Can A Diced Ear Cartilage Graft To The Nose Be Removed?

Q: Dr. Eppley, Is there a difference between a diced ear cartilage graft wrapped in a fascial graft and diced ear cartilage graft that us glued together? My surgeon used the glue one. Will it be more difficult to remove than the fascial one? Is there any special techniques required for such removal? Is there any complication associated using the glue in mixing the diced ear cartilage? 

Looking forward to reading your consultation.

A: I don’t see any difference in removing either diced ear cartilage graft to the nose. Both can be removed equally well. Undoubtably what you are referring to as a ‘glued’ diced cartilage graft is one mixed with either platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or fibrin glue which are autologous sealants and can loosely be called a ‘glue’. It would not be a true cyanoacrylate glue which would be toxic to a cartilage graft and would cause it to be absorbed. 

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana