Removal of only RIB graft - possible?

Question

Hello. I got asian rhinoplasty 1 y ago and my nose has been increased in size with rib cartilage. I strongly dislike the new look of my nose and the graft make my nose unnaturally tall and too thin from front view. My surgeon said the graft cannot be removed because it gets incorporated to the underlying structure and he can only rasp the graft to make it smaller. I have 2 questions. Does rasping my rib graft will make it wider from front view ? Is it true that it cannot be removed ? thx

Sergei Kalsow, MD · Answer

Hi, the simplest solution is always best.  Rasping might be the way to go.  It wont look wider if rasped at an angle.   But removal of the rib graft completely probably is not the best solution.

Raffi Der Sarkissian, MD, FACS · Answer

Rib grafts can be removed, reshaped and replaced. It would be far easier to shave down the graft while still in place. Depending on how much the bridge is lowered, your nose will look somewhat wider. It is actually “difficult” to raspcartilage. Bone can be easily rasped but cartilage needs to be shaved down rather than rasped. Good luck

Barry L. Eppley, MD, DMD · Answer

Any rib graft to the nose (en bloc or diced) can be reduced or removed. Solid rib grafts act more like an implant in that they develop a capsule and can more easily be removed. A diced rib graft gets considerable tissue incorporation but it can still be removed just not as easily as a solid rib graft. Because your nose is 'tall and thin' this suggests that it may be a solid rib graft but your surgeon could tell you which one you have.

Removal of only RIB graft - possible?

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