rib cartilage rhinoplasty

Secondary Rhinoplasty with Rib Cartilage

UPDATED SEPTEMBER 16, 2022

Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Five years have passed since I wrote the following:

As I plan my lectures for two upcoming meeting, I am realizing how many secondary rhinoplasty operations require rib cartilage to make the result work.

In the past, I would have said that ear cartilage could be used for many secondary rhinoplasties.

Now, I am not so sure.

I use composite ear cartilage grafts quite frequently when lengthening the short nose or treating alar retraction.

However, I use the rib cartilage for the extended spreader grafts and lateral crural strut grafts.

The reason for this is to maintain shape and strength over time.

Examples of Rib Cartilage Grafts with composites

rib graft rhinoplasty

So do not be put off if your surgeon is adamant about using rib cartilage to make your new nose!

It is probably in your best interest and the results will last over time.

And now I can say, this has been the case so far. Rib Cartilage is the winner.

revision rhinoplasty

rib cartilage rhinoplasty to repair saddle nose deformity

Harvesting Rib Cartilage

One of the huge worries about harvesting rib cartilage is the scar.

The other is the pain from a rib graft rhinoplasty recovery.

I can tell you that with my muscle sparing rib cartilage harness, the pain is much less then if the muscle gets cut.

As I dissect down to the external oblique muscle and the junction with the rectus abdominis muscle, I part the external oblique without cutting the fibers.

This allows for early healing.

Do not get me wrong, all the patient say this hurts.

However, secondary rhinoplasty with rib cartilage graft is not for easy to solve problems.

If you are in need of this type of operation, then you will need to recognize what it will take to improve.

Please feel free to contact Dr Jay Calvert so that can have your questions answered. You may also call the office at +1.310.777.8800 in Beverly Hills or +1.949.644.2858 in Newport Beach.

Dr. Jay Calvert is a rhinoplasty and deep plane facelift surgeon has offices in Newport Beach and Beverly Hills, CA where he sees patients and operates locally.

About Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty

Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty is a major operation that Dr Calvert, Beverly Hills rhinoplasty specialist, performs regularly. Examples of his work can be seen in the photo gallery as well as on his Instagram account. His instagram account is @drjaycalvert. Also, Dr Calvert hosts a podcast with his associate, Dr Millicent Rovelo, where they discuss revision rhinoplasty and many other topics. It is called the Beverly Hills Plastic Surgery Podcast. It can be found on both Spotify and Apple Podcasts. Be sure to subscribe to the Podcast so you do not miss any of the new information about Plastic Surgery.