Extracorporeal septoplasty details? Since cartliage doesnt reattach itself to the bone, how is this area kept in place?

Question

My doctor performed a extracorporeal septoplasty to gain width in bridge for my rhinoplasty. I cant seem to find much info on this procedure, except that it involves taking out the upper lateral cartilage and placing back in. Since cartliage doesnt reattach itself to the bone, how is this area kept in place? Is the centre cartilage somehow reattached to the keystone area? I also hear dissolvable sutures are typically used although what happens once they have dissolved? Thanks you

Taha Shipchandler, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

This is complex procedure performed by skilled rhinoplasty surgeons and not for the surgeon who does just a few rhinoplasties or a little nasal work here and there.  The procedure is done for a variety reasons.  It involved removing the nasal cartilaginous septum entirely, reshaping outside of the body on the operating table and straightening it, and then placing it back in.  Dissolvable sutures are fine.  The septum is put back in place by various methods you can discuss with your surgeon but I prefer attaching and stabilizing them to the nasal bones with sutures or to other stable cartilaginous structures if they exist.Hope this helps.

Extracorporeal septoplasty details? Since cartliage doesnt reattach itself to the bone, how is this area kept in place?

Answers (1)