Surgeon says he wants to remove strut graft from previous rhinoplasty. Will my tip lose support?

Question

My surgeon wants to remove the strut graft that supports my tip during my revision surgery. He says it is not necessary for me to have it and 10 years ago surgeons used strut grafts in almost all cases. This practice is now outdated. Is there still a possibility that my tip will change position due to the removal of a columellar strut graft? And why would a surgeon consider removing it?

Umang Mehta, MD · Answer

A columellar strut is a thin piece of cartilage placed between the tip cartilages, running up and down in the columella (between the nostrils). I don’t use this graft as frequently anymore as there are more predictable and long-term ways to support the tip of the nose after rhinoplasty. I usually place a caudal septal extension graft and septocolumellar suture. Your surgeon may be removing the columellar strut because it’s too long. Or because it’s creating an unnatural shape of your columella. Hard to know without examining you. You should bring up your concerns a with your surgeon and make sure you are on the same page in terms of goals. Revision rhinoplasty is a highly specialized and technically intricate surgery, so be sure to have it done with a specialist  All the best!Dr. Mehta

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

There are many different technique to maintain or improve tip support. I've very rarely used struts in the many years I've done this procedure. I don't know why your surgeon will remove it but I would not be concerned as long as you have a rhinoplasty specialist.

Surgeon says he wants to remove strut graft from previous rhinoplasty. Will my tip lose support?

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Surgeon says he wants to remove strut graft from previous rhinoplasty. Will my tip lose support?

Answers (2)

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Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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