Ear cartilage in rhinoplasty?

When would a surgeon use ear cartilage in rhinoplasty surgery?

Ear cartilage is used in rhinoplasty in select cases.

Cartilage is generally required in cases where either too much cartilage was removed form prior nasal surgery or in cases where the nose needs addition of cartilage to optimize its cosmetic appearance or nasal function. Nasal septal cartilage is generally the first choice for cartilage if needed in rhinoplasty surgery.

Nasal sepal cartilage is readily available in primary rhinoplasty surgery and is generally the best cartilage to work with. In revision rhinoplasty surgery nasal septal cartilage may not be available for cartilage grafting. In this circumstance ear cartilage may be considered for grafting material. Another option for cartilage grafting is the rib.