If Rib Cartilage is Used For My Rhinoplasty, How Long Will it Last?

Question

If I choice the rub cartilage to use for my rhinoplasty how many years will it last

Ali Sajjadian, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,

	Rib cartilage whne harvested from you will last a lifetime.

	Multiple studies have shown that the rib cartilage that has been radiated such as the case with cadaver rib cartilage graft will resorb to a varying degree.

	Hope this helps,

	Dr. Sajjadian

Babak Azizzadeh, MD · Answer

If you are using your own rib cartilage in your rhinoplasty, it usually last for the rest of your life. If cadaver rib cartilage is used, which is rarely used, it has a higher rate of resorption. Good luck!

Sam Naficy, MD, FACS · Answer

If your own rib cartilage is used, it will last permanently.  If radiated (cadaver) rib is used it may or may not last.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Rhinoplasty with rib cartilage lasts forever once the initial healing is done. There is usually no need to go to the rib since most patients have enough cartilage in their septum or ears to do the job with a lot less pain.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Autologous rib cartilage( your own) will last forever.  Just an FYI, rib cartilage can warp( bend) and may resorb a  bit over time.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Rib cartilage grafts to the nose are generally stable in volume once healed. Depending upon how they are harvested and shaped, their problems are more of warping and midline stability than they are about volume loss over time.

Chase Lay, MD · Answer

Morning lagmay

	Rib cartilage will last forever but there will be some shrinkage of the graft in the first 6 to 9 months and then some subtle changes to it over the next year or so.  It's a great material for rhinoplasty depending on what you're needs are.  If we knew a little more about your case we could tell you more about the pro's and con's of different grafts.

	 

	Take care

	Chase Lay, MD

Miguel A. Yáñez, MD, FACS · Answer

Rib cartilage grafts for rhinoplasty work very well when they are used to increase projection of the dorsum. They are usually permanent but may suffer some degree of resorption. Depending on the technique used they may show warping and even displacement.

Shervin Naderi, MD, FACS · Answer

Rib cartilage, ear cartilage and septal cartilage are all technically permanent grafts. However, some molding and remodelling and melting can occur and some grafts can completely disappear due to infection or blood supply but for the most part they are "permanent.".

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Cartilage harvested from the patient's own tissues, including from the rib, usually lasts a lifetime. You will know 6-8 weeks after the surgery.

If Rib Cartilage is Used For My Rhinoplasty, How Long Will it Last?

Answers (11)