Safe and Simple Costal Cartilage Harvest

Most rhinoplasty patients have insufficient reconstructive cartilage, which is often required for structural considerations like tip support, reconstructing internal or external nasal valves, or for dorsal augmentation or camouflage. When there is insufficient septal cartilage, the surgeon must turn to other cartilaginous sources including ear cartilage, autologous rib cartilage, or cadaveric rib cartilage. While adding rib cartilage harvest, surgeons often hesitate with autologous rib cartilage as the case may be prolonged or possible increased morbidity due to the risk of a pneumothorax. However, following proper technique, rib cartilage can be easily and safely harvested and is reliable in secondary rhinoplasty.