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Is Cartilage Grafting Better Than Implants? Pros and Cons
Understanding Cartilage Grafting in Rhinoplasty
What is Cartilage Grafting?
Cartilage grafting is a rhinoplasty technique that uses the patient's own cartilage to reshape and enhance the nose. This approach is considered one of the most natural ways to perform nasal surgery, as it involves using tissue from the patient’s body, typically taken from the rib or septum. Cartilage grafting is used in various procedures, such as increasing nasal projection, refining the nasal tip, or rebuilding the structure of the nose after trauma or previous surgery.
How is it Used in Rhinoplasty?
In cartilage grafting, the surgeon will first harvest cartilage from a donor site within the patient’s body, often the septum (the cartilage inside the nose) or the rib (which provides larger pieces of cartilage). This cartilage is then shaped and carefully placed in the nasal structures to correct deformities, increase support, or achieve desired aesthetic changes. This technique is particularly effective for correcting the nasal tip or refining the bridge of the nose.
Advantages of Cartilage Grafting
The primary advantage of cartilage grafting is its natural integration with the body. Since the cartilage is harvested from the patient’s own body, there is minimal risk of rejection, and it has a lower chance of causing an immune response compared to synthetic materials. Additionally, cartilage grafts tend to integrate better with the natural tissue over time, ensuring a more stable and lasting result. Cartilage also provides the surgeon with more flexibility to sculpt and mold the nose to the patient’s desired shape.
