The Use of Costal Cartilage in Rhinoplasty.

Autologous cartilage can be easily and safely harvested as a reliable source of cartilage in rhinoplasty through a small, well-hidden incision. Rib cartilage can be utilized during a primary rhinoplasty when there is insufficient cartilage from the septum or often in revisional nasal surgeries where the initial septal cartilage has previously been used or removed. Rib cartilage carving can be done on a cutting board prior to the beginning of the rhinoplasty in order to allow time for the cartilage to present any warping while it is soaked in saline. Overall autologous rib cartilage is a good source of copious and often good quality cartilage.