Do Cartilage Grafts Used to Build the Nasal Bridge Last a Life Time? (photo)

Question

I'm not talking about the grafts used at the to, but if my surgeon wants to put a cartilage graft above the hump in my nose to straighten it out instead of shaving the bone and making my nose smaller, will the cartilage last forever or will I have to go in every few years for touch ups?

Kenneth Hughes, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts can undergo some degree of resorption, and that is always a risk. They generally provide durable reconstructive properties, and they have distinct advantages over implants including smaller risk of infection.

Babak Azizzadeh, MD, FACS · Answer

When I perform a rhinoplasty, I do so to ensure longevity of the nose. Of course, certain complications can occur, though generally speaking, cartilage grafts most often last a patient a lifetime without requiring the need for a touch up or additional rhinoplasty.

Shim Ching, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts placed during rhinoplasty are intended to be permanent. When the cartilage is placed in the nose, your body will reestablish a blood supply to the graft and it becomes a living component of your nose. It is unlikely, if the outcome of surgery is what you wanted, that you will need regular touchups.

Stewart Wang, MD, FACS · Answer

If the cartilage graft is placed properly and you didn't have any complications postop, then you should expect the graft lasting a long, long time. It's also easy to revise if ever needed. This is also the reason why your own cartilage is so preferable for shaping your nose than using foreign material.

	Best Wishes,

Robert Kearney, MD, FACS · Answer

Cartilage grafts are  permanent and should last a lifetime.  If you do require a small touch up which would be unusual, you can use a filler such as restylane, juvederm or artefil.

Paul S. Nassif, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts are permanent, and a touch up will not be necessary down the road as long as the surgery was performed correctly and you heal properly. I hope this helps, and good luck!

Donald B. Yoo, MD, FACS · Answer

A cartilage graft used to augment the radix should give you a permanent result, and will not likely need to be "touched" up.

William Portuese, MD · Answer

Cartilage grafts do last a lifetime and do not have to be repeated.  The edema and swelling around a cartilage graft can take upwards of a year to subside after it has been placed.

Steven Wallach, MD · Answer

A cartilage graft that is from your own tissues when incorporated should last a lifetime. But some do resorb a bit.

George J. Beraka, MD (retired) · Answer

Hi.

	Its your own tissue, and usually remains indefinitely.  Whether cartilage grafts are the best approach for you is another question.  Maybe get another opinion.