Rib vs ear cartilage for nose tip enhancement (tertiary rhinoplasty)?

Question

I am going for tertiary rhinoplasty and want to bring down the tip and lengthen my nose so that my nostrils are less visible from front. My surgeon said he will use ear cartilage for that. I have read that rib cartilage is stronger. Which cartilage is better in this case? what are the risks for both? He also said to go for filler rhinoplasty first so that I can see how results will look, and then go for the surgery. Is it safe to go for permanent rhinoplasty within a month of injecting filler?

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Fillers will not significantly lengthen your nose so this may be of limited use.  Ear cartilage is limited and soft so it is also not that useful for lengthening.  Rib cartilage would be best option.  However, there is pain and scarring from harvesting.  Another option is fresh frozen cadaveric cartilage.  Somewhat expensive but shows good long term results.

Pranav Jambula, MBBS, MS, MCh · Answer

Good morning Maverick03,
I hope this message finds you well. In a rhinoplasty that requires augmentation via cartilage we have various options on the table. To accentuate the nasal tip and straighten the septum, if current septal cartilage falls short we prefer to use harvested rib cartilage. If nostril/ala definition is desired then a more moldable, supple conchal cartilage (harvested from the ear) is sufficient as it will create better definition. Also a filler is a good idea for you to understand the end result of your potential rhinoplasty. If a HA filler is being used my advice is to wait 6 months for surgery - if a Saline filler is being used for demonstration then a month is more than sufficient to undergo the procedure. Although an image is a great starting point , I would recommend a video consultation / in person consultation with a board certified Aesthetic Plastic surgeon to take this forward and thoroughly answer your query. 
Dr. Pranav Reddy JambulaIAAPS, ISAPS, APSI, APRAS, ASI MemberMBBS, MS, MCH, IAAPS Fellow

Brajendra Baser, MS, DNB, FRCS(Ed) · Answer

autologus rib and Both rib and Ear both are mesenchymal tissue and can be used as per requirement in individual case ,Rib cartilage is strong but it has tendency to curve and may give a rigid nose in long run ,make sure you surgeon has extensive experience in Rhinoplasty specilly revision Rhinoplasty

Rib vs ear cartilage for nose tip enhancement (tertiary rhinoplasty)?

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Rib vs ear cartilage for nose tip enhancement (tertiary rhinoplasty)?

Answers (3)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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