Is it is necessary to use rib cadaver grafts to project the tip in African American Rhinoplasty because the cartilage is weaker?

Question

Additionally, will the inside of the nose look thicker because of the grafts? Especially if rib cadaver is used? What is the success rate of using your own nose cartilage and having it work?

Michael A. Persky, MD · Answer

Hi V,The cartilage used to project an African American nose depends on the individual nose, but in general the best results are from using the patient's own rib cartilage graft.  I would recommend consulting with multiple rhinoplasty experts who use this technique and then choose your surgeon carefully based on their skill, experience, knowledge, care, and natural artistic vision.  A few expert rhinoplasty surgeons I would recommend  are Dean Toriumi, MD (Chicago), Ari Hyman, MD (Los Angeles), and Steven Pearlman, MD (New York.). Good luck and be well.Dr. PEncino, CA

Jacob Sedgh, MD · Answer

Thank  you for your question! It is not absolutely necessary to use rib cartilage (cadaveric or otherwise) for an African American rhinoplasty. It is, of course, an option. I certainly advise you to do your research and meet with a surgeon who has experience doing African American rhinoplasty. We wish you the best!

Thomas Romo, III, MD · Answer

Most rhinoplasty on people of color need some type of architecture to be added to the nasal tip. This gives the nose shape and definition. Having specialized in this type of rhinoplasty for over 20 years, I personally don't use cadaver rib for augmentation. It can warp and resorb. I prefer septal cartilage from the patient and porous implants for bridge augmentation.

Steve Laverson, MD, FACS · Answer

The answer is NO, rib cartilage is NOT necessary.  Can use suture modification, ear cartilage, septal cartilage, porous polyetylene (Stryker craniomaxillofacial markets excellent nasal tip support alloplastic implants), cadaveric cartilage (Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation), and more.  There is usually more than one possibility in every plastic surgical technique.

Victor Manuel Agudelo, MD · Answer

Hello,
The best cartilages to work on a Rhinoplasty are patients own cartilages. Depending on your nose's characteristics and your desired changes, your ear cartilages can be used and be enough(the ear shape doesn't changes) or the next option will be your rib cartilage.  The way to get this graft is through an incision no longer than 2 inches under your breast that is hardly visible. 
Visit your doctor to have an adequate evaluation and choose the best option for you.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A full set of facial photographs and an in-person examination going to be required to make a determination about how best to proceed with a rhinoplasty procedure, since rhinoplasty is a very difficult endeavor. Nasal cartilage is always the primary source for grafting when performing a rhinoplasty procedure, not rib cartilage.

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

Thank you for the question and a well performed rhinoplasty can be done with your own cartilage.  So go on some complimentary consultations with experts who use digital photography to show you how your nose might look following surgery and how it might be done so you are fully informed about the desired procedure Dr Corbin

Sybile Val, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Grafting is commonly done for support in African American Rhinoplasty surgery.  I try to use the cartilage from inside the nose, when possible.  If the cartilage inside the nose is too weak, I may use rib cartilage, but that is not my first choice. The inside of the nose will not look thicker when cartilage is properly used.  Consult with a plastic surgeon who is very knowledgeable with African American noses.

Michael Elam, MD (retired) · Answer

Dear Vatransportationservices, You will find a variance of answers depending on the surgeon. Some surgeons prefer to use rib grafts while others like myself would choose cartilage grafts. I would seek some consultations with experts in the field and have imaging performed and once a desired nose is agreed upon the surgeon can then discuss the exact techniques that will be used to attain the desired result. Then review the surgeons before and afters photographs to ensure expertise. Best regards, Michael V. Elam, M.D.

Is it is necessary to use rib cadaver grafts to project the tip in African American Rhinoplasty because the cartilage is weaker?

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