Cartilage Removal from the Ear or Rib
Ear Cartilage
Other terms for this procedure include conchal or auricular cartilage graft. This method requires the surgeon to take cartilage from the bowl of your ear. It’s important to know that this will not change the appearance of your ear in any way and will not leave any visible external scars.
Ear cartilage is softer than septal cartilage, which means it’s easier to shape and reshape. This high malleability and natural curvature of ear cartilage makes it a desirable option for nose tip augmentation and reshaping (tip plasty). During nose tip surgery, your surgeon will cut and reshape the auricular cartilage into small pieces and then implant the cartilage strategically to alter the tip of the nose.
Rib Cartilage
This is also known as costal cartilage transplantation. The main advantage of using costal cartilage in rhinoplasty is that it’s available in large quantities and can be harvested without compromising the function of the ribs. Costal cartilage is stronger, but it’s more likely to warp and lose its shape over time. Another disadvantage is that it takes longer to operate, which increases both the direct and indirect costs of surgery. Nasal cartilage surgery is usually reserved for cases where extensive reconstruction of the nose is required.
Cartilage augmentation is usually carried out using the open rhinoplasty technique (as shown below). Your surgeon will cover the cartilage with normal tissue to hide it so it’s not visible under the skin. When the surgeon is happy with the size and shape of your nose, he or she will close the incision with dissolvable or non-dissolvable stitches. Scars are usually hidden in the skin fold under your nose.
FAQ
A rhinoplasty (with cartilage grafting), will require at least 1 to 2 weeks of rest at home. During this time, the swelling will subside, the bruising will improve, and there will be less discharge from your nose. However, you should wait at least 6 weeks or until cleared by your surgeon before you return to any contact sports.
If the procedure is purely cosmetic, you will not be eligible for cover from Medicare. However, if the nose surgery is medically necessary due to either breathing difficulty, nose deformity or nose trauma, you may be eligible for a rebate that will cover some of the cost. However, you will still have out of pocket costs.
When looking for a nose surgeon to complete your procedure, doing research is vital. You need to ensure that the person you choose not only has the qualifications and the experience to perform your procedure but also the before and after photos and testimonials from past patients.
Dr. Yunus Kaplan
Dr. Yunus Kaplan: Best Rhinoplasty in Istanbul
Born in 1979 in Iskenderun, The Yunus Kaplan Private Clinic was founded ,a renowned otorhinolaryngologist (ear, nose, and throat specialist) who has specialized in facial aesthetics for more than 15 years in Istanbul ,After graduating from; Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine in 2001,YunusKaplan left the Department of ENT at Gaziantep University Faculty of Medicine as an expert in 2009. Afterwards,he Worked in the following hospitals,respectively;