Question 1

Can I still have a cartilage graft if I’ve had multiple nose surgeries in the past?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but the choice of cartilage source may be limited. If your septal cartilage was used in previous surgeries, your surgeon may recommend ear or rib cartilage. A detailed examination is necessary to determine what’s possible in your specific case.

Question 2

Will the cartilage feel different to the touch once it’s inside my nose?

Accepted Answer

In most cases, the graft integrates well with your existing nasal tissues. It should not feel noticeably different to the touch after healing, though areas with thicker cartilage may feel slightly firmer.

Question 3

Is it possible to use cartilage from another person or synthetic material instead?

Accepted Answer

While technically possible, using cartilage from another person (cadaveric graft) or synthetic materials increases the risk of rejection or complications. Most surgeons prefer to use your own cartilage when feasible.

Question 4

What happens if the graft is absorbed or changes shape over time?

Accepted Answer

Graft absorption or warping can occasionally occur, particularly with rib cartilage. Surgeons use techniques to minimise this risk, but long-term changes may happen. These changes are usually minor and not noticeable without close examination.

Question 5

Will harvesting cartilage from my ear or rib change the way those areas look?

Accepted Answer

Surgeons take great care to minimise visible changes. Ear cartilage is taken from areas that don’t affect ear shape, and rib cartilage is removed through a small, concealed incision. Most patients heal with little visible difference.

Question 6

Can cartilage graft rhinoplasty help improve breathing problems caused by structural issues?

Accepted Answer

Yes, one of the main uses of cartilage grafts is to reinforce areas of the nose that have collapsed or narrowed, such as the internal nasal valve. This can help improve airflow and reduce nasal blockage.

Question 7

If I need a touch-up in the future, can the same cartilage graft be adjusted?

Accepted Answer

Minor adjustments are sometimes possible, but it depends on the type and location of the graft. In some cases, a small amount of new cartilage may need to be harvested to make corrections.

Question 8

Sources:

Accepted Answer

Frozen Cadaveric Rib Grafts in Primary or Revision RhinoplastyPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global OpenThis meta-analysis evaluates outcomes and complication rates of fresh frozen cadaveric rib grafts, showing low complication rates and potential advantages over autologous and irradiated grafts.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11984773/

Long-Term Resorption Rates of Conchal and Rib Cartilage Grafts in Nasal Tip PlastyAesthetic Plastic Surgery (Springer)This study compares long-term resorption rates between conchal and rib cartilage grafts, finding rib cartilage provides superior long-term stability.https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39890635/

Rhinoplasty Septal Cartilage Harvest and Reconstruction: The 4 ClicksPlastic and Reconstructive Surgery – Global OpenDescribes a systematic technique for septal cartilage harvest maximizing graft material and improving septal deviation correction.https://journals.lww.com/prsgo/fulltext/2025/01000/rhinoplasty_septal_cartilage_harvest_and.21.aspx

Dorsal Augmentation Rhinoplasty by Cartilage AllograftJournal of Cosmetic Dermatology (Wiley)Evaluates long-term outcomes and patient satisfaction following nasal dorsal augmentation using allogeneic cartilage grafts.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/jocd.16724

A Novel Technique: Scored Conchal Cartilage to Simulate Natural Curvature for Tip GraftingPolish Journal of OtolaryngologyIntroduces a new method using scored conchal cartilage to mimic natural tip curvature, providing an alternative graft option.https://pjohns.pso-hns.org/index.php/pjohns/article/view/2443

Insights from an International Survey of Facial Plastic Surgeons on Cartilage Graft PreferencesEuropean Annals of Otorhinolaryngology, Head and Neck Diseases (ScienceDirect)Discusses graft preferences among surgeons, highlighting septal cartilage as favorable for primary rhinoplasty but limited in availability.https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1010518225000472

Aesthetic and Functional Outcomes of Combined Use of Extended Spreader Graft and Septal Extension Graft in SeptorhinoplastyLife Journal (MDPI)Explores technical considerations and outcomes of combined cartilage graft techniques to improve nasal function and aesthetics.https://www.mdpi.com/2075-1729/15/4/546

Category: Nose Surgery

What is a Cartilage Graft Rhinoplasty?

Do you need Surgery for a Broken Nose that has healed?

Surgery for a Bulbous Nose: Reducing A Bulbous Nose Tip

Fixing a Failed Nose Job with Revision Surgery

Rhinoplasty For Men – Nose Reshaping Surgery

Difficult Breathing? – Understanding Nasal Congestion and Its Causes

11 Top Tips for Recovery after Rhinoplasty