is rib cartilage placed on the bridge more likely to warp?

Dear UppyRib cartilage can warp and most surgeons try preventive techniques to minimize that risk. In my experience, symmetrically carving the cartilage for the nasal dorsum placement minimizes that risk. I also think that the longer  the piece used, the higher the chance of warping. There are surgeons that use K-wires inside the rib cartilage to stabilize it and prevent warping.  Smaller pieces used as strut grafts tend to be stable. Alternatives to rib graft such as silastic implants also work well in the right patient.You should seek consultation with an experienced and Board certified surgeon to get information specific to your case.

Thank you for your question.Rib cartilage can warp.  This is a known complication of utilizing this material for rhinoplasty.  Generally, rib cartilage is not used at the tip of the nose, but can be used to support the tip.  Softer cartilage, such as septal cartilage or ear cartilage is better for reshaping the tip of the nose.  Larger segments of rib cartilage likely have greater risk of warping.  The location where the cartilage is placed may be a factor, but in my opinion it is less of an influence than other factors such as size, quality of cartilage etc.

The shape of a rib graft changes based on where it is used and its shape. When placed on the bridge the graft is long and a single piece and thus is more prone to warping. When used as a columellar strut in the tip, the rib graft is much shorter and the risk of warping is very low.