Reabsorption of tip grafts --- what is the likelihood of this occurring?

Question

I will be undergoing a complex revision which will entail the unsuturing of the medial crura, use of septal columella strut to separate the domes, and the use of ear cartilage to replace the cephalic strip that was removed during my primary. These grafts will NOT be morselized, but solidly shaped to make up for the 6mm that was removed from my tip. Goal of surgery is to replicate a boxy, bulbous, droopy tip. How often do tip grafts reabsorb? And have you personally encountered this?

Manish H. Shah, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello,Thanks for your question. Tip graft resorption is quite rare. The most common scenario would be an infection that eats up the graft. Being that post-rhinoplasty infection is rare enough, graft resorption itself is rare enough. Good luck on the revision.Dr. Shah

Ira D. Papel, MD · Answer

Fortunately cartilage grafts in the nose during rhinoplasty have a long record of surviving. The cartilage does not require much blood supply, and a patient's native cartilage, whether from septum, ear, or rib seem to survive long term without difficulty. Resorption is rare.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Using your own cartilage for these type of grafts usually do quite well and are not usually prone to resorption.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Autologous cartilage grafts in the nasal tip do well and any degree of resorption is usually very rare. Warping of cartilage grafts is their main concern not resorption.

Benjamin C. Paul, MD · Answer

As cartilage has no direct blood supply, cartilage cells known as chondrocytes survive by passively allowing oxygen to diffuse into them. This makes cartilage a lasting material to graft with because it survives readily.  At times of infection or just bad luck, the cartilage can reabsorb or warp. I ask my rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty patients to place bactroban in their nostrils before surgery to reduce colonization of bacteria. It may be worthwhile asking your surgeon if this could help you.  Best of luck!

Reabsorption of tip grafts --- what is the likelihood of this occurring?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal Tip Grafting

Answer: Nasal Tip Grafting

Answer: Resorption of cartilage

Answer: Resorption of cartilage

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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

Reabsorption of tip grafts --- what is the likelihood of this occurring?

Answers (5)

Answer: Nasal Tip Grafting

Answer: Nasal Tip Grafting

Answer: Resorption of cartilage

Answer: Resorption of cartilage

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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