Rhinoplasty is an invasive surgery that corrects nose size and shape and improves its function. A surgeon takes grafts from cartilage to support the nasal structure. Moreover, your surgeon usually isolates cartilaginous tissue from either ear or rib for nose surgery.
However, the main question remains unanswered: rib cartilage vs ear cartilage, which approach of rhinoplasty is more successful?
Let’s find out below!
The surgical procedures of rib and ear cartilage rhinoplasty require adequate harvesting of cartilaginous tissues to reconstruct nasal structures, but the methods vary.
Cartilage Harvesting
Your surgeon extracts the cartilage from the rib cage, ideally from the 6th, 7th, or 8th rib to perform rib cartilage rhinoplasty. Whereas for ear cartilage rhinoplasty, the cartilage is isolated from the conchal bowl of your ear.
Incision Technique
For rib cartilage rhinoplasty, the surgeon makes a 2-3 cm incision on your chest area. However, a minor incision has been made on the conchal bowl of your ear region to do ear cartilage rhinoplasty.
Once the cartilage is harvested, it is reshaped and implanted to fix the nose defect in both surgeries.
See Also: Alar Base Reduction
Rib vs Ear Cartilage for Rhinoplasty: Benefits
Both approaches of rhinoplasty improve nose aesthetics by reconstructing its structures. But which type of rhinoplasty offers more advantages?
Here’s what to know:
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty Benefits
The advantages of using rib cartilage for rhinoplasty include:
Strength and durability
Rib cartilage is more durable than ear cartilage because of high calcium content and less tensile composition. This makes rib cartilage an ideal choice for patients who need a strong framework to reshape their nasal structures.
Abundance
Rib cartilage is isolated from the various bones of the rib cage. This structure is more abundant in the human body than ear cartilage which makes it easier for the surgeon to harvest it without compromising the patient’s respiratory function.
Versatility
Rib cartilage is more versatile in nature than ear cartilage. Many rhinoplasty procedures such as nasal reconstruction, dorsal augmentation, and tip refinement use rib cartilage for graft preparation.
Ear Cartilage Rhinoplasty Benefits
The advantages of ear cartilage for rhinoplasty are as follows:
Minimally Invasive
Harvesting cartilaginous tissue from the inner ear is less invasive than rib cartilage. This leads to a quick recovery process with reduced discomfort.
Reduced Scarring
Your surgeon usually makes an incision inside an ear to get the cartilaginous graft which reduces the chance of getting a visible scar.
Lower Risk of Complications
Due to the location of the graft and its usage in limited procedure, the ear cartilage has lower risk of post-surgical complications than rib cartilage rhinoplasty.
Rib vs Ear Cartilage for Rhinoplasty: Cons
Every surgical procedure comes with its own complications and risks. Similarly, both approaches of rhinoplasty have drawbacks.
Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty Cons
Following is the list of disadvantages caused by rib cartilage rhinoplasty:
- Large incision followed by a visible scar
- Elevated risk of post-surgical complications such as chest wall deformity or collapsed lung
- Extended recovery period due to complex surgical method
Ear Cartilage Rhinoplasty Cons
Whereas the disadvantages of ear cartilage rhinoplasty include:
- Inability to support complex procedures due to its limited availability
- Reduced stability and durability compared to rib cartilage
- Only suitable for smaller procedures
Rib vs Ear Cartilage for Rhinoplasty: Right Option
Choosing between rib cartilage vs ear cartilage for rhinoplasty depends upon various factors including the patient’s preference, the complexity of the condition, and the surgeon recommendation.
However, studies suggest that rib cartilage offers more success for complicated procedures. Whereas the ear cartilage is more viable for smaller and delicate surgeries.
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is a treatment of choice in these scenarios:
- History of trauma to the nose
- Ruptured nasal structure
- Complicated procedures such as complete nasal reconstruction or revision rhinoplasty
Ear cartilage rhinoplasty will be preferred in the following conditions:
- Minor injuries to the nose
- Delicate procedures such as minor dorsal augmentation or tip refinement
Frequently Asked Questions
Does rib cartilage make the nose bigger?
Rib cartilage can make your nose bigger if you want to. However, the main goal of rib cartilage rhinoplasty is to construct a natural shape of nose that elevates your facial profile.
Does rib cartilage grow back after rhinoplasty?
No, rib cartilage doesn’t grow back once it is harvested from the rib cage to perform nasal reconstruction. However, your respiratory function will remain effective even after the removal of cartilage from the rib cage.
How painful is rib cartilage rhinoplasty?
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty can be a more painful surgery than ear cartilage rhinoplasty. This occurs due the harvesting of cartilaginous tissue from the rib cage that requires a larger cut and may cause more discomfort.
Final Remarks
To conclude, rib cartilage rhinoplasty is an invasive surgery that offers more durability and versatility but carries greater risk of complications. In contrast, ear cartilage is a less invasive method with reduced complications but offers less stability to the nasal structures.
However, before choosing for rib cartilage vs ear cartilage for nose surgery, consult your surgeon for an accurate decision.
See Also: Septoplasty vs Rhinoplasty
