Rhinoplasty using costal cartilage
Is it suitable for me?01Who is suitable for rib cartilage rhinoplasty?Key Points: Rib cartilage rhinoplasty involves implanting the patient's own rib cartilage into the nasal dorsum and tip to elevate the bridge and tip, making it ideal for individuals with a low radix or flat nose.Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is a type of prosthetic rhinoplasty that uses the patient's own rib cartilage to elevate a low nasal bridge, enhancing facial three-dimensionality. It is suitable for conditions such as a flat nasal bridge, short nose, saddle nose, and nasal reconstruction. It can also be combined with other rhinoplasty procedures to comprehensively improve nasal appearance.02Filler vs. Surgery: Which is more suitable for rhinoplasty?Key Points: Filler rhinoplasty suits those concerned about surgical risks and seeking immediate, noticeable results; surgical rhinoplasty is better for those seeking permanent results and who can accept a longer recovery period.Currently, the most common material for filler rhinoplasty is high-molecular-weight hyaluronic acid, with many brands available. The duration of effect varies from 6 to 24 months.For more information, click 👉 Hyaluronic Acid Rhinoplasty: A Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls.For surgical rhinoplasty, in addition to rib cartilage, other allograft materials such as silicone and "super rib" (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene) can be chosen based on personal needs and budget.Advantages and Disadvantages of Rhinoplasty MethodsSelecting Bone Source01What is the difference between rib cartilage and other cartilages?Key Points: Rib cartilage is suitable for both the nasal tip and dorsum, but it may curve if used alone; ear cartilage and septal cartilage are only suitable for the nasal tip. Both types are generally recommended to be used in combination with other allograft materials.1. Selection of Different Materials① Rib cartilage is suitable for both the nasal tip and dorsum.Rib cartilage has an abundant bone source and is easy to sculpt, theoretically meeting the bone requirements for both the nasal dorsum and tip. However, its hardness is insufficient, so it is generally recommended to be combined with other allograft materials. Additionally, calcified rib cartilage cannot be used.② Ear cartilage/Septal cartilage is only suitable for the nasal tip.Ear cartilage and septal cartilage have limited bone sources and are recommended to be combined with other prosthetic materials.Nasal StructurePitfall Avoidance Tips: Other allograft materials commonly used for rhinoplasty include silicone, ePTFE (expanded polytetrafluoroethylene), "super rib," and "super body." Among these, silicone is affordable and easy to remove but may be translucent; ePTFE and "super rib" offer natural results but are more expensive; "super body" offers excellent results and stability but requires skilled surgeon sculpting techniques.2. Which rhinoplasty material suits you?Selecting materials for rhinoplasty requires considering multiple factors, such as the ability to undergo general anesthesia, the calcification status of one's own cartilage, the sufficiency of the bone source, and the laxity of nasal soft tissue. You can self-assess using the image below, but the final decision must be made after a consultation at a legitimate hospital.Pitfall Avoidance Tips: If choosing rib cartilage rhinoplasty, a CT scan is required before surgery to check for rib cartilage calcification. Furthermore, rib cartilage rhinoplasty must be performed under general anesthesia, so it is essential to choose a regular, large-scale institution or hospital to ensure safety.3. Which anesthesia method is recommended for different procedures?① Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is recommended to be performed under general anesthesia. Although the trauma is small, the pain during rib harvesting is intense. If performed under local anesthesia, pain may prevent cooperation, potentially causing air to enter the chest cavity and resulting in a pneumothorax.② Ear cartilage rhinoplasty generally requires only local anesthesia. The trauma is minimal, and there are fewer surrounding tissues and vital organs, so local anesthesia or basic anesthesia is sufficient.③ Septal cartilage rhinoplasty is recommended to be performed under general anesthesia. Due to the extensive manipulation required during the procedure, general anesthesia is advised to prevent non-cooperation that could lead to septal mucosal rupture. However, if the patient has a strong tolerance, local anesthesia can also be considered.Price01How much does rib cartilage rhinoplasty generally cost?Key Points: The surgery typically costs between 80,000 KRW and 600,000 KRW. The price variation is primarily related to the operating surgeon.1. What is the normal price range for rib cartilage rhinoplasty?The normal price range for rib cartilage rhinoplasty is generally between 80,000 KRW and 600,000 KRW.2. Factors affecting the priceSince rib cartilage rhinoplasty requires general anesthesia, the most significant factor affecting the price is the operating surgeon. Surgeons can be categorized as Chief Physicians, Associate Chief Physicians, etc., and experienced surgeons naturally charge higher fees.Expected Results01What should a natural, upturned nose look like?Key Points: Rhinoplasty requires reasonable design based on individual facial conditions; otherwise, it may result in a nose that does not harmonize with the original facial features. To create a natural, upturned nose, one must find a surgeon with a solid foundation in facial aesthetics.1. The length of the nose is approximately 1/3 of the facial length.2. The width of the nose is approximately 1/5 of the facial width; the ideal alar margin should be directly below the inner canthus.3. The radix angle is between 120° and 130°, the nasolabial angle is between 95° and 110°, and the tip-inner angle is between 85° and 90°.Ideal Nose4. The nasal bridge is straight, and the ratio of nose length to nasal tip height follows the golden ratio, 1: 0.67.5. From the base view, the nasal base should ideally be an equilateral triangle, and the nostrils should be vertically oval.6. The ratio of nose width (A) to nose length (B) equals 0.7.Ideal Nose02Does the surgeon's technical skill directly affect surgical results?Key Points: Rhinoplasty has a narrow surgical field and complex nasal physiological structures; the surgeon's manipulation is crucial. Improper operation can lead to unnatural nasal appearance, infection, prosthetic displacement, or even impaired breathing function.1. Level of cartilage sculptingPoor sculpting of the cartilage can lead to an unnatural postoperative nasal appearance, tightness of the nasal dorsum skin, redness and drooping of the nasal tip and columella, or even infection.2. Insecure cartilage fixationIf the cartilage is not fixed properly, displacement can occur after the surgery due to impact.3. Level of operational proficiencyDue to the complex physiological structure of the nose, if the surgeon is not sufficiently proficient, it can easily damage vital blood vessels, cause internal scar hyperplasia, result in noticeable external incision scars, or lead to septal deviation forming a crooked nose. Excessive surgical time can also prolong recovery and increase the risk of infection.4. Surgeon's aesthetic experienceThe nose determines the three-dimensionality of the face. If a surgeon neglects the patient's facial morphology, it can result in a nose that does not harmonize with the original facial features.Side Effects and Complications01Why is runny nose a common occurrence after rhinoplasty?Key Points: Runny nose is a common phenomenon after rhinoplasty. Excluding issues like infection, no special treatment is needed, and it generally improves within 1 to 2 months.Increased nasal discharge in the short term after surgery is normal. If the discharge is clear, there is no need for excessive concern; if there are blood streaks in the mucus, it may be due to wound bleeding. It generally recovers gradually within 1 to 2 months.If there is an infection, yellow purulent discharge and localized redness and swelling will occur. A doctor should be consulted.When experiencing runny nose symptoms, avoid picking with hands to prevent infection. Clean with a sterile cotton swab. If there is bleeding, use a sterile cotton swab dipped in eye drops or saline to rinse and wipe.02What to do if the postoperative shape is unsatisfactory?Key Points: Unsatisfactory postoperative shape mainly refers to cartilage displacement, usually caused by improper placement during surgery or external impact after surgery. If such problems occur, a revision surgery is recommended.1. Why might the shape be unsatisfactory after surgery?① Cartilage displacement: Often caused by inappropriate layers or positions of cartilage placement during surgery, or by external pushing and pulling while the patient is still in the recovery period.②