Ear Cartilage or Rib Graft for Rhinoplasty?

Question

I had a nose infection before so using a silicone implant was strongly not recommended. One of the surgeons I saw said that rib grafts will warp over time so using ear cartilage is more ideal. However rib will give a bigger better result + I dont have alot of ear cartilage cuz some of it (or all of it?) has been used in one of my ears. Soo help me out ?

Ronald J. Edelson, MD · Answer

Actually, ear cartilage is more likely to warp than rib cartilage because is is thin and softer than rib.  The choice really depends on what the cartilage is being used for.  If is is being used for replacement of tip cartilage, ear cartilage is usually better.  If it is being used to build up the nasal bridge, the rib graft will be better because a thicker and straighter piece of cartilage can be far vested from the ribs.  Good luck!

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

I would not use silicone! For 35 years of revision rhinoplasty I have never had to use rib which is painfull and expensive. Ear cartilage and soft tissue is my material of choice if all the septal cartilage is gone.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

The answer to your question depends primarily on how much cartilage will be required. Ear cartilage is very easy to obtain and it is easy to work with and very predictable. Rib cartilage grafts require a scar on your chest and requires a more extensive surgery to harvest. Thus, if you only need a small amount of cartilage to achieve your rhinoplasty results, an ear cartilage graft is ideal. If you need alot of dorsal augmentation or structure that an ear cartilage graft won't provide then you are probably better served by a rib graft. You can also use cadaveric (donor) rib cartilage which precludes surgery on your chest but this has a higher tendency to reabsorb and warp, not the mention the occasional philosophical concerns of patients receiving cadaveric graft material. I hope this information is helpful.Stephen Weber MD, FACS

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Nose cartilage is the primary cartilage that should be used for nasal reconstruction.  If the nose has been depleted of harvestable cartilage, then the next alternative would be ear cartilage.  In a severe saddle nose deformity, rib cartilage should be considered.  Ultimately, it really depends upon the amount of augmentation required as to which grafting source would be the best alternative.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Often times the ear does not give enough solid cartilage to provide enough dorsal projection.  It is best to use your own rib or one can use Irradiated homograft costal cartilage.

Ear Cartilage or Rib Graft for Rhinoplasty?

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Answer: Ear or rib cartilage for rhinoplasty

Answer: Ear or rib cartilage for rhinoplasty

Answer: Rib or ear cartilage

Answer: Rib or ear cartilage

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Ear Cartilage or Rib Graft for Rhinoplasty?

Answers (7)

Answer: Ear or rib cartilage for rhinoplasty

Answer: Ear or rib cartilage for rhinoplasty

Answer: Rib or ear cartilage

Answer: Rib or ear cartilage

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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.