Will my rib cartilage become weaker after rib-harvesting rhinoplasty?

A small portion of the cartilaginous portion of the rib is taken (for my patients usually 4 cm from the right 6th rib).  You will not have any untoward effects in terms of health or function, and this is well tolerated even in my patients who are professional boxers and mixed-martial artists.  The biggest downside to have rib cartilage harvested is a thin 2 cm scar which will be present in the crease under your right breast.  

Asian rhinoplasty without using rib cartilage is something I have done for 35 years. I use only septal and ear cartilage and have never had to use rib. Choose an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon who does many revisions without using rib.

Hello,Your concerns are quiet understandable! The diagram you posted, which is very nice, shows that only the portion of the rib that connects to the sternum is cartilage, the rest is bone.  The cartilaginous portion  most likely exists to facilitate the rib's movement as we breath, and it is not associated with strength of the rib and therefore it's absence will not weaken the remaining rib(s). The alternatives to your own rib cartilage include diced ear and septal cartilage, irradiated cadaver cartilage, or a solid silicone elastomer implant. They each have their own benefits and limitations, which makes each the 'correct choice' depending on the patient's anatomy and needs.Best of luck!