[Column] Is There a Difference in the Absorption Rate Between Autologous Rib and Donor Rib?? Which One Is Better?

Hello~^^ This is AB Plastic Surgery!!

Today, let’s take a look at autologous rib cartilage and donor rib cartilage, which are materials used in rhinoplasty.

First, what is rib cartilage??

We all have ribs in our body, right??

Those ribs are not just bone; they also include cartilage.

The ribs extend from the spine, and toward the front,

they become cartilage and connect together~

In nose surgery, ribs 6, 7, 8, and 9 are usually used.

For women, the inframammary fold is usually around

ribs 5 to 7 depending on breast size,

so the incision is made below that area~

The scar varies by hospital, but it usually remains about 3 cm,

and it gradually fades over time.

Then why do we use rib cartilage in the first place??

It is generally known that septal cartilage and ear cartilage are mainly used in the first surgery.

Many Koreans have small noses and want to make them higher~

But the size of the septal cartilage is proportional to the size of the nose.

For most Koreans, the septal cartilage is small..ㅠ.ㅠ

So it is difficult to raise the nose as much as desired.

To overcome this dilemma, we use rib cartilage.

Because rib cartilage is larger and stronger than septal cartilage, it can create the desired nose shape!!

Now, let’s get to today’s main question!!

What is the difference between autologous rib and donor rib??

The difference is exactly as the names suggest: whether the cartilage is your own cartilage or cartilage donated by someone else.

Cartilage harvested from my own ribs is autologous rib cartilage,

and cartilage obtained from another person’s cadaver is donor rib cartilage.

Then here’s a question??

When people receive organ transplants, rejection reactions occur in the body,

so wouldn’t that happen with donor rib as well??

Yes~ It’s fine.

Donor rib cartilage undergoes radiation treatment during storage,

which removes the cells.

So when it enters another person’s body, it does not trigger an immune reaction.

Because of this treatment process, donor rib cartilage can sometimes be absorbed after being placed in the body.

However, in reality, the probability of that happening is not high.

Next, what about inflammation???

It occurs at a slightly higher rate than with autologous rib cartilage.

However, in actual practice, there is not a major difference.

This is what donor rib cartilage actually looks like.

This rounded rib cartilage is cut and used~

The cut cartilage is added onto the existing septal cartilage to build a strong support pillar,

and the nose is raised as much as desired.

Now do you understand the difference between autologous rib cartilage and donor rib cartilage??

Simply put, if you don’t want a scar!!!

then donor rib~~

If you want to use your own cartilage rather than someone else’s!!

then autologous rib~~

would be a good way to think about it~

In fact, these two reasons are why people tend to choose them in about a 50/50 ratio~^^

Then what if I ask, can’t I have surgery with only septal cartilage??

Well~~ if the septal cartilage is stronger and better,

there is no need to use rib cartilage.

The size of the septal cartilage can be estimated clinically by taking a CT scan, etc. when you visit the hospital,

so for an accurate diagnosis, it would be best to visit and consult~^^

Then that’s all for today, bye-bye~~ ​