Where does the surgeon cut the skin when extracting the rib from female Rhinoplasty patient?

Question

Where does the surgeon cut the skin when extracting the rib from female rhino patient? I've seen photos of the scar way below the rib area, it looks very bad, are all rib scars in the same place? Or do some surgeons choose to cut right on the rib area for easy extraction?

Steven J. Pearlman, MD, FACS · Answer

This incision heals very well. When placed in this crease, the incision is barely visible. The only time is if you are lying topless on the beach and someone looks closely under your breast. Occasonally this scar may need revision to make sure it remains completely hidden.

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

The incision used for harvesting rib cartilage in women is cosmetically more acceptable than with men. However it is technically more difficult as it's placed further away. The right side is preferred because it won't be mistaken for cardiac surgery and it on the same side the surgeon stands for the rhinoplasty. It's made in the natural crease under the breast at the bra line. It is usually 3-4 inches long. There is a subtle depression where the rib graft is taken that may or may not show depending on the size and shape of the breast.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

In women, I usually use the inframammary breast fold. I have even harvested rib from the abdominoplasty incision if I am performing a tummy tuck as well.

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Rib harvesting in women can be done either using the lower breast fold or lower on the chest wall. (subcostal margin) The incision never needs to be very long (less than 4 cms) and usually heals very well with a fine line scar.

Stephan Finical, MD · Answer

Usually for a women, the rib cartilage is havested  from an incision made in the crease below the breast. The incision should be right where an underwire on a bra would sit. This hides well in clothing and bathing suites.

Where does the surgeon cut the skin when extracting the rib from female Rhinoplasty patient?

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