What doctors are comfortable using the rib cartilage method for african american patients?

Question

I am looking to have a rhinoplasty done and I am trying to find a surgeon who is comfortable grafting rib cartilage to use to provide a bridge opposed to using a synthetic implant.

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

You are very well informed and conducted, never ever, under no circumstances, a synthetic (alloplastic) implant should be used in nose surgery, typical and tempting (time and money saving, supplementary to dr's technical limitations too) in african and asian rhinoplasties to rebuild their common issue: tha lack of dorsum/bridge (massively).Yes, in slightly low bridges a ear cartilage made dorsum can work perfectly and suffice, but no more than 2-4 mm can be raised that way; for strong, thick and supportive dorsal reconstruction (raise) it is totally required the use of rib cartilage; but that is not enough, there are more requirements:-the cartilage has to be from the core of the shaft, to prevent its warping (cortex of the rib cartilage bends, unlike the core or central portion)-it is not a matter or harvest-and-insert, the piece has to be tailored very meticulously and with the greatest artistry, IMHO and based or my own hands-on experience this is the most creative and difficult maneuver in a nose: building a custom made new dorsum out of a cubic block of cartilage, it is real sculpting-the dorsum has to be engages to an L shaped strut for the columellaVery often africanamerican noses need other maneuvers, like alar cartilage and tip reinforcement/replacement, nostril reduction, alar reduction, defatting of tip (a must), etc.Seek the advice and hands of a serious professional who offers to you
 a time-consuming and expensive procedure; stay far from minimally 
invassive snake-charming procedures, synthetic implants, fillers, 
wrapped diced cartilage, etc.
Difficulty 8 out of 10 in ethnic rhinoplasties, surgical time about 6 hours (in expert hands, could be even longer).
If you wish better grounded opinion well lit, focused and standard 
images have to be assessed: frontal, both lateral and both oblique 
views, also underneath the nostrils.
Feel free to request any additional information from me.

Brian Maloney, MD, FACS · Answer

There are many options to build up the bridge of the nose. Fillers can be used in the office. Implants can be used. If you choose a nasal implant, I have found that the dorsal ones work very well, however I would advise against a "L" shaped implant unless you have no other option. Ear, septal, or rib cartilage can all be used.

Eric Rosenberger, MD · Answer

African American, Asian, or "Ethnic" rhinoplasty involve several characteristic differences between Caucasian rhinoplasty, including thicker skin, less nasal bone projection, less available septal cartilage available to harvest, and a wide and flat nasal tip. These characteristics almost always require the operation to involve both augmentation of the dorsum, projection of the nasal tip, and alar base reductions to reduce nasal width. The best natural substance to produce these results is rib cartilage as 1 incision can easily produce 1 or 2 pieces of rib, enough to completely reconstruct the nose. The trade off to rib is that the nose will be firm and hard after the operation. Silicone is a popular option, but it is not natural, and if it is used aggressively to increase nasal tip projection, it can cause thinning of the skin and eventual exposure. The advantages are it is much simpler to place and it is softer than rib cartilage. Most surgeons who frequently perform revision rhinoplasty are comfortable with rib graft harvest and usage.

Oleh Slupchynskyj, MD, FACS (retired) · Answer

Hi,
Rib cartilage is relatively easy to harvest and use as a bridge implant. However it has some limitations as far as volume , shape and size. If not carved right the first time, it wont look good and can warp. However, if you are apposed to foreign material then rib can be used and its not a difficult to harvest.   Ethnic and African American Rhinoplasty are by far the most challenging cosmetic operations in cosmetic surgery. This because the anatomy and skin thickness requires special techniques to achieve desired results. Do your research online and try to choose a surgeon that can deliver results that you seek. They should have numerous before and after photos with results you like and seek. Choosing the right surgeon who has experience is imperative; you want to avoid any revision in the future. You can send me your photos for computer imaging.Best, Dr.S.

What doctors are comfortable using the rib cartilage method for african american patients?

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Answer: African American Rhinoplasty

Answer: African American Rhinoplasty

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What doctors are comfortable using the rib cartilage method for african american patients?

Answers (4)

Answer: African American Rhinoplasty

Answer: African American Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about African American Rhinoplasty

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