Can a cartilage graft dissolve over years after a Rhinoplasty?

Question

I heard cartilage grafts can dissolve overtime.. Is this true? How can the nose be stabilized so nostril collapse won't occur? Especially if a "hump" is your only issue.

Albert W. Chow, MD · Answer

Hello,You should not worry about nostril collapse after a hump reduction unless there is lower lateral cartilage destabilization in aggressive tip narrowing procedures.  Internal nasal valve collapse is a real concern with large hump reduction, since this can cause the upper lateral cartilages to lose support and fall inwards. This can cause a pinching inwards in the area just above your tip area.  Cartilage grafts can resorb but it is uncommon.  They can warp depending on what part of the body is donor source.  Banked cartilage is not a source that I recommend in my practice.  I would consult with a rhinoplasty surgeon with experience and a good reputation.  Good luckDr. Chow

Kevin Sadati, DO · Answer

Not all dorsal hump reductions require spreader graft placement. However, in some cases it is required to place spreader grafts in order to prevent internal valve collapse.  Cartilage grafts harvested from nasal septum are resilient and do not easily resorb.

George Volpe, MD · Answer

It is more common for cartilage grafts two dissolve over months time rather than years time. When a graft is placed, for it to be successful little capillaries must grow into it to give it circulation. If this event does not occur, often a cartilage graft will dissolve. It is possible however for tissue to distort or partially lose its sharpness by chronic pressure from surrounding tissue.

Gerald Minniti, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Grafts that are placed between native cartilage and secured with sutures will not resorb, these are called 'interposition grafts'.  Hump correction will not necessarily lead to nostril collapse, but may lead to 'internal valve' collapse.  Using 'spreader grafts' will prevent this by supporting the sidewalls of the nose, give you a more natural shape, and preserve or improve nasal airflow. Best of luck!

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.   Cartilage grafts can also be performed to improve the tip refinement and straighten an asymmetric nose.  If placed properly, cartilage will never dissolve.  Cartilage grafting can be an excellent technique in the right hands.   I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified plastic surgeon who can evaluate you in person.Best wishes and good luck.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Cartilage grafts are remarkably resilient in the nose, particularly when harvested from the septum. Only in the face of infection do nasal cartilage grafts perform poorly.

Scott Shadfar, MD · Answer

Hello Roselie, Thank you for your question. Without examining you, physically feeling the tissue, assessing your desired outcome, taking a full medical history, and discussing the pros and cons of any further treatments it is difficult to be comprehensive.Short answer is the majority of cartilage grafts are permanent and will hold their shape and form.  Rarely, if the blood supply to the graft is poor, you may see some resorption of the graft.If truly all that is needed is a hump takedown then this can be done without manipulating the nasal tip cartilages using an endonasal or closed approach.   I would seek out care from a Facial Plastic Surgeon who specializes in rhinoplasty.Best of luck, DrS

William Portuese, MD · Answer

The nose has a very abundant supply of blood vessels, and cartilage grafts usually do not resorb  once they have been placed in the proper position. Nostril collapse is treated with a variety of grafting techniques such as alar rim grafts, composite graft from the ear, and alar batten grafts. For more information  and many examples of cartilage grafts with rhinoplasty, please see the link  and the video below

Kailash Narasimhan, MD · Answer

Hello RoselieTo answer your questions:1) Cartilage grafts can dissolve or resorb to some extent because they may not get a full blood supply or "take".  This can happen in smokers but even otherwise, it can kappen2) The nose can be stabilized with grafts on the rim area and this generally helps.  These grafts can also prevent notching on the rim of the nose, if an open rhinoplasty was done.Hump reduction can be done with an open or closed technique.  Hope this helps!Dr Narasimhan

Frederic H. Corbin, MD (license restricted) · Answer

Thank you for the question and if a hump is your only issue I would not be concerned about cartilage grafting.  That said cartilage grafts do extremely well in the nose and rarely "disappear or dissolve" over tiime.Dr. Corbin

Can a cartilage graft dissolve over years after a Rhinoplasty?

Answers (15)

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