One of the discussions in rhinoplasty surgery is the use of rib cartilage, which is mainly used in reconstructive surgery. It is also important to note that rhinoplasty refers to both cosmetic and reconstructive nasal surgery.
In fact, the use of rib cartilage in rhinoplasty has several advantages, which make it a valuable option in nasal surgeries. However, cartilage grafting requires skill and expertise, and not everyone is capable of performing it. The graft must be done in such a way that the nasal structure is properly taken from the patient’s body. Simply put, a piece of tissue is transferred from one part of the patient’s body to another. Therefore, rib cartilage grafting is essentially a form of harvesting from the chest and applying it to the nose. If you are planning to undergo this procedure or need general and specialized information on this topic for any reason, it is recommended that you continue reading this article.
What Are the Features of Rib Cartilage?
The main characteristics of rib cartilage are its strength and flexibility, which are reflected in the final results of the nasal surgery. Rib cartilage, like nasal cartilage, is strong and resilient. It can withstand the constant expansion and contraction that occurs in the nose when breathing.
Generally, the nose benefits from two pairs of cartilages: the upper lateral cartilages and the lower lateral cartilages, which correspond to the middle section and the tip of the nose, respectively. Furthermore, the nasal septum is made up of deeper structures, and nasal cartilage can be a good option for grafting during rhinoplasty, providing the same degree of strength.
Reasons for Rib Cartilage Grafting in Rhinoplasty
There are several reasons why rib cartilage might be used in rhinoplasty. In general, the goal of the surgery is to reinforce the nose, as many cases show that the nose alone does not have sufficient strength and requires an additional factor for reinforcement. Rib cartilage grafting can be a very good solution in this case. As mentioned earlier, the use of nasal cartilage is typically observed in reconstructive rhinoplasty surgeries. In many cases of secondary rhinoplasty, the nasal septum has been damaged or lost due to previous surgery, requiring the surgeon to use cartilage from another area of the body for reconstruction.
Advantages of Using Rib Cartilage in Nasal Surgery
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It is possible to harvest a larger volume of cartilage compared to ear cartilage or the septum, which allows for greater nasal height.
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Autologous cartilage, unlike implants, is not rejected by the body.
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In cases of a drooping nasal tip, rib cartilage can help firm, elevate, and stabilize it.
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If the nose is very short, rib cartilage can help improve its length.
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The use of rib cartilage in surgery can correct deformities, asymmetry, or absorption issues from a previous surgery.
Applications of Rib Cartilage in Rhinoplasty
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Nasal Structure Reconstruction or Reinforcement:
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In patients with severe nasal damage or congenital defects, rib cartilage may be needed to rebuild or strengthen the nasal structure.
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It can also help in cases where previous nose surgery has led to structural problems, such as a drooping nose tip or nasal obstruction.
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Correction of Respiratory Issues:
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If breathing problems arise due to nasal deviations or internal defects, rib cartilage can be used to correct these issues and improve airflow.
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Nasal Tip Enhancement:
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One of the common uses of rib cartilage is to enhance and strengthen the nasal tip. This is especially useful in complex surgeries that require structural support for the nasal tip.
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Disadvantages and Important Considerations
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Additional Surgery for Harvesting Cartilage: Harvesting cartilage from the rib requires an additional incision, which can lead to pain or complications such as infection or problems at the harvesting site.
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Longer Recovery Period: Due to the harvesting of cartilage from the rib, the recovery time may be longer, and there may be more discomfort in the rib area.
Finally, it should be noted that using cartilage in rhinoplasty, when deemed appropriate by a specialized surgeon, is considered an excellent and guaranteed procedure.
It is also worth mentioning that Dr. Benyamin Rahmati, one of the renowned surgeons and specialists in the fields of otolaryngology and head and neck surgery, has provided numerous medical and aesthetic treatments in the city of Ark using the latest devices and global techniques. Additionally, it is recommended to read the article on “The Simplest Method of Rhinoplasty Surgery.”
