Can anything be done about rib graft protrusion?

Question

I had reconstructive rhinoplasty and an onlay rib graft was placed on my nose. The edges of the graft are very sharp and protrude through the skin, making it very easy to discern to graft under certain kinds of lighting. This is intolerable as my nose looks very unnatural. Can anything be done about this? Are there techniques to soften the edges of such a graft?

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

If only a small edge is visible, sometimes it can be softened by shaving it in the office with a needle under local anesthesia.  If it is a large visble area, then a small revision may be necessary to revise the graft either my softening its edges or camouflaging it with an additional graft of temporalis fascia or acellular dermis.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

When a rib graft has been placed in patients with thin skin, the edges can show through. There are 2 options that are available which would include removing the implant shaving it and softening the edges or potentially wrapping it in some type of fascia layer or inserting a piece of fascia over the top of the graft. fascia can be harvested from behind the ear or from the scalp.

Michael L. Schwartz, MD · Answer

Yes the graft can be removed, smoothed and contoured and replaced. In some patients who have thin skin or skin that tends to contract around the graft and show it's edges it can be helpful to cover the graft with a layer of temporalis fascia or alloderm. This supports the skin while it is healing and  soften the tendency to show sharp edges.

Francis R. Palmer, III, MD (retired) · Answer

If the rib graft is breaking through the skin, you should go back and see the plastic and cosmetic surgeon that did your Rhinoplasty.  If the edges are visible, they can be shaved down but this would require incisions inside the nose in order to gain access to the rib graft.

Ronald V. DeMars, MD (Retired) · Answer

Yes, the rib graft can be reshaped. See your surgeon and he will give you the details. But it would be a good idea when you go in to see him that you avoid using the word "intolerable."

Can anything be done about rib graft protrusion?

Answers (5)

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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

Can anything be done about rib graft protrusion?

Answers (5)

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Answer: Rib Graft Protrusion?

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Revision Rhinoplasty

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