Concerned if nose cartilage is strong enough for rhinoplasty.

Question

I am interested in rhinoplasty; bump removal, projection reduction and tip refinement. No breathing issues and relatively straight. Long story short, years ago I was told by an orthopedic that my bones were unusually soft (I was 27). Many tests later no cause as to why. I am wondering if this could impact a successful outcome and if there is a way for a doctor to verify that my nose tissue is up to par.

Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD · Answer

Soft bones do not necessarily indicate your cartilage will be soft as well. It is best to have this personally assessed by a qualified, board certified facial plastic surgeon prior to your rhinoplasty to determine whether your cartilage will be strong enough for the procedure. If your surgeon determines the cartilage in the nose is soft as well, which is unlikely, there are options to get around this problem. Harvesting cartilage from another area like the ear or a rib can provide you with the necessary cartilage to produce the results you are looking for. When you work with an experienced, board certified plastic surgeon, your doctor will be able to tailor your technique to your precise needs to give you the best possible outcome.
Thank you.
Best,
Jacqueline T. Cheng, MD

Vasdev Rai, MD · Answer

Suitability of bones and cartilages for rhinoplasty will be determined by the surgeon you choose to consult for your rhinoplasty.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

A thorough internal and external examination of the nose is required to make a determination about the strength and integrity of the cartilages in the nose. When patients have thin pre-existing cartilages, additional cartilage grafts can help bolster that area, such as a spreader graft when the hump removal has been performed. For more information and many before-and-after examples, please see the link and the video below

Terrence Murphy, MD · Answer

The strength of your bones has nothing to do with the strength of the cartilage in your nose. I would arrange a thorough consultation with a board certified plastic surgeon in your area with a large experience in rhinoplasty. During this consultation you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals in detail. Best of luck.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

The strength of a patient's cartilages is always evaluated before rhinoplasty surgery.  Excellent results can be achieved in patients regardless of tissue strength. Rhinoplasty surgery is always individualized; an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon will use the proper techniques to compensate for the size and strength of the cartilages so the desired result can be achieved.

Concerned if nose cartilage is strong enough for rhinoplasty.

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal cartilage strength

Answer: Nasal cartilage strength

Answer: Rhinoplasty for Nose With Weak Cartilages

Answer: Rhinoplasty for Nose With Weak Cartilages

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

Concerned if nose cartilage is strong enough for rhinoplasty.

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal cartilage strength

Answer: Nasal cartilage strength

Answer: Rhinoplasty for Nose With Weak Cartilages

Answer: Rhinoplasty for Nose With Weak Cartilages

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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