Cartilage Removal from the Ear or Rib, patients around the world frequently ask about revision rhinoplasty Istanbul and revision rhinoplasty surgeon. Most needed thing in revision rhinoplasties and the most important problem in these surgeries is that there is not enough cartilage left in the nose after the first surgery.
Because the main material needed for the reconstruction of nose in rhinoplasties and revision rhinoplasty surgeries is cartilage. Here, the first surgery of the patient is important.
If a regular surgery has been performed that protects the cartilage, which means that the cartilage is used as needed, the task of the surgeon that performs revision rhinoplasty is easier.
In the absence of cartilage, enough amount of material can be obtained by removing cartilage from the ear or rib and it is sufficient for most of the revision surgeries. Since these cartilages are the patient’s own tissue, they are compatible with the body and there is no excretion.
How is the size of the revision surgery to be performed determined?
Cartilage Removal from the Ear or Rib, the size of the procedure to be done can vary. In limited procedures that are called minor revisions, the patient is satisfied with his/her nose but small touches are required. For example, there is a small nasal hump left to be rasped on the patient’s nasal dorsum or there is a small collapsed area that needs to be filled, reflected to the appearance of the patient.
Minor revisions are generally surgeries that last 1-1,5 hours. However, if there are obvious deformities after the previous rhinoplasty surgery, then major revision is required. Major revisions can last 3-6 hours
Ear Cartilage
Ear cartilage is often removed from the auricle, by making an incision from the front or back of the auricle. Cartilage removal does not cause any aesthetic deterioration in the auricle. Pressed dressing should be done for a few days after the procedure.
In revision rhinoplasty, cartilage that is easily removed from the auricle to support and raise the nasal dorsum is the ideal graft. Additionally, it can be used to camouflage minor defects and irregularities.
Since a proportional graft is taken, it does not distort your ear shape, does not negatively affect hearing, and it is not possible to notice the incision marks on the auricle after recovery.
Rib Cartilage
Sometimes, cartilage obtained from the auricle is not sufficient and it may be necessary to take cartilage from the ribs as well. From the rib, the cartilage is removed with a small incision under the breast.
Contrary to what the patients think, this procedure is not difficult and it does not cause any functional deficiency in the later lives of the patients. Cartilage removal from ribs is not a painful process thanks to the advances in surgical techniques in recent years.
Also, the post-operative period is quite comfortable with the muscle-protective techniques that we apply for cartilage removal from the rib. Many patients even forget that cartilage was removed from their ribs at the end of the first week.
Other Types of Cartilages
Alongside the grafts taken from the rib and auricle, the rib grafts obtained from the cadaver are also used in revision rhinoplasty; however, it is only preferred in cases where cartilage cannot be removed from the auricle and rib due to its high cost and risk of melting.
Apart from these grafts, there are also grafts with synthetic properties. However, it is not often preferred as it carries the risk of infection and the body not accepting it in the long term.
