The use of septal cartilage for rhinoplasty

Question

Hi doctors, I emailed 2 doctors regarding rhinoplasty. The 1st doctor recommended using septal cartilage and ear cartilage. The 2nd one recommended rib/some foreign objects & ear cartilage, he told me that septal cartilage is not stable in the long run. Is this true? I'm A Chinese girl btw, my nose bridge is low and I have a bulbous tip. But I want an Asian nose, small and cute, the most important part to me is the tip. Please share your thoughts. Thank you in advance! :)

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

Tissue from your own body (autologous grafts) will give you a safer, more permanent result than synthetic implants. While en bloc cartilage grafts, especially from the rib, can warp over time, there are ways to eliminate this problem.  Especially for dorsal augmentation (building up the bridge) using cartilage that is finely diced and wrapped in fascia taken from your scalp can be made into a custom size and shape for your particular nose (DCF). By dicing the cartilage the problem of warping is eliminated, and since it is tissue from your own body, it quickly becomes incorporated into your nose within 2-3 weeks. Results are certainly surgeon dependent, so it's important to do your research in finding an Asian rhinoplasty specialist.

Michael J. Yoo, MD · Answer

Septal cartilage is in many ways the ideal cartilage for nasal reshaping especially the tip.  It is in the happy medium between rib and ear in terms of strength, flexibiltity and other desirous characteristics.
It really depends on what your nose needs.  If you are needing significant dorsal augmentation, rib cartilage may be necessary.  You also need to remember that if your nasal bridge is low and your tip flat then likely you have only a small amount of septal cartilage to use for grafting.
Best to speak to an experienced Plastic Surgeon.
Best of luck.

The use of septal cartilage for rhinoplasty

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The use of septal cartilage for rhinoplasty

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Everything you need to know about Asian Rhinoplasty

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