Revision rhinoplasty. How thick are rib grafts compared to septum?

Question

I need revision rhinoplasty with rib graft. How thick are rib grafts compared to septum? Doctor has suggested to use fresh frozen rib grafts in stead of my own rib. Is that going to last in my nose without melting or warping my lifetime? Is it as good as my own rib? What I have heard irradiated rib is not good and melts away in few years.

Edwin F. Williams, III, MD · Answer

The thickness of rib grafts depends on the way it is sculpted. Whether it is taken from your own body or irradiated, the surgery will carve. After carving, it is typically thicker than your native septum ensure good support. You are correct the irradiate rib may be reabsorbed by the body, however the amount and time course is unpredictable. This autologous vs. irradiated rib continues to be a hotly-debated topic in facial plastic surgery and various well known surgeons have different preferences. The most important thing is seeking an experience surgeon that you trust. Best of luck.

Richard Mark Winters, MD · Answer

while septal cartilage is readily available at the time of rhinoplasty surgery, there are often limits on availability in revision rhinoplasty, sturdiness and volume depending the need.... I have used autologous rib cartilage for years given it's ease of harvest and plentiful volume despite the limited morbidity of the donor site... depending upon the age of the patient, warping varies (younger patients can warp significantly)... I have never been a fan of irradiated rib because of it's often brittle nature, high cost and tendency to resorb... recently, I have become comfortable using fresh frozen rib.... so long as the graft is selected from properly aged donors, it is relatively inexpensive and easy to use.... obviously there is no donor site and seems to last.... there is a limited albeit important role for ear cartilage in my practice for mostly isolated tip issues or composite grafting

good luck...

Revision rhinoplasty. How thick are rib grafts compared to septum?

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Revision rhinoplasty. How thick are rib grafts compared to septum?

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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