Is Raising Nose Tip by Inserting Cartilage Natural?

Question

Is inserting cartilage to raise the nose tip during a Rhinoplasty a natural way? Is the cartilage really what  holds up the nose tip of an average person who doesnt have a droopy nose? Or is it more of an alternative way of raising the tip?

Corey S. Maas, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts can be used in both primary and revision rhinoplasty effectively. There are many advantages to using cartilage including the use of natural material that is not foreign to your body. The cartilage can be easily borrowed from the nasal septum or ear. In a nasal tip that is not "droopy" several mechanisms are responsible for holding up the tip including the support from nasal cartilages. So when a nasal tip becomes "droopy," replacing weak cartilage or rebuilding the support system for the nose is the most effective and natural method.

C. Spencer Cochran, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts frequently used in rhinoplasty to provide more stable, and longer lasting results. A cartilage graft called a columellar strut is often placed in the column of tissue between the nostrils regardless of whether the rhinoplasty is performed open or closed. This type of graft is used for several things: (1) support the tip, (2) control the angle of rotation, (3) controlling the amount of tip projection, (4) reshaping the tip. This type of graft probablly has its greatest value in helping to prevent long term distortion of the tip from scar tissue contracture.

Richard W. Fleming, MD (retired) · Answer

Cartilage is frequently used to provide support and raise the nasal tip, especially in patients with weak cartilages. The cartilages between the nostrils and the septal cartilages are called the "tent pole" of the nasal pyramid. They alwaqys support the overlying nasal structures.

Is Raising Nose Tip by Inserting Cartilage Natural?

Answers (3)