Which is the best type of cartilages used for nose jobs?

If you are looking to get a nose job, or perhaps a revision rhinoplasty, you would have come across the different types of cartilages used for nose jobs such as ear cartilage, septal cartilage and rib cartilage. But, what are cartilages and which is for your nose job?

What are cartilages?

Cartilages are connective tissues in your body and exists in different types throughout your joints, ribs, spine, ears, nose etc. For example, if you feel the middle part of your ear, you’ll find your ear cartilage which is hard enough to hold its shape perfectly, yet not so hard that you can fold it. While cartilages are firm, they are much softer than bones, and are more flexible and malleable. In fact, cartilages make up the lower half of your nose, your nose tip, and your nasal septum.

Types of cartilages used for nose jobs

1. Ear Cartilage

Ear cartilage, also known as conchal cartilage, is one of the most common cartilages used for nose jobs, specifically tip plasty (nose tip augmentation). Because they are soft yet flexible, it’s easier to reshape and sculpt into your desired shape. For that reason, the high malleability and natural curvature of ear cartilage makes it perfect for tip pasty.

2. Septal Cartilage

Septal cartilage is harvested from your septum – the wall of cartilage and bone inside your nose that separates your left and right nostrils. As this tissue is from your nose itself, it’s very likely to adapt perfectly when re-implanted. Septal cartilages are perfect for reshaping nose bridges because they are less likely to bend or warp over time as compared to the other cartilage types.

Unfortunately, most Asians usually underdeveloped nasal septal cartilage so there will not be enough tissue for harvest. Therefore, most Asian nose jobs include either silicone or rib cartilage used for nasal bridge reshaping while septal cartilage is used for nose tip.

3. Rib Cartilage

Rib cartilage, also known as costal cartilage, is harvested from your ribs and is a popular choice for revision rhinoplasty. Due to the large amount available for harvest, it is possible to reconstruct the entire nose using just rib cartilages.

However, because rib cartilage is firmer, it is more likely to warp and lose its shape over time. Not to mention the scarring on another part of your body. For this reason, rib cartilage nose jobs are usually reserved for cases where revision rhinoplasty or extensive nose reconstruction is necessary.

4. Donated Cartilage

Donated cartilage, as its name suggests, is someone else’s cartilage and usually cartilage from a cadaver. These are used in cases where patients doesn’t want to use their own cartilage or doesn’t want foreign implants or have not enough cartilage left for harvest.

But not to worry because these cartilages have usually gone through disinfection and sterilization hence, there is lower risk of infection as compared to foreign implants such as silicone or goretex.

Advantages & disadvantages of cartilages used for nose jobs

Needless to say, the main advantage of using your cartilages in your nose job is that it is your natural body tissue. Using your own cartilages will lower the risk of infection, inflammation as well as rejection. Furthermore, it will most likely blend in smoothly to produce more natural-looking results.

But nothing is perfect, right? Disadvantages of using your cartilages for your nose job including longer surgery time and limited amount for harvest. Moreover, harvesting cartilage from your ribs may leave an unwanted scar. Another big disadvantage of rib cartilage is that it has a high possibility to bend and warp over time, which can lead to a crooked or asymmetrical nose. This, however, largely depends on the skill and experience of your plastic surgeon, of course.

Conclusion

Undoubtedly, the best material to use for nose jobs are cartilages but there’s only a limited amount that you can harvest. Rib cartilages are good too as supply is plentiful but do take into account the high possibility of warping. In that case, silicone perhaps might actually be one of the best material for your nose bridge construction afterall.

That said, afterall, its your nose and your decision. Most importantly, consult a professional plastic surgeon who is experienced in rhinoplasty to explore all options before making a decision!