Nose augmentation using rib cartilage is a surgical procedure that augments your appearance by changing the shape of your nose using your own cartilage— creating a shape that best compliments your face.
Cartilage can be harvested from a number of body parts including the ear, the inner nose, and the ribs. Using your own cartilage is advantageous because it lessens the risk of infection and allergic reactions.
We are born with the nose of our predecessors. The size, shape, and proportion of the nose is influenced by thousands of years of evolution. In some cases, people may opt to change the look of their noses in order to improve the proportionality of their face.
Nose augmentation may help with the following conditions:
Choosing the right surgeon is the key in achieving your goal of a more proportional nose. Make sure you choose someone who is qualified and listens to what you have to say.
Rhinoplasty isn’t only for aesthetic purposes. It can also be done to improve the quality of life. People who have injured their noses through accidents and those who have difficulty breathing due to structural problems can also benefit from this procedure.
Rib cartilage can be used to provide structural support for weak or deficient nose structures. It can also be used to increase the projection of the nasal dorsum to augment your facial profile.
Average Cost
$4,125
Price Range
$1,250 to $7,000
Your surgeon will take you through each step of the process before you show up for your appointment. If you have any questions such as pain management or post-op care, don’t hesitate to ask.
Once you arrive at the clinic, the team will assist you throughout the process. The first step is to get you as comfortable as possible inside the operating room. Once you’re safely under anesthesia, the surgeon will begin explanting the graft from either your 5th or 6th rib.
In some cases, this small incision may turn into a scar. However, the surgeon does place the incision strategically within the inframammary fold to make it less visible. The incision is between 2cm to 4cm.
Once an adequate amount of graft has been removed, the wound is then secured with sutures.
The next part of the procedure is the rhinoplasty.
Step 1: Making the Incision
There are two ways to make the incision – open or closed.
As the name suggests, closed rhinoplasty involves incisions inside the nose. Once the incision has been made, the skin is lifted and the graft is positioned.
On the other hand, surgeons performing open rhinoplasty will make the incision along the tissue that divides the nostrils called the columella. This procedure may result in a minimal scar along the incision line.
Step 2: Graft Placement
Once the rib graft has been deemed safe to use, it will then be molded before being placed on your nose. Depending on your needs, your surgeon may use the harvest grafts on more than one area in order to get the desired shape.
Step 3: Closure
Once the surgeon is happy with your new nose, he will then close the incision after putting the skin and tissues back to their proper place. You will then be wheeled into the recovery area where you will be closely monitored as you come out of anesthesia.
Your surgical team will make sure you’re ready for your rhinoplasty by doing a couple of routine blood tests before the procedure. They will ask you to get medical clearance from your personal physician especially if you have underlying diseases such as hypertension or diabetes.
You should also take note of the following:
Once you’ve been deemed stable enough to be discharged, your healthcare provider will sit down with you and discuss post-operative care.
Pain management is an important part of the recovery period. You will be given medication to control the pain and swelling which you should expect to decrease in the next few weeks.
You will be sent home with gauze inside your nose and dressings on the incision. It’s important that you keep these clean and dry in order to reduce the risk of infection. Ask your surgical nurse on how you can best take care of your dressings.
An important note: you may have to wait a while before you can see the entirety of your new nose. You and your surgeon must set realistic goals when it comes to the outcome.
We understand you may want to change your plans due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) and its health implications.
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Since this procedure involves two separate surgeries, some risks are to be expected. Infection, bleeding and implant displacement are some examples of complications that may occur. An inexperienced surgeon may puncture a lung if he is not careful during the graft surgery. Depending on a lot of factors, the patient may have 2 permanent scars.
Who is a rib cartilage rhinoplasty most suitable for?
A rib cartilage rhinoplasty is best prescribed for people who require moderate to maximum structural support. For example, people born with disfigured noses or those who experienced trauma.
Aesthetically speaking, rib rhinoplasty is ideal for patient who want a prominent nose. Those with flat, short, upturned noses may also benefit from this procedure.
How long do cartilage grafts take to heal?
A common question among patients is the recovery time. Rib cartilage rhinoplasty patients require at least 3 weeks of rest after the procedure. This will allow you enough time to adjust and for the swelling to completely die down. A bruise may also persist for a month or two, depending on how fast it takes for you to heal.
Is this procedure safe?
Rhinoplasty is a relatively safe surgical procedure. Most risks can be mitigated pre-operatively, which gives you a better chance of recovering without complications. However, it is imperative that you choose the best doctor and team in order for you to have a great experience.