1️⃣ Is Cartilage Memory Real? Why Does the Nose Droop? | Istanbul Rhinoplasty Center

Problems like nasal collapse or deformity can sometimes appear years after surgery. However, in modern rhinoplasty techniques, these issues are becoming less common. From what I understand, the most important factor is the technique used. When we support the septum, the central partition of the nose, and build the nasal tip and structures on a solid septum, nasal collapse and drooping of the tip do not occur.

However, in some cases, even after a perfectly executed rhinoplasty, for instance, in the first, second, or third week, nasal deformities can still develop later on. The concept of "cartilage memory" is something we're hearing more about. Essentially, if we correct a crooked nose by adjusting the septum, sometimes the nose can still become crooked again due to cartilage memory. Other factors like sleeping habits or chewing can also influence this. For example, many people tend to chew more on one side, usually the right, and the mimic muscles may deform the nose in that direction, leading to unwanted changes in the nasal tip.

So, is there anything that can be done before the surgery to prevent this? Can it be anticipated?
Yes, some of it can be anticipated. It depends on the surgeon’s experience and the technique used. With the right approach, many of these issues can be addressed. In such cases, using cartilage is crucial. If the deformation is significant or if we predict that cartilage memory will strongly affect the outcome, we can replace the cartilage with rib or ear cartilage, as I explained earlier.