Study finds Low Complication Rates in Nose Jobs with Autologous Rib Cartilage A study published in JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery reports that the associated long term complication rates for rhinoplasty are low when the patient's own rib cartilage is used. An attractive, well-shaped nose compliments other facial features and that is why many people from teens to older adults - are opting to have aesthetic nose surgery. Also known as rhinoplasty, this procedure can address various issues such as a high, wide, low, narrow dorsum, a bulbous tip, a tip that is too low or high or a nose that is too large. With a plastic surgeon who is experienced and skilled in performing the procedure, patients can expect significant enhancement in form and function – an attractive, well-shaped nose and improved breathing capability. Like all plastic surgery procedures, the treatment is susceptible to some risks. According to a report published online by JAMA Facial Plastic Surgery, when a patient's own rib cartilage is used for the procedure, the associated overall long-term complications are low.
In view of its strength and abundant volume, autologous rib cartilage is the ideal graft material for a nose job. Nevertheless, the potential of rib cartilage to warp and other problems at the donor site, including postoperative scarring and pneumothorax have led to questions about its suitability for nasal augmentation. The new study evaluated complications related to the use of autologous rib cartilage in rhinoplasty and determined that the overall long-term risks were low. The main points of the study are as follows:
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10 studies involving 491 patients were indentified; average follow-up across all the studies was 33.3 months
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The combined complication rates from the various studies were evaluated and the results were as follows
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3.08 percent for warping
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0.22 percent for resorption
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0.56 percent for infection
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0.39 percent for displacement
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5.45 percent for keloids
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0 percent was noted for pneumothorax
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14.07 percent for revision surgery
The researchers concluded that "The overall long-term complications associated with autologous rib cartilage use in rhinoplasty were low. Because warping and hypertrophic chest scarring had relatively high rates, surgeons should pay more attention to reduce these complications." Such studies provide reassurance for patients as well as plastic surgeons, though the researchers say that more consistent definitions of complications and further analysis with larger groups of patients will be necessary to achieve more reliable results.
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