Use of fresh septal cartilage of another patient?

Question

Hello, I am looking to get a revision rhinoplasty done for my columellar retraction and droopy tip. As my own septal cartilage is insufficient and i am not comfortable getting my rib cartilage harvested, I have been suggested the use of fresh septal cartilage donated by another healthy patient by a surgeon. is this a viable option? what is the risk of infection ?

Cory Bovenzi, MD · Answer

I have never heard of using septal cartilage from a living donor, just cadaveric rib cartilage or your own cartilage from a different part of the body- ear/rib/septum. The cadaver rib is irradiated to ensure you do not contract any bloodborne diseases. I am a bit skeptical of using another living person's cartilage unless it has been properly processed.

Barry M. Weintraub, MD, FACS · Answer

One can use deantigenized cartilage to reconstruct your nose when there is no longer your own septum available. This sophisticated revision-rhinoplasty technique solves many problems, and for this reason, it is regularly employed  in my revision-rhinoplasty practice. Deantigenized cadaveric cartilage is utilized to carve as necessary in an effort to reconstruct the nasal cartilaginous structure when a patient's original septal cartilage has been removed during a prior procedure. Please keep in mind that revision-rhinoplasty surgery is much more complex than primary-rhinoplasty surgery -- which is complex in and of itself -- so please make sure you consult only with experts in this specialized field.

David M. Kowalczyk, MD, MBA, FACS · Answer

Hi there! Donor cartilage can certainly work if there isn't enough from your septum and you don't desire usage of your own rib. MTF Biologics is an example of donor rib. It can work well though there is often a significant cost associated with its usage. The infection rate is debatable but I feel like it is slightly higher due to the fact that it's not your own material. With good follow-up care, the likelihood of an issue will be low. Hope this helps!

Use of fresh septal cartilage of another patient?

Answers (3)

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