No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Question

I had rhinoplasty surgery eight years ago and today I went for a revision rhinoplasty consultation(different doctor) he checked my nose for cartilage and said that they did not leave any Cartilage in it from the previous surgery, he also said that he could take some from the ear but in my case he couldn't find anything in my nose and recommended that i don't do it again because it will be very weak and it could collapse, so I was wondering how true is this?

Alejandro Nogueira, MD · Answer

Seek better opinions... it is a RULE in revision rhinoplasties to meet a shortfall of cartilage in noses, therefore us, the real experts in revisions, do turn to harves ear's concha bowl, rib cartilage, temporal fascia, etc.

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Ear cartilage use for revision rhinoplasty? For 35 years I have used esr Cartlage and fascia for noses without septal cartilage. It is cheaper and less painful than rib.  See a very experienced revision rhinoplasty surgeon can show you many photos of natural revision results.

Steven Goldman, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts are often needed to rebuild structural support in revision rhinoplasty. Septal cartilage (from the nasal septum inside of the nose) is the first choice as a donor site; ear cartilage is generally the second choice; rib is the third. It is usually difficult to determine how much septal cartilage is present after previous surgery, although if there is a hole (perforation) in the septum, then there is not likely to be much useable septal cartilage. Importantly for you, however, is that none of this precludes a revision. It is common to use these donor sites for cartilage. Your surgeon should explain the advantages, disadvantages, and risks of doing so. But using ear cartilage in particular is quite common for revision rhinoplasty. Good luck. It's important that you do research and educate yourself as you consider any surgery.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Not all revision rhinoplasty procedures require cartilage grafting. If there is a cartilage depleted nose from a septoplasty in the past, then ear cartilage can be considered.

Victor Chung, MD · Answer

Revision rhinoplasty is a surgery to improve the shape of your nose for breathing or appearance after a previous nose surgery. Many patients lack cartilage in their noses after a first surgery. For smaller, curved grafts, your surgeon may go to one or both ears. For longer, straighter grafts, your surgeon may harvest cartilage from your rib. Another option is to use cartilage from a cadaver or synthetic implants. I find it best to use the patient's own, living tissue. Rib cartilage harvest and carving are advanced techniques, so make sure your rhinoplasty surgeon has experience with ribs. Safety comes first.

No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answers (6)

Answer: No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answer: No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and no cartilage left in your nose.

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and no cartilage left in your nose.

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answers (6)

Answer: No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answer: No cartilage left in my nose from previous rhinoplasty, is it possible to have a revision rhinoplasty in this case?

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and no cartilage left in your nose.

Answer: Revision Rhinoplasty and no cartilage left in your nose.

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.