Use of Rib Cartilage in Revision Rhinoplasty

Why Is Rib Cartilage Used in Revision Rhinoplasty?


In patients who have undergone multiple nasal surgeries, the cartilage reserve inside the nose may decrease.

In this case:

  • Loss of support at the nasal tip
  • Depression on the nasal dorsum
  • Deviations
  • Asymmetry
  • Collapsed side walls (alar collapse)

To correct these structural problems, a stronger and larger cartilage source may be required.

Rib Cartilage:

  • It is flexible
  • It is durable
  • It has a high ability to maintain shape over time
  • It provides large volume

This is why it becomes an important option in revision surgery.

Is Rib Cartilage Removal Dangerous?

When performed with proper techniques and sterile conditions, rib cartilage removal is generally safe.

Possible Risks:

  • Pain at the removal site
  • Rare infections
  • A very small risk of a collapsed feeling
  • Curvature at the cartilage edges (warping)

Most of these risks can be minimized with the surgeon using the correct technique.

It is not considered dangerous, but as with any surgical procedure, there are certain risks.

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Will There Be Pain When Rib Cartilage is Taken?

General anesthesia is applied during the surgery, so the patient does not feel any pain.

Post-surgery:

  • There may be tenderness for the first 2–3 days
  • Pain is usually controlled with painkillers
  • Daily walking can be started shortly after
  • The area generally relaxes significantly within 1–2 weeks

Most patients describe the pain at the removal site as "manageable."

 

Expert surgeons, during the procedure, make sure to:

  • Keep the incision site as small as possible
  • Determine the amount of cartilage based on the patient's needs
  • Preserve the integrity of the chest wall
  • Apply aesthetic sutures
  • Use techniques that reduce complication risks

Care is taken to ensure the best outcome for the patient.

This section presents general surgical principles purely for informational purposes.

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Will There Be a Scar After Rib Cartilage Removal?

The incision is usually 2–3 cm and is hidden in the fold under the breast or natural skin crease. Over time, the visibility of the scar decreases.

Does Rib Cartilage Increase the Success of Revision Rhinoplasty?


In patients with insufficient cartilage volume, rib cartilage helps strengthen the nasal support by:

  • Reducing the risk of nasal tip drooping
  • Correcting depression in the dorsum area
  • Helping with functional issues

The results for each patient may vary individually.

Doç. Dr. Ali Seyed Resuli
Kulak Burun Boğaz Uzmanı

Doç. Dr. Ali Seyed Resuli

Rinoplasti • Revizyon Rinoplasti • Piezo Rinoplasti • Burun Tipleri

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