LAM FACIAL PLASTICS

Hi dr lam,
I would like to understand some significant pros and cons of using a rib cartilage for nose ( asides warping and bending ^^ ). Besides that ... would you recommend rib cartilage to a person who is active in sports activity? or would you consider goretex otherwise?


hope to hear from you soon
superman

I am against rib cartilage for the most part for the nose because your nose looks and feels too stiff. A rib graft used as an onlay graft to the bridge of the nose can cause problems with visibility over time too. I only like to use rib to help someone with a collapsed middle third of the nose along with inability to breathe and a complete depletion of all cartilage supply (ear and septum).

Thanks dr lam !

but i would want to ask if it is more stable as an implant because its autologous compared to foreign materials. Is it more resistant to deviations when met with collisions?

thanks
superman

actually, it is far less stable. anytime you deal with your own cartilage, there is a bit higher chance of resorption. with an alloplast (implant), it will never go away. the risk of shifting is about the same for both cartilage and implant if you are talking about gore-tex. probably a bit higher with solid silicone.