Donor rib cartilage revision rhinoplasty — if it absorbs, does the nose drop again? What to check when worried
2024. 10. 21.
If you're facing revision rhinoplasty with donor rib cartilage — why absorption and shape changes differ by processing, fixation, placement site, and individual condition, and why no single prediction or overcorrection standard applies.
Key points
- Donor rib cartilage's absorption and shape changes differ by product processing, shaping and fixation, placement site, and individual condition.
- Neither "only a portion absorbs" nor "it won't affect nasal height" can be guaranteed for every patient.
- If worry is significant, discussing whether substitute materials exist and how target height will be set with a specialist before surgery comes first.
"They say they'll use donor rib cartilage in my revision — if it absorbs and my nose drops again, wouldn't the revision be pointless?"
This is a question covered in an actual consultation answer. The asker was a 20-year-old woman preparing for revision after a disappointing result from nose surgery at a non-specialist clinic last year. The revision clinic had advised using ear cartilage and donor rib cartilage together since septal cartilage was already used in the first surgery — but she'd heard donor rib cartilage tends to inflame and absorb, making the nose drop again later, and her worry had grown. She also wondered whether absorption rates differ per person and whether she should aim higher than her desired height to account for dropping.
This article organizes the answer to that question.
01
Why are ear cartilage and donor rib cartilage used together in revision?
In this asker's case, septal cartilage was already used in the first surgery, so the revision had to choose among the remaining materials. That's likely why the revision clinic laid out a plan using ear cartilage and donor rib cartilage together.
It's natural to worry more about revision than a first surgery. Hearing conflicting claims about materials can grow that anxiety — and that's exactly when organizing the items to confirm and discussing them with a specialist helps more than vague worry. The characteristics of each rhinoplasty material can be seen in the materials guide.
02
If donor rib cartilage absorbs, does the nose drop again?
Donor rib cartilage's absorption and shape changes differ by product processing method, shaping and fixation, placement site, and individual condition. The range of change can't be predicted from writing alone, nor can a lack of impact on nasal height be guaranteed.
| Worry | Answer |
|---|---|
| Wouldn't revision be pointless if it absorbs and the nose drops again | The range of change can't be guaranteed — confirm placement site, fixation, and follow-up plan |
| Does the absorption rate differ per person | It can differ by product processing, shaping, fixation, and individual condition |
| Should it be set higher to account for dropping | No overcorrection by a single absorption rate — a safe target height is planned individually |
03
If I'm still worried, what should I discuss before surgery?
If the worry is substantial, discussing the concerns thoroughly with a specialist before surgery comes first. Specifically, the following can be talked through.
- Substitute materials — whether there's a material that can be used instead of donor rib cartilage.
- Nasal height setting — how the nasal height will be set, including the possibility of absorption.
- The worries themselves — which of the things you've heard, like inflammation or absorption, actually apply to your situation.
How materials and plans are judged in revision can be seen in more detail in the revision rhinoplasty guide.
04
Summary — organize what to discuss rather than worrying vaguely
Donor rib cartilage's absorption and shape changes differ by product processing, shaping, fixation, placement site, and individual condition. Before surgery, discuss specifically the product to be used and the clinic's long-term follow-up data, substitute materials, a safe target height, and the progress-check plan.
If you're curious which material and plan fit your revision situation, you can get it checked directly in a 1:1 video consultation.
Frequently asked questions
Answers to common questions patients ask before a consultation.
Does donor rib cartilage absorb and make the nose drop again?
Should surgery aim higher than my desired height to account for absorption?
If septal cartilage was already used, what happens to revision materials?
Responses to treatment and recovery progress vary by individual. Outcomes and side effects vary from person to person. Bleeding, infection, swelling and asymmetry may occur. Please consult our medical team before making a decision.