Is It Safe to Undergo a Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty if I Have Had Pneumothorax Once Before?

There is probably no real connection between your prior spontaneous pneumothorax and one caused by harvesting a rig graft. As long as a puncture is recognized the danger is low. You might want to consider other methods of dorsal augmentation, such as diced donor cartilage wrapped in fascia. This has been a successful alternative method for raising the nasal bridge. Not every patient needs a rib graft.

A pneumothorax is rare during rib graft harvest regardless of whether you've had prior spontaneous pneumothorax. With that said, pneumothorax resulting from rib graft harvest is very uncommon but easily and immediately detectable and quickly remedied. I would discuss this with your surgeon AND your anesthesiologist prior to surgery. Make sure you communicate your history clearly and seek an experienced rhinoplasty surgeon. With your history, I would highly recommend that you seek out an accredited ASC with MD anesthesiologists on the slim possibility that you were to develop another pneumothorax. I hope this information is helpful.
Stephen Weber, M.D., F.A.C.S.
Lone Tree Facial Plastic Surgeon