Septal Cartilage: Are There Any Side Effects in Nose Surgery? | Interview with Director Kim Jae-in

One of the words you hear most often when considering nose surgery is septal cartilage.

Used frequently in rhinoplasty, what characteristics does this septal cartilage have, and are there any side effects when it is used?

Let’s take a closer look through an interview video with Director Kim Jae-in of Globi Plastic Surgery.

Q. Does using septal cartilage make the nose feel stiff?

A. The feeling of stiffness depends more on the surgical method than on the characteristics of the cartilage itself.

Using septal cartilage does not automatically make the nose stiff.

In cases where the tip is lengthened or raised significantly,

the cartilage may be placed vertically in a long structure, or the tip may be supported entirely with cartilage.

In such cases, movement can be somewhat restricted and may feel stiff.

In other words, it is not an issue with the cartilage itself,

but rather a difference in the surgical approach—how much the tip is raised or extended, whether movement is reduced, and whether the shape is fixed.

It is important not only to create an attractive shape, but also to preserve as much natural movement as possible, which is an essential consideration in tip rhinoplasty.

Q. Are there cases where septal cartilage cannot be used?

A. Yes, a representative case is revision surgery.

Septal cartilage is the first autologous cartilage considered in primary nose surgery.

However, if there is a history of having the septal cartilage harvested in a previous surgery, it is likely that it cannot be used again.

Also, even if the prior procedure was not for cosmetic purposes, people who had ENT surgeries in the past, such as for a deviated septum or rhinitis, may have already had their septal cartilage removed, making it difficult to use.

Q. Are there any side effects when using septal cartilage?

A. It is generally safe, but excessive harvesting should be avoided.

The most representative side effect that can occur when using septal cartilage is the possibility that the overall shape of the nose may become misaligned.

However, this side effect is a rare case that can occur only when too much cartilage has been harvested.

For an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, it is removed safely within the necessary range, so you do not need to worry too much about this side effect.

Most importantly, a precise diagnosis that accurately identifies the condition of the patient’s septum and establishes a plan is essential.

Q. Is it not okay to use silicone at the tip of the nose?

A. Recently, autologous cartilage has been preferred over silicone implants.

In the past, it was common to use silicone implants extended not only along the bridge but also all the way to the tip of the nose.

However, over time, this type of surgery can lead to unnatural and altered results, such as the tip turning up or the silicone pressing on the alar cartilage and causing the tip to droop.

For these reasons, the tip is now usually done with autologous cartilage whenever possible.

In particular, septal cartilage can be harvested from inside the nose, so it can be used without leaving a scar, and because its properties are similar to the nose’s natural cartilage, it produces more natural and stable results.

What is good nose surgery, according to Director Kim Jae-in?

In the end, the key point in nose surgery is how beautifully and naturally the tip is completed.

At the center of that is autologous cartilage, and among it, septal cartilage.

Septal cartilage is the starting point of rhinoplasty and the most ideal material.

However, it does not apply to everyone, so it is important to carefully plan surgery by considering three things: the individual’s cartilage condition, any previous surgery history, and the desired nose shape and function.

Globi Plastic Surgery’s septal cartilage rhinoplasty is performed as follows:

• Careful diagnosis of whether septal cartilage can be used
• Design that considers the movement and shape of the nasal tip
• A safe and precise approach without unnecessary harvesting
• A surgical plan that considers both aesthetics and function

Rhinoplasty using septal cartilage is not simply a procedure to increase height.

Design for natural movement and a harmonious appearance is more important than anything else, and to achieve this, various factors such as the individual’s cartilage condition, facial shape, and previous surgery history must be considered comprehensively. The surgical method or choice of materials does not have a single correct answer; it can vary depending on the patient’s condition and goals.

Therefore, if you are considering surgery, it is advisable to find the most appropriate method for you through 충분한 consultation with a specialist who has extensive related experience.

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If you have any questions about septal cartilage rhinoplasty, please leave a comment anytime ♥

Globi Plastic Surgery is located a 1-minute walk from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3, at 5th and 6th floors, EGI Building, 843 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.

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