Cartilage grafts in tip - how long could it take for them to soften?

Question

Was curious how long it could take for grafts to soften in the nose tip ? Or can they stay pointy and if that is the case what is the best way to camouflage them? With fascia ?

Felipe Amaya, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts at the tip of the nose typically take time to soften and adapt to their new environment. This process can vary from several weeks to several months, depending on factors such as the surgical technique, the location of the graft, and the individual patient's response. Generally, most of the softening and remodeling of the cartilage occurs in the first six months, but complete maturation can take up to a year or more.
In some cases, the grafts may remain pointed if they do not integrate properly or if there is not enough soft tissue to cover them. To camouflage any irregularities at the tip, the use of fascia (a connective tissue that can be taken from other areas of the body) is an option. Fascia can help provide a better contour and soften the appearance of the cartilage graft, as well as promote a more natural integration with the surrounding tissues.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

If you are more than 1 to 2 years after your rhinoplasty surgery, firm points in the nasal tip are usually cartilage. If these are visible, we have had good success camouflaging them with microdroplet Silikon 1000 injections. This may be a more feasible and predictable alternative to additional surgery utilizing temporalis fascia. Thank you for your question and I hope this is helpful. Sincerely, Dr. Joseph

Oakley Smith, MD, FRCSC · Answer

Hi, It is better for you to consult with your facial plastic surgeon who can examine you and give you opinion based on examination. usually it'll stay as it is. different techniques can be done; trimming the cartilage, putting soft tissue, etc..

Richard G. Reish, MD, FACS · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. It really depends on the technique used by your surgeon. If you end up having a revision, you may want to consider having nasal tip projection with placement of a mastoid fascia tip tip graft, which can lead to a much smoother appearance of the nasal tip,. With good surgical technique, you could have an outstanding result. I recommend that you seek consultation with a qualified board-certified rhinoplasty surgeon who can evaluate you in person.

Best wishes and good luck.

Richard G. Reish, M.D.
Harvard-trained plastic surgeon

Gary M. Horndeski, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts are put in with the intention of providing mechanical stability and should not soften.  The goal is to keep them firm.

Best Wishes,

Gary Horndeski, M.D.

Cartilage grafts in tip - how long could it take for them to soften?

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Answer: Nasal Tip

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Cartilage grafts in tip - how long could it take for them to soften?

Answers (7)

Answer: Nasal Tip

Answer: Nasal Tip

Answer: Cartilage grafts

Answer: Cartilage grafts

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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