Can Cartilage Removed from my First Rhinoplasty Be Reused for my Secondary Rhinoplasty?

Question

It's been 6 months since my first Rhinoplasty and due to unsatisfactory results, I'm considering going in for a second Rhinoplasty. I know for a fact the Doctor jarred up and refrigerated the removed cartilage, but will he be able to reuse it or will he have to remove cartilage from my ear to perform the surgery? Thanks for taking the time to read my post, I'm looking forward to your response!

John M. Hilinski, MD · Answer

Here in California and in many other states, you have to store the cartilage in an authorized, licensed tissue bank if you want to reuse it. Just jarring it up and refrigerating the cartilage in the office raises my eyebrow. You have to keep in mind that some studies show using cartilage recycled even through a licensed tissue bank results in a less than optimal outcome because of the 'processing' done for preservation. I think you would be better off undergoing either auricular (ear) or costal (rib) cartilage grafting as part of the revisionary rhinoplasty procedure if there is a need for structural cartilage grafting to further reshape the nose.

Travis T. Tollefson, MD, MPH · Answer

Dear Eamr83

	The use of cartilage for grafting in a revision surgery usually comes from your own septum (if anything was left), ear cartilage or your rib, depending on what is needed. 

	 Using banked cartilage is not a common practice.

	Best Wishes.

Raghu Athre, MD · Answer

Unfortunately cartilage banked outside the body is not viable.  Cartilage can be banked under the scalp or within the nose.  Cartilage banked outside your body can't be used.

	Sorry...

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Unfortunately, banking cartilage is not something that is done as far as I know in NY.  If you need additional grafting, then the septum or ear cartilage or even rib cartilage is available.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

As far as I know ll human tissue removed and stored before being grafted back into that patient must be kept in  an accredited tissue bank. That is why I will place extra cartilage under the skin behind the ear for future  grafting if necessary. I would not use the refrigerated cartilage, but nothing is lost because there are multiple sources of cartilage in our bodies.

Can Cartilage Removed from my First Rhinoplasty Be Reused for my Secondary Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Cartilage from rhinoplasty

Answer: Cartilage from rhinoplasty

Answer: Using Stored Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Using Stored Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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Can Cartilage Removed from my First Rhinoplasty Be Reused for my Secondary Rhinoplasty?

Answers (5)

Answer: Cartilage from rhinoplasty

Answer: Cartilage from rhinoplasty

Answer: Using Stored Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty

Answer: Using Stored Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.