DI PLASTIC SURGERY · SEOUL
Autologous Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
Learn how autologous rib cartilage is considered for nasal support and reconstruction at DI Plastic Surgery in Seoul, including consultation and recovery planning.
Medically reviewed by: JUNG YUN IKReviewed on: Content updated:
01
Overview
What is rib cartilage rhinoplasty?
Strong support · Durable cartilage
Rib cartilage is the patient's own cartilage harvested from the rib area.
A 1.5–2 cm incision allows the required amount of cartilage to be harvested. It provides greater structural support than septal or ear cartilage, and may be used in primary, revision or reconstructive rhinoplasty, depending on the patient's nose.
Surgery at a glance
- Surgery duration
- 3 hours
- Anesthesia
- Sedation / general anesthesia
- Hospital admission
- Not usually required
- Initial recovery
- Varies by individual
- Suture removal
- Required
- Follow-up visits
- 2–3 visits
Published procedure information is a guide. Your surgeon confirms the method, anesthesia, recovery and follow-up for your individual plan.
DI PROCEDURE GUIDE
Anatomy & planning
A simplified illustration for understanding the area discussed. It shows anatomy in broad terms and is not a surgical placement guide or a prediction of results.
- 01
- Rib cartilage
- 02
- Nasal cartilage support
01
Through a detailed assessment
A considered approach to a balanced nasal profile
The nose may appear simple from the outside, but its internal anatomy is complex. DI considers the overall balance of the nose and face, and assesses the internal cartilage and bone with 3D-CT imaging and analysis before planning surgery.
02
Types of rib cartilage rhinoplasty
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty is used in two main settings.
Primary rhinoplasty
Patients seeking a more defined nose
A weak septum or limited septal cartilage
Correction of a short or upturned nose
Patients who prefer to avoid synthetic implants
Septal damage following two-jaw surgery
Revision surgery
Insufficient remaining septal or ear cartilage
A saddle nose after repeated operations
An upturned tip associated with capsular contracture
A drooping nasal tip after surgery
Limited improvement of a short or upturned nose
03
DI rib cartilage harvesting site
The 7th and 8th rib cartilages are commonly used for rhinoplasty. DI generally prefers the 7th–8th rib cartilage. The incision is placed at the side of the chest or below the breast. The incision is approximately 1.5–2 cm long. Harvesting time varies with the thickness of the patient's tissues, and is generally within 30 minutes.
7th rib cartilage
8th rib cartilage
7th rib 8th rib
04
How rib cartilage is used
The amount of cartilage and surgical method vary with each patient's nasal anatomy.
05
Harvesting the cartilage
DI rib cartilage rhinoplasty: the surgical process
Through an incision at the side of the chest or below the breast, cartilage is harvested from the 7th–8th rib.
The incision is approximately 1.5–2 cm to limit the extent of scarring.
Shaping the cartilage
The harvested cartilage is shaped to suit the patient's nose.
Placing the cartilage
According to the patient's nasal anatomy, the shaped cartilage is placed at the bridge, tip or columella.
06
Autologous rib cartilage
The surgeon's experience matters.
How cartilage is used for each patient's anatomy is an important part of surgical planning.
Harvesting the cartilage
Harvesting cartilage for the patient's nose.
Shaping the cartilage
Shaping cartilage to suit the patient's nose.
Placing the cartilage
Positioning and securing cartilage according to the surgical plan.
Results and satisfaction can vary with the procedure and the individual.
07
A nasal profile
that complements your face
Straight profile
A straight line when viewed from the side
A profile often requested by men
Gently curved profile
A slight curve compared with a straight profile
A profile often requested by women
Curved profile
A more pronounced curve
Upturned profile
An elevated tip with a low bridge
08
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty
Who may consider this procedure?
Patients with limited available cartilage elsewhere An upturned nose caused by postoperative contracture A very small, upturned nose A saddle nose following repeated revision procedures
09
Rib cartilage rhinoplasty Why consider DI?
Individual planning considers facial shape, personal features and internal nasal anatomy. Experience in harvesting rib cartilage supports surgical planning and execution. Cartilage and subcutaneous tissues are assessed before surgery. 3D-CT is used to examine nasal structures.
10
An option chosen by DI patients
Using your own cartilage for nasal tip surgery
New-material implants
Artificial implants
Synthetic cartilage materials may be associated with inflammation and other adverse effects
Structural support and durability help support the planned nasal profile
A sufficient amount of cartilage can be harvested for different surgical uses
11
Autologous Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty
3D-CT imaging: detailed analysis of nasal form and function. Assessing functional concerns you may not have noticed. 01 Detailed assessment: 3D-CT analysis helps assess nasal bone alignment and structural concerns associated with nasal symptoms. 02 One-to-one planning: a rhinoplasty plan tailored to your individual anatomy and concerns. 03 Informed decisions: detailed assessment and individual planning support informed decisions about surgery.
03
Before & after
Original DI clinic photographs. Results and recovery vary. Cases may include combined procedures; the listed treatment and follow-up refer to that individual case.
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Paranasal augmentation
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Dorsal hump correction · Paranasal augmentation
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Paranasal augmentation
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Short-nose correction · Paranasal augmentation
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Short-nose correction · Paranasal augmentation
Drag left or right to compare
Own rib cartilage · Revision rhinoplasty · Short-nose correction · Paranasal augmentation
04
Recovery & care
Rhinoplasty aftercare
Follow your surgical team’s individual instructions. Recovery and follow-up schedules vary.
Incision care
Keep the surgical area dry and clean until stitches are removed. On the day of removal, wash gently with water; use soap from the following day.
Nasal discharge
A little bleeding or blood-tinged discharge may occur for 3–4 days. Do not blow your nose; gently wipe away discharge.
Tape and splint
Tape helps maintain implant position and limit blood pooling. The splint protects against impact. If it comes off, do not reattach it yourself; contact the clinic and protect your nose.
Cold and warm compresses
Use cold compresses for the first 3 days, then warm compresses from day 4, as instructed by your surgical team.
Swelling and bruising
Swelling and bruising generally take about 2 weeks to settle. Swelling may temporarily make the nose look uneven, tilted or depressed.
Glasses
Avoid glasses and sunglasses for at least one month to prevent pressure that could affect the nasal shape.
Protect your nose
Do not blow your nose forcefully or do activities that strain or put pressure on your nose.
Ear cartilage donor site
If cartilage was taken from your ear, avoid pulling or pressing the ear firmly.
Recovery habits
Avoid alcohol and smoking for one month. Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive stress, which can interfere with recovery.
Bleeding, infection, inflammation, bruising, swelling and pain may occur. Satisfaction and outcomes vary between individuals.
This is an initial recovery estimate, not a guarantee of complete healing. Your recovery and return to activities depend on the procedure and your condition; follow your surgical team’s instructions.
Treatment suitability, recovery and results vary by individual. Your doctor will explain the expected benefits, limitations and possible risks.
CONTINUE YOUR RESEARCH
Questions to discuss before surgery
Before deciding on a procedure, meet Dr. Jung Yun Ik and review his published training. Your consultation should address the proposed approach, alternatives, risks and expected follow-up. Read the consultation guide for this procedure to prepare more specific questions.
For travel planning, read about recovery and travel planning. These general guides do not establish your personal recovery schedule. Understand the factors behind a plastic surgery estimate and learn how the consultation process works before sending an inquiry or booking travel.
DI PLASTIC SURGERY
Discuss your options
Tell us the procedure you are interested in, your preferred language and your planned visit dates.