Will ear cartilage be absorbed?

Some people are not so familiar with the ear cartilage, but it can be taken out and used as a natural rhinoplasty material. Compared with using some instruments to perform rhinoplasty, the effect will be more natural, and there is no need to worry about being restricted by touch. It is a healthier method. So what is the role of ear cartilage? What is the main purpose?

Regarding ear cartilage rhinoplasty, many people have always been "slandering" this surgical procedure. Many doctors are unable to make a good-looking nose using ear cartilage. Instead of reflecting on their own expertise and improving themselves, they put the blame on the ear cartilage. Some people say that the texture of ear cartilage is poor, that ear cartilage rhinoplasty is ineffective, and some make a fuss about the absorption of ear cartilage after rhinoplasty, saying that the ear cartilage will be completely absorbed after surgery.

In fact, ear cartilage is a very commonly used autologous tissue in rhinoplasty surgery. In addition to ear cartilage, autologous cartilage used in rhinoplasty surgery also includes autologous rib cartilage and nasal septum cartilage.

However, the amount of nasal septum cartilage available is too small. It is barely enough to lengthen the columella (it also depends on the patient's own nasal foundation). If you want to raise the nose bridge and pad the nose tip, the material supply is very limited, and it is often necessary to use ear cartilage or rib cartilage.

The amount of rib cartilage used for rhinoplasty is sufficient, but it will involve the patient's own bone quality and age issues, because rib cartilage will calcify as people age. In addition, if the patient's own bone quality is not very good, then even if the rib cartilage is taken out, it will not be useful for rhinoplasty. In addition, if the rib cartilage is removed for rhinoplasty, scars will inevitably be left on the body after the bone is removed, and the surgical incision on the rib will also take a long time to heal.

Ear cartilage is the most ideal autologous rhinoplasty material when used in rhinoplasty surgery, provided the doctor's level is guaranteed. Here are the reasons:

1. The texture of ear cartilage is similar to that of nasal cartilage. The feeling of pinching the ears and rubbing the tip of the nose in daily life is similar, which is a good fact. After the ear cartilage rhinoplasty is fully restored, the shape will be realistic and natural, the feel will be very real, and there will be no need to worry about kneading.

2. Ear cartilage is easier to obtain than rib cartilage, and its quantity is more sufficient than nasal septum cartilage. If your condition allows, you can use bilateral ear cartilage to perform a full nose rhinoplasty.

1. After the ear cartilage is removed, the shape of the ear will basically not change, because the doctor will retain the periosteum when removing the cartilage in the concha cavity to maintain the overall shape of the ear. Moreover, the incision for removing the ear cartilage is made at the back of the ear. After the stitches are removed and the wound heals, the scar is almost not noticeable. In addition, it is covered by hair, so it can be said that there is basically no visible scar.

As for the question of whether ear cartilage can regenerate, ear cartilage will not regenerate. It is just that after a part of the cartilage in the concha cavity is removed, as long as the periosteum is preserved, the removed part of the ear cartilage will be replaced by hyperplastic tissue. The shape of the ear will not change, it will just feel a little softer.

Finally, let’s talk about the absorption rate.

There is indeed an absorption rate in ear cartilage rhinoplasty, but the absorption rate can be controlled through surgical treatment by the doctor. Generally speaking, the absorption rate of autologous cartilage rhinoplasty will be controlled within 15% and will not affect the postoperative shaping effect.

Ear cartilage rhinoplasty is the same as rib cartilage rhinoplasty and nasal septum cartilage rhinoplasty. It is normal to have a small amount of absorption. There is no need to worry, and there will be no complete absorption.