Is cadaver in rhinoplasty the use of a dead persons rib cartilage in a living person?

Question

I came across someone mention some surgeons use cadaver in some rhinoplasties. I googled what it was and it referred to cadaver as being a corpse. Is this true and is there such a practice as using a dead persons cartilage to use in a living persons nose? I wouldn’t of thought it was possible to put something of someone else into another persons body without having to take medication to stop it being rejected.

Eric M. Joseph, MD · Answer

Yes. There are many musculoskeletal tissue banks that harvest and prepare cadaver rib cartilage into small and usable pieces for mostly revision rhinoplasty surgery. These pieces of cartilage are irradiated and soaked in antibiotic. When cadaver rib cartilage is used, there is no concern about rejection. Irradiated rib cartilage may warp or resorb, but when used in experienced hands, this may be a valuable resource for some. Hope this helps. Dr. Joseph

Ajaya Kashyap, MD · Answer

Thank you for your question.
Cadaver cartilage can be used for Rhinoplasty, after irradiation and sterilization. It is, however not common, and your own rib cartilage is usually a better choice.   All The Best !

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Everyone will have a different opinion on this, but the rates of infection are definitely in favor of autologous tissue, your own cartilage.  Cartilage can either come from the patient's ear or rib or from a cadaver.  If the cartilage is harvested from the cadaver, it is radiated to make sure there is no chance of any kind of transmittable disease. The benefit of using the cadaver cartilage is that it saves time and the extra healing that is involved with taking cartilage from the patient’s ear or the patient’s rib.  If rib harvest is your only option, this harvest is not insignificant and has complications of its own.

Is cadaver in rhinoplasty the use of a dead persons rib cartilage in a living person?

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Is cadaver in rhinoplasty the use of a dead persons rib cartilage in a living person?

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Everything you need to know about Rhinoplasty

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