Our Summary

This research paper discusses a study conducted on the use of cartilage chips in rhinoplasty (nose job) surgeries. Over five years, 64 patients who had nose jobs were examined. The small pieces of cartilage, which were less than 0.5mm thick, were taken from different areas of the body (the septum, rib or ear) and used to fill in depressions and irregularities in the nose or to enhance its shape. The results showed that in most cases, these cartilage chips were effective in improving the appearance of the nose. There were, however, three cases where complications arose in the form of irregularities. The study concludes that using cartilage chips can provide a strong solution for improving the look and structure of the nose in rhinoplasty procedures.

FAQs

  1. What different areas of the body were the cartilage chips taken from for use in rhinoplasty surgeries?
  2. How effective were the cartilage chips in improving the appearance of the nose according to the study?
  3. What complications arose from using cartilage chips in rhinoplasty procedures?

Doctor’s Tip

One helpful tip a doctor might tell a patient about rhinoplasty is to carefully follow post-operative instructions to ensure proper healing and optimal results. This may include avoiding strenuous activities, refraining from blowing your nose, and attending follow-up appointments as scheduled. It is important to communicate any concerns or issues with your surgeon to address them promptly and effectively.

Suitable For

Patients who are typically recommended for rhinoplasty include those who are unhappy with the appearance of their nose due to issues such as a hump on the bridge, a drooping tip, a wide or asymmetrical nose, or breathing difficulties. Rhinoplasty can also be recommended for patients who have suffered a traumatic injury to the nose or have a congenital deformity. It is important for patients to have realistic expectations about the outcome of the surgery and to be in good overall health before undergoing rhinoplasty.

Timeline

Before Rhinoplasty:

  • Patient consults with a plastic surgeon to discuss their goals and expectations for the surgery
  • Surgeon examines patient’s nose and determines the best approach for the procedure
  • Pre-operative tests and evaluations are performed to ensure the patient is healthy enough for surgery
  • Patient receives instructions on how to prepare for the surgery, including avoiding certain medications and foods
  • Surgery is scheduled and patient is given information on what to expect during and after the procedure

After Rhinoplasty:

  • Patient wakes up from surgery with bandages and possibly a splint on their nose
  • Patient may experience pain, swelling, bruising, and difficulty breathing through the nose in the days following surgery
  • Follow-up appointments with the surgeon are scheduled to monitor healing progress and remove any bandages or stitches
  • Patient is advised to avoid strenuous activities and to sleep with their head elevated to reduce swelling
  • Swelling and bruising gradually subside over the following weeks and months, with final results becoming apparent after about a year
  • Patient may choose to undergo additional procedures or revisions to further enhance the results of the rhinoplasty

What to Ask Your Doctor

  1. What are the potential risks and complications associated with using cartilage chips in rhinoplasty surgery?
  2. How long is the recovery period after rhinoplasty with cartilage chips?
  3. Will the cartilage chips used in my surgery be taken from my own body or from a donor source?
  4. Can cartilage chips be used to address specific concerns I have about my nose, such as asymmetry or a dorsal hump?
  5. How long-lasting are the results of rhinoplasty with cartilage chips compared to other techniques?
  6. Are there any limitations or restrictions on activities I should be aware of after rhinoplasty with cartilage chips?
  7. What are the success rates of using cartilage chips in rhinoplasty procedures, and how do they compare to other methods?
  8. How will the use of cartilage chips impact the overall cost of my rhinoplasty surgery?
  9. Are there any alternative options to using cartilage chips in my rhinoplasty procedure that I should consider?
  10. Can you provide me with before and after photos of patients who have undergone rhinoplasty with cartilage chips to better understand the potential results?

Reference

Authors: Apaydin F, Fernández-Pellón Garcia RF, Sahin FF, Rahavi-Ezabadi S. Journal: Facial Plast Surg. 2022 Oct;38(5):477-482. doi: 10.1055/s-0041-1742199. Epub 2022 Feb 10. PMID: 35144286