Ear Cartilage or Rib Graft for Rhinoplasty?

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!

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.

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.