What are the differences, pros/cons of autologous vs donor rib for rhinoplasty?

Question

For East Asians, we often have a flatter bridge and wider tip. I've been doing more research about this specific, DCF? Rhinoplasty and am wondering what (dis)advantages there are. Thank you!

Mark K. Markarian, MD, MSPH, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question.

Building the bridge of your nose is a very common component in patients who have flatter bridges.  Some of these patients are of Asian ancestry, as you mentioned, and there a number of ways to do this.  My preferred way is to use diced soft cartilage wrapped in mastoid fascia, and carefully tunneling that along your dorsum (bridge of your nose).  DCF, or diced cartilage and fascia, is essentially this technique.  Some use a harder, diced cartilage, but I prefer a softer diced cartilage.  Regardless, this differs from other techniques to build the bridge of your nose involving implants such as silicone, gore-tex, meshes, etc.  My experience has been that these implants can shift over time, creating a very unnatural appearance.

If you have any other questions about rhinoplasty, the next step for you is to pursue the right plastic surgeon for your nose surgery.  In your consultation, be sure your surgeon addresses all your functional (and aesthetic) goals and concerns specifically, IN PERSON, and discusses the surgery details including the position and size of the incisions used (with actual photographs and not just digital animations), the risks and benefits of the procedure, recovery time, and post-operative course.  I also think a key component of your consultation is to establish a good connection with your plastic surgeon.  This is difficulty to do without seeing your surgeon in the office, in person.  It’s the connection that allows you to clearly define your desired nose outcome goals, the first step of this whole process. If you don’t feel you have a good connection with your plastic surgeon after your consultation, he/she may not be the best surgeon for you.

For more information on rhinoplasty, please refer to my link below.

Good luck and please let me know if I can help.

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Both autologous rib and donor cartilage can be safe and effective sources of grafts as has been well established in the literature and clinical practice. One advantage of donor cartilage is less time under anesthesia and less risk of donor site morbidity. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

What are the differences, pros/cons of autologous vs donor rib for rhinoplasty?

Answers (2)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS

Answers (2)

More Rhinoplasty Questions

Do I have a significant dorsal hump? Can just a tip plasty fix my droopy nasal tip? (Photos)

What procedures would help to make my face more symmetrical? (Photo)

Rhinoplasty under anesthesia - what is safest method if you do a total rhinoplasty, where a lot needs to be fixed?

Can spreader grafts actually help in a situation where the issue is limited space for the turbinates?

Rhinoplasty rejection 3 years post op? Small red spot on the tip of my nose. (Photo)

Can anesthesia with laryngeal mask airway be used for total rhinoplasty?

WE SEND PRETTY EMAILS

WE SEND PRETTY
EMAILS