Where does cadaver rib com from for elective cosmetic revision rhinoplasty?

Question

I was given the choice between cadaver rib or my own rib for a revision rhinoplasty. My nose looks nice already, and this is purely out of my own vanity to get an even more perfect nose. I can't stop thinking, where does this cadaver rib come from? I am a registered organ donor, does that include my ribs/bones? Thank you.

Steven M. Denenberg, MD · Answer

You said, "My nose looks nice already," and you just want "an even more perfect nose."A revision rhinoplasty is the hardest operation we have, and **everyone** has *something* wrong with her nose after a revision. A revision never just makes things better; there is always some feature that's worse after a revision. That's why a revision is more justifiable the more we want to improve in a nose.And a rib graft adds *huge* risk, huge opportunity to make some view worse, for the graft to be sharp on the edges or off-center, or too big, or too small, or too high, and on and on. If you nose looks nice, you have no business having another operation. Sorry if this sounds rant-y. I'm just trying to keep you out of trouble!

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Cadaver rib grafts have come a long way over the last 20 years. They are typically irradiated and preserved to ensure the graft is sterile. Using cadaver rib avoids donor-site morbidity, and may shorten your operative time. Here's the tissue bank we use - MTF.orgLastly, if your nose looks "nice" now, consider NOT having rhinoplasty surgery. Thank you. Dr Joseph

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

For more than 35 years and thousands of noses I have not needed rib grafts and you probably don't. There is almost always enough cartilage in your septum and ears for this.See a very experienced rhinoplasty surgeon to discuss this issue.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

It is very very rare that I've needed rib cartilage, whether autogenous or cadaver, in rhinoplasty surgery. Careful techniques using septal and ear cartilage can be used in almost all cases.

Where does cadaver rib com from for elective cosmetic revision rhinoplasty?

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