Can cartilage grafts be trimmed back or removed in Revision Rhinoplasty?

Cartilage grafts that are simple onlay grafts can easily be removed during revision rhinoplasty. A graft that has been placed as an integral structure of the nose during the first surgery can be much more difficult to deal with. Be sure to see a surgeon that specializes in revision rhinoplasty for consultation, but if the cartilage is just sitting next to a nasal bone, it can usually be removed.

Cartilage grafts usually survive a 100% and are not absorbed by the body. In that case they can be removed. However, if the body has absorbed the grafts then it becomes part of the scar tissue and cannot be removed. It is hard to determine this till you open the nose. RegardsDr J

Hello and thanks for the question. All grafts can be removed during rhinoplasty and if these grafts have warped or moved, they should be removed and repositioned. This occurs during nearly every revision I perform. Not all grafts are structural or functional. Some are meant as camouflage and are meant to improve cosmesis. Structural grafts in rhinoplasty are akin to the framework of your house. You need certain sturdy beams and buttresses to keep the nose in the correct position and to provide strength in the areas which tend to collapse and cause functional disturbance after surgery. All in all, make sure you understand what needs to be done and make sure your doctor has performed enough revisions to know what problems can arise and how to correct these issues at the time of revision.