Difference between ear and rib cartilage for rhinoplasty?

Question

Hi, are there different reason rib cartlidge would be used over ear? Or is it down to the surgeons preference? Thanks

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

The amount of cartilage that is necessary depends on the degree of tip projection and dorsal augmentation you want to achieve (how tall you want to make your nose).  If you only want a conservative amount, it may be attainable with cartilage harvested from your septum or ear.  For a more dramatic change, additional cartilage is necessary which can be obtained from your rib. Good luck! @drdonyoo

Karthik Ram, MRCS, DNB · Answer

Hi.Both ear and rib cartilage can be used in rhinoplasty. It depends on the amount of  cartilage required during rhinoplasty and surgeons preference as well.For large amount of cartilage rib is preferred. But most of the surgeons avoid using rib cartilage for nose surgery. Hope I have cleared your doubt. Thanks for posting your query.

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Rib is more abundant but more challenging to harvest and painful for the patient.  Ear cartilage is less abundant and can lead to ear deformities.  Septal cartilage is the best.  Fresh frozen cadaveric rib cartilage is seeing significant use.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Different sources of cartilage are used as grafts in rhinoplasty depending on many factors including what it will be used for and its availability, among other things. For instance, rib cartilage would be preferred over ear cartilage if you need a large amount of graft material. The curved shape of the ear cartilage may also not be preferable depending on where the graft will be used.

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

It depends on the type of cartilage needed and the amount needed. Getting ear cartilage is easy but the cartilage is thin and flexible. Suitable for small grafts. Rib cartilage is more stiff and the surgeon can take larger grafts but there would be a scar where the graft is taken from

Difference between ear and rib cartilage for rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ear vs Rib Cartilage

Answer: Ear vs Rib Cartilage

Answer: Cartilage grafting

Answer: Cartilage grafting

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Difference between ear and rib cartilage for rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ear vs Rib Cartilage

Answer: Ear vs Rib Cartilage

Answer: Cartilage grafting

Answer: Cartilage grafting

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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.