Does nose cartilage have "memory"?

Question

Some doctors say cartilage has memory and tends to return to its original position. If I have alar cartilage sutures and scar tissue removed from my nasal tip in a revision rhinoplasty, will my cartilage spread out naturally into its original position? Or are grafts needed?

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Yes, cartilage and bone can have memory, that's why this is important to seek out a rhinoplasty specialist for best results. A busy round plastic surgeon has dealt with this issue many many times in the past. Impossible to remove scar tissue. Cartilage  structural grafts can help with warpage and movement, however it's important to understand that three-dimensional contraction forces of  the healing  process can have effects upon the memory as well.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

Yes, cartilage has memory and may fall back into their original shape. Most of the time sutures control their shape once placed as grafts.

Andres Gantous, MD - Account Suspended · Answer

Cartilage does have memory, but when it has been reshaped via sutures it will retain that shape after the sutures have either disappeared in the case of long acting absorbable sutures or when permanent sutures are removed. This occurs because of the scar tissue that is formed during the healing process after an operation. It is unlikely that, by removing sutures in a revision rhinoplasty, your nose would naturally come back to its original shape and position. Your surgeon would have to reshape the alar cartilges inot their new and desired position. I hope this helps.

Does nose cartilage have "memory"?

Answers (3)

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