
Rhinoplasty Revision: When Is Rib Cartilage Used?
Many people have already had nose surgery once, but are not satisfied with the results and are considering rhinoplasty revision.
One of the most common questions during that process is, “Do I have to use rib cartilage when having rhinoplasty revision?”
Today, following the previous post, we will summarize rhinoplasty revision and whether rib cartilage is used, based on an interview with Director Kim Jae-in of Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic.







The Relationship Between Rhinoplasty Revision and Cartilage Use
Director Kim Jae-in said that when discussing nose surgery, the materials used are the most important part.
In rhinoplasty revision, the key point that determines whether rib cartilage will be used is the condition of the cartilage used in the first surgery and whether it can be reused.
In general, septal cartilage and ear cartilage are mainly used in the first surgery.
Because of this, when people undergo rhinoplasty revision, many wonder, “Since all the existing cartilage has already been used, shouldn’t rib cartilage be used now?” However, using rib cartilage is not always necessary.
“Rib cartilage can be used, but it does not have to be used.
If the cartilage used in the first surgery is still in good condition, it can be used again in the revision surgery.”
In other words, rib cartilage is not automatically used just because it is a revision rhinoplasty.




What if only ear cartilage was used in the first surgery?
If only ear cartilage was used in the first nose surgery,
then the septal cartilage that has not yet been used can be utilized in rhinoplasty revision.
However, in recent years, it is common for both septal cartilage and ear cartilage to be used in the first surgery.
In that case, during rhinoplasty revision, the existing cartilage may be damaged or
may be too small to use.
When that happens, using rib cartilage becomes unavoidable.






Is Using Rib Cartilage Always a Bad Thing?
The reason patients feel uneasy about using rib cartilage during rhinoplasty revision is the scar.
However, recently, donor rib cartilage has become available as an alternative.
Using donor rib cartilage means there is no need to harvest your own rib cartilage, which greatly reduces concerns about scarring.
Also, rib cartilage provides an adequate amount of material and has a stable shape,
so it can actually be a good option for patients who need revision surgery.
In other words, using rib cartilage in rhinoplasty revision is not necessarily a negative thing.


Rhinoplasty Revision: What You Need to Know
Just because it is rhinoplasty revision does not mean rib cartilage must always be used.
First, check whether the cartilage used previously can be reused.
Second, consider using any ear cartilage or septal cartilage that has not yet been used.
Third, if needed, use your own rib cartilage or donor rib cartilage.
This is the approach taken.
In other words, it is important to remember that in rhinoplasty revision, the surgical method and material selection change depending on the patient’s current condition.



Why Is Individualized Consultation Important for Rhinoplasty Revision?
Many people get information about rhinoplasty revision through internet searches or YouTube.
However, because every patient’s situation is different, the exact answer can only be found through a consultation.
What cartilage remains
What materials were used in the first surgery
What the nose shape, skin thickness, and scar condition are like
Because all of these conditions differ, the direction of rhinoplasty revision will also inevitably differ.
Just because you are having rhinoplasty revision does not mean rib cartilage must be used.
After checking the condition of the existing cartilage and the materials that remain,
if necessary, the approach is to use rib cartilage or donor rib cartilage.
Most importantly, an accurate diagnosis and plan tailored to each patient’s individual situation are essential.
Therefore, if you are considering rhinoplasty revision, do not make assumptions based only on information found online,
and find the method that is best suited to you through a specialist consultation.
If you have any questions, feel free to leave a comment anytime










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Globi Plastic Surgery Clinic is located 1 minute on foot from Exit 4 of Apgujeong Station on Subway Line 3.
It is located on the 5th and 6th floors of the EGI Building, 843 Nonhyeon-ro, Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
Consultation reservations are available on both weekdays and weekends.
All consultations are conducted privately, one-on-one.
For detailed inquiries and reservations, please leave a message through the channel below.



