Shaving Rib Cartilage Graft on Bridge For Revision Possible?

It certainly is possible to refine the dorsal rib graft, though I would suggest waiting until at least 1 year after surgery. If you proceed too soon you may shave down too much cartilage as there may still be swelling causing some fullness.

It's hard to say how your tip should be addressed. Just removing a columellar strut may destabilize the tip which could lead to a droopy tip down the road. There are ways of addressing how upturned the tip is with revision rhinoplasty manuevers. Consulting with a revision rhinoplasty expert would allow for a better assessment of your options.

The short anskwe to your question is probably yes. However, it is best wait at least one year for your nose to heal after your rhinoplasty and the skin and soft tissue to settle down. Also, the tip will continue to soften over time and may only need minimal adjustments if any at that time as well so I would wait perhaps a little longer there as well.

The answer to your question is yes, the rib graft can be modified with a revision surgery.  I would recommend that you wait at least one year before considering revision surgery.  With time, your tip may drop somewhat and soft up.  These changes may make you more happy with your surgical result and help you to avoid revision surgery.

Without knowing exactly what was done and what your original pre-op photos looked like, it would be difficult to comment on the columella strut. Certailny the dorsal graft may be able to be shaved down a bit if it is aproblem for you. However, the columella strut may be providing support.

I have performed Rhinoplasty for over 20 years and IMHO, it would be unrealistic to think the rib graft could be shaved exactly 1mm.  The strut can certainly be removed and if you're already having a revision Rhinoplasty to do that, it does make sense to try and decrease the rib cartilage graft by shaving.  I'm just not sure it can be as exact as you're asking.

The rib graft on your bridge can be trimmed and the columellar strut revised. However, I suggest you wait another 6 months before considering additional surgery, especially if the past operation was a revision of previous work.  

After this type of graft procedure a revision is somewhat complex due to scarring and blood supply issues.  Make sure that your surgeon has a lot of experience with revision work after grafting.

 

It is possible to revise the cartilage graft. Having said that it is still a bit early to be able to determine what is swelling  and what may be extra cartilage.

Hi,

You can certainly have the rib cartilage shaved down to bring down the bridge. The tip definition is typically created with cartilage grafts so the stiffness that you feel will usually get better with time. You can also have temporalis fascia placed in the tip to soften it.

Good luck,

Dr.S.