Is ear cartilage sufficient to rebuild a bridge and derotate a tip? (Photo)

Question

My nose has been shortened in my primary my bridge was shaved down and my tip has been lifted and made flat at the bottom. Some surgeons told me I need a complete rib reconstruction and others said ear cartilage can be placed on the top to rebuild the bridge. Is there a method better than the other? And which ages better so you don’t beed another surgery in the future?

Lexie Wang, MD · Answer

This depends too much on how you look and what your goal is. Ear cartilage is, all thinks considered, a small amount of cartilage. If you are just trying to build up a little, then that could be enough, but if you are trying to build up a substnatial amount, most likely it will not be enough cartilage.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

You appear to have a pleasing appearance on the operating table. If your bridge is a bit too low in real life, would you consider a permanent non-surgical nose job? In our practice we specialize in the use of microdroplet Silikon-1000 injections for permanently raising a nasal bridge after previous surgery. If you truly feel that your nasal tip is too high, please consider re-asking your question with postoperative photos where you are looking straight at the camera. Thank you for your question. Sincerely, Dr Joseph

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Ear cartilage is not appropriate for this type of revision. It lacks structural integrity. In order to de-rotate a tip extended spreader grafts with MTF Cartilage is a better option. If you are looking for dorsal augmentation, I prefer diced cartilage wrapped in fascia. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Jeffrey H. Spiegel, MD · Answer

You can do this with either depending upon how much change you want.  It's all a question of extent.  To lift the dorsum much, however, rib graft will be better.

Is ear cartilage sufficient to rebuild a bridge and derotate a tip? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Either

Answer: Either

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Is ear cartilage sufficient to rebuild a bridge and derotate a tip? (Photo)

Answers (4)

Answer: Either

Answer: Either

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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.