Best cartilage to use for revision rhinoplasty after reabsorption? (Photos)

Question

Hi twice now my ear and nose cartilage has been reabsorbed. I am having surgery again this month but scared it will happen again. What is the best cartilage to use that has more chance not to get reabsorbed

John Michael Thomassen, MD · Answer

Septal cartilage is the best, followed by ear, and rib.  Rib tends to warp and ear has little integrity.  There is also fresh frozen cadaveric rib cartilage which seems to last.

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

Hello! Thanks for your photos and questions. That's unusual to have resorption of both types of cartilage. This indicates either an underlying autoimmune issue or chronic infection which has not been resolved. Although not common, Wegener's can present with cartilage resorption issues that are often mistaken for infectious processes. Rib cartilage tends to have a low resorption rate, but with your history, one cannot guarantee that it won't happen. I would discuss various options with your surgeon - such as ruling out the above - before repeating surgery with a similar outcome. Hope this is useful.

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