Rib cartilage harvesting for revision rhinoplasty - how does this impact future physical activities?

Question

Is it important to use rib cartilage for a revision rhinoplasty? My main concern is that my nose is crooked and because I have had a rhinolasty before I have been told that I would most likely need cartilages from my rib to build the tip etc. I do physical agtivities such as sports and boxing for fitness (no boxing in the ring) and I wanted to know if there would be any changes and weaknesses that this procedure would impact me with. would my nosr and ribs be more fragile? Would my nose be so fake to the extent where I cant live a normal life without thinking twice about it? Would the harvest site ever give me problems with symmetry and physcial core excercises?

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. For primary rhinoplasty I always use the patient’s own septal cartilage. For revisions, I use MTF cartilage when septal cartilage is not present. Make sure you are going to a surgeon with hundreds of long-term before and after pictures on their website with standardized lighting and standardized backgrounds. With good surgical technique, you could likely have an outstanding result. 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

Yasemin Aydinli, MD · Answer

Rib cartilage is often the best option in revision rhinoplasty when septal cartilage has already been used, as it provides strong, abundant graft material. Harvesting a small segment does not meaningfully weaken the chest wall; after full healing (about 6–8 weeks) you can return to sports and fitness boxing without restriction. The main considerations are a small scar and temporary donor-site soreness, not long-term functional loss.

Rib cartilage harvesting for revision rhinoplasty - how does this impact future physical activities?

Answers (2)

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