Why Donated or Autologous Rib Cartilage is Used in Rhinoplasty!

Hello.

This is Vibe Plastic Surgery.

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Recently, regarding the insertion of nasal implants,

due to psychological anxiety and potential side effects,

methods of performing surgery without using them,

such as autologous rib cartilage and donated rib cartilage,

are something many of you might be curious about.

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Where the rib cartilage is located,

what the reasons for using it are, and more—

we will inform you about everything

you might be curious about.

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Rib cartilage refers to the cartilage of the ribs.

In our body, to protect important structures

such as the lungs and heart, rib cartilage

is located in the chest area.

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As shown in the picture, from the center to the very bottom,

it is composed of rib cartilage,

and as it goes outward, it is composed of bone.

Therefore, during rhinoplasty, the front 6th, 7th, and 8th

rib cartilages are usually harvested and used.

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However, for those who are afraid of using their own autologous rib cartilage,

and those who might feel burdened by the fact that a small scar

of about 2.5cm to 3cm is left behind:

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In such cases, rib cartilage harvested from a cadaver

that has undergone complete immunological processing,

known as donated rib cartilage, is sometimes used as a material.

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The characteristics of rib cartilage are that it is large, hard, and has good strength.

Because of this, using rib cartilage during rhinoplasty

is the best way to achieve a shape

that feels sharply projected and straight.

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The first choices preferred are septal and ear cartilage.

The reason is that harvesting cartilage within the surgical field

is much more comfortable for the patient undergoing surgery,

causes less pain, and allows for a faster recovery to daily life.

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However, there are cases where rib cartilage is absolutely necessary.

If the septal and ear cartilages are too thin and weak,

or if they have already been used in a previous surgery,

I believe rib cartilage must naturally be used.

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There are many cases where the nose is small, bulbous, and weak,

but the patient desires a slightly higher, projected nose with a straight-curve line.

In such cases, rib cartilage must be used

to expect a high level of satisfaction.

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Rib cartilage has a curved shape, not a straight line.

As a result, the smaller it is cut, the more the warping phenomenon—

that is, the cartilage itself bending slightly—can occur.

Even if it looked quite straight during the surgical process and was used,

if it bends over time,

it can lead to side effects where the nose

inevitably deviates to one side.

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Also, compared to other cartilages,

because rib cartilage is harder,

it has a disadvantage in terms of tactile feel.

Although there are concerns for these reasons,

I do not think it is a material

that should absolutely not be used.

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When performing rhinoplasty, the most important thing not to miss

is the functional aspect.

Since the nose is ultimately a structure for breathing,

even if the shape is beautiful,

if breathing is uncomfortable and difficult,

it is better to avoid that method.

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Therefore, during rhinoplasty, do not only focus on the shape of the nose,

but also consider the functional aspects together

to select the appropriate type of cartilage.

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It is difficult to definitively say

that rib cartilage is simply good or bad.

If used well according to necessity,

it is a material that can be a very good choice.

If you are having difficulty choosing materials for rhinoplasty,

please visit Vibe Plastic Surgery

for a precise diagnosis through 3D-CT,

and improve both the functional

and aesthetic aspects together.

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