Is Ear Cartilage Used in the Nose Soft to Touch?

For patients who have had prior surgery, adequate nasal cartilage may not be available to provide either form or structure in further procedures. Ear cartilage works well, and can be sculpted with softer edges to help rebuild the tip area. This is an excellent long-term graft, and has stood the test of time. The donor defect of the ear is not visible, but the area may feel softer to touch.

Ear cartilage is not the same type of cartilage as nose cartilage.  Ear cartilage is stiffer than nasal cartilage, so when used in the nose it can lead to a wood-like feel to the nose.  This is especially accentuated in the tip because of the soft tissues.  

Ear cartilage works beautifully in the nasal tip. It has convex shape and is soft and pliable. don't worry about it.

Ear cartilage is one option. Often temporalis fascia (which is softer) can also be used, but swelling may take awhile to resolve in either case. If done well, with contoured edges, any graft should look and feel natural over time.

Much of my practice is dedicated to revisional rhinoplasty. Although a "pinched" nasal tip can be corrected with ear cartilage, I have had success in select patients without the use of any cartilage. My approach involves a "closed technique", meaning no incisions to the outside of the nose. I have found it helpful to also use the patient's photos (taken at the time of consultation), and with the use of imaging software, to show the patient what they can expect to achieve.  It is important to be seen by a plastic surgeon who has experience with revisional rhinoplasty.

 

Good luck

Is Ear Cartilage Used in the Nose Soft to Touch?

I have performed Rhinoplasty and Revision Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO, ear cartilage is the very best grafting material for the nasal tip.  Of all other grafts, IMO, ear cartilage will be the best option for a soft, yet reliable tip graft.  I have used it many times and continue to do so.

It sounds like an addition of cartilage to your tip is necessary.  I prefer ear cartilage as well.  The tip of the nose will be stiff for several months but will eventually be as soft as it is now.  I would recommend an open tip rhinoplasty to get precise placement of the tip elements.

Wishing you All the best,

Talmage J. Raine MD FACS