Q: I have this Asian nose bridge that is flat and the alar is wide instead of high and straight. I think I’m going to need augmentation to make the nose bridge and the overall nose look higher. What should I use for the augmentation? I’m thinking my own ear or rib cartilage, but I’m afraid of the risks. BUT I don’t want to use silicone implant or something “unnatural”.
A: Ear cartilage is sufficient for mild to moderate augmentation and change, however for more significant amounts of augmentation and change additional cartilage (and often stronger cartilage) is necessary in the form of rib cartilage. Rib cartilage harvest, when performed by a specialist, can be performed through a minimal incision (< 2 cm) and will leave a small, well-hidden scar and does not prolong the recovery from your rhinoplasty surgery at all.
