How Cartilage Grafts Are Used in Rhinoplasty (Nose Jobs) and Revision Rhinoplasty

With any primary or revision rhinoplasty (nose job) procedure, it's important to ensure that the nose appears symmetrical and improves facial harmony, and that it's also functional and doesn't affect the patient's breathing. To achieve this, it's common that surgeons use structural cartilage grafts - harvested pieces of the patient's natural cartilage material from other parts of the body - to build the outer nasal framework.

Although it's preferred to reshape the existing nasal cartilage to perform rhinoplasty, many noses don't have enough tissue to get the job done. This is especially the case in revision rhinoplasty, when much of the nasal skeleton is missing and the remaining tissue is damaged.

By using cartilage grafts during rhinoplasty, surgeons have greater ability to strengthen and reshape the nasal framework to ensure that it is aesthetically pleasing and functional. During revision rhinoplasty, cartilage can be harvested from other parts of the body to re-build and re-enforce an over-operated nose.

Cartilage is usually taken from the nasal septum. This eliminates the need for any other incisions. However, when the septum is unavailable, cartilage can be taken from the inside of the ear. In the most severe cases, a small portion of rib cartilage can be harvested.

The greatest benefit of using rib cartilage is that the surgeon has a lot of material to work with - the entire nose could literally be rebuilt with it. To harvest the rib cartilage, surgeons make a small incision under the breast. The cartilage portion of the rib is removed, leaving the bony portion of the rib. The cartilage is then carved to fit the nose.

As the cartilage comes from the patient's own body, there's little risk of the body rejecting it or an infection. It's permanent and gets integrated into the body. Plus, it looks natural.

In some cases, especially in patients with thin, transparent skin, cartilage grafts can become unattractively visible. The surgeon should discuss with the patient if cartilage grafts are the right choice for him/her. If it is an option, the surgeon will discuss exactly what should be expected according to the patient's individual needs and features, as well as what type of cartilage will be used.

Both primary rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty, especially when they involve cartilage grafting, require a great deal of experience, artistry and ability. Therefore, it's very important to work with a highly qualified, experienced, and specialized physician when undergoing rhinoplasty, or any other plastic surgery procedure.


Rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Jacob Steiger performs advanced nose surgery techniques to produce the most natural and effective rhinoplasty results. He is also an expert on revision rhinoplasty, repairing undesirable result from previous rhinoplasty surgery.

Dr. Steiger is an Ivy-League trained, award winning Facial Plastic Surgeon who practices in South Florida. Dr. Steiger is an expert in facial cosmetic surgery, specializing in plastic surgery of the face and nose. Dr Steiger's office is located in beautiful South Florida where he provides state of the art care to his patients. By limiting his practice to plastic surgery of the face and nose, he ensures that he provides the best and most comprehensive care to his patients.

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