Successfully getting the outcomes in rhinoplasty is vital since it helps to improve the patient’s personality and confidence. However, due to the intricacy of the nose shape, it takes work to get perfect outcomes each time. This is where cartilage grafts can be of service.
What are Cartilage Grafts?
Cartilage grafts are simply portions of cartilage that assist in reconstructing the gaps within the nose during rhinoplasty. Structural grafts receive mechanical stresses, while contour grafts contribute to the contouring of the nose.
These grafts may originate from different sources. The most common donor site is the nasal septum, but cartilage can also be harvested from the ear or rib if more is required.
Benefits:
- They strengthen and stabilize the nasal framework, though it does not collapse in the long run.
- They are vital in holding the structural and functional contours of the nose throughout life.
- Other benefits of cartilage grafts include better cosmetic results. They assist in achieving the natural contour and form of the nose, improving symmetry and balance.
- Moreover, cartilage grafts are long-term stable grafts. They are less likely to be metabolized in the body, and thus, the surgery’s outcomes are long-term rewards.
Types of Cartilage Grafts:
Septal Cartilage originates from the nasal septal cartilage, one of the two partitions in the nasal cavity known as the septum. Its primary strength is that it is accessible and has a suitable contour for placing in the nasal passage. However, if too much is taken, it may cause some degree of change in the internal structure of the nose. It is usually used for structured frameworks and minor alterations in shape and size.
Ear Cartilage (Conchal) is obtained from the external part of the ear. This is helpful when additional cartilage is required, and it mostly has a good affinity for the nasal structures. Its drawbacks involve the formation of easily noticeable scars on the ear and possible infection. It is commonly used for sculpture and bringing out a curvature around the area of the nose.
Costal cartilage is obtained from the ribs and is commonly employed where a massive volume of cartilage is required. It provides firm support, and its material can stand the test of time. However, it calls for a more significant cut and has outcomes of infections or that it will take longer for the patient to recover. The rib cartilage is typically used in extensive reconstructions or when other sources are not enough.
Techniques of Cartilage Grafting in Rhinoplasty:
Cartilage Harvesting:
Cartilage harvesting techniques include the usage of cartilage from various regions of the individual’s body.
In septal cartilage, the surgeon had an incision through the nasal septum where the cartilage is located and then finally removed.
The ear cartilage is sourced from the outer ear and typically removed through an incision at the back of the head, making the scar practically imperceptible.
Rib cartilage needs a broad opening in the chest region, and cartilage should be sparingly taken from the ribs. This technique takes a longer time for the clients to recover and needs close monitoring to prevent complications.
Grafting Techniques:
Grafting Techniques, therefore, deal with techniques for modelling and grafting cartilage. Surgeons then reshape the cartilage to the correct size and shape for the nose and carefully place it into the nose.
The surgeons employ these delicate stitches to hold the grafts in position and fix them properly to avoid congestion and allow for proper angiogenesis. These methods assist in attaining the right shape, structure, and look that one wants on the face, especially the nose, for a permanent and natural solution.
Complications:
- Graft Rejection
- Infection
- Warping or Resorption
- Scarring
- Prolonged Swelling
- Difficulty in Breathing
- Asymmetry
- Displacement
- Pain and Discomfort
- Allergic Reactions
Cost of Cartilage Grafts in Islamabad:
In general, the cost of cartilage graft in rhinoplasty in Islamabad is PKR 145,000 to PKR 400,000 depends on amount of work required. This range is because of different facilities’ experience and the services they offer by other clinics. The price of cartilage grafts in Islamabad depends on the following factors:
- The proficiency of the particular surgeon
- The equipment available at the clinic
- The particular operation
Surgeons with lots of experience and clinics that are well endowed with equipment require high fees.
Consultation:
For the best results in rhinoplasty surgery, it is advisable to hire the services of a professional surgeon who can harness these grafting procedures. Patients who are interested in undergoing the surgery should schedule a consultation with Dynamic Clinic PK to understand the procedure better. The clinic’s team specializes in providing the necessary assistance in attaining a satisfying and permanent change to the desired nose shape.
