Question Regarding Rhinoplasty to Raise Nose Bridge?

Question

From what I've read, the options to raise the nose bridge are either an implant or using the patients' cartilage from either the nose, behind the ear, or rib area. What I'm curious about is, when using cartilage, does it eventually turn to bone? How does it feel when it's healed? Also, aside from the tip of the nose and the nostrils, are there other areas of the nose that cartilage can be taken from?

Guy Watts, MBBS (Hons), FRACS (Plast) · Answer

Thank you for your question. It sounds like you have been doing your reading. The cartilage used in the nose for grafting will not turn into bone but with age rib cartilage can calcify and therefore theoretically could if placed in the nose. This should not be a significant concern for you but you should understand that when cartilage is added to build the bridge or add support it will change the feel of the nose and it will become firmer. Some of these changes need to be accepted if you would like to change the appearance of the nose.  Best of luck!RegardsDr Guy Watts

Thomas A. Lamperti, MD · Answer

Grafted cartilage during rhinoplasty normally stays as cartilage rather than turning into bone. Cartilage is still rather firm and being placed under the nasal skin it doesn't really feel any different than bone.For bridge augmentation the only place in the nose where cartilage can be harvested from is the septum. Like you mentioned, the ear or rib are other non-nasal sources of cartilage as well.You can read more about nasal bridge augmentation at my web reference link below.

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

The cartilage should not become bone.  The cartilage can be taken from the bridge and the septum as well.  The cartilage can be weakened and made to feel softer.Find a plastic surgeon with ELITE credentials who performs hundreds  
of rhinoplasties and rhinoplasty revisions each year.  Then look at the 
 plastic surgeon's website before and after photo galleries to get a   
sense of who can deliver the results. 	Kenneth Hughes, MD Los Angeles, CA

Toby Mayer, MD · Answer

Nasal septal cartilage is the most common source of cartilage. For 35 years I have used this without problems. Rib cartilage is painful and MUCH more expensive.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Augmentation of the nasal bridge is usually accomplished with patient's own nasal cartilage first. If there is simply not enough nasal cartilage present, then the ear cartilage can be considered. Nasal and ear cartilage should not become ossified with time. Rib cartilage can become hard, stiff, and ossified like bone which is a natural healing process. For many examples please see  link below to our rhinoplasty total gallery

Question Regarding Rhinoplasty to Raise Nose Bridge?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal septal cartilage is the most common source of cartilage.

Answer: Nasal septal cartilage is the most common source of cartilage.

Answer: Augmentation of the nasal bridge

Answer: Augmentation of the nasal bridge

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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Question Regarding Rhinoplasty to Raise Nose Bridge?

Answers (10)

Answer: Nasal septal cartilage is the most common source of cartilage.

Answer: Nasal septal cartilage is the most common source of cartilage.

Answer: Augmentation of the nasal bridge

Answer: Augmentation of the nasal bridge

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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.