Nasal Implant

Q: Dr. Eppley, What I don’t like about my nasal implant is that it looks stiff and sits on top of the bone rather than conforming to the natural contours of the bone.  The frontal view looks nice but the side view not as good.  From the side view I prefer more of a “ski slope” look.  Is rib cartilage as stiff and firm as the implant?  Can rib cartilage still warp? Is rib placed in the bridge area the same way the implant is?  Does the nose have to be cut open to place rib?  I was also wondering if tip surgery is generally less expensive without an implant in my nose?  Thanks for the info.

A: Rib cartilage is stiffer and more firm than a nasal implant. Unlike a nasal implant, rib grafts do have the risk of warping although that is largely related to the shape of the rib graft harvested and how it has been carved. Like nasal implants rib grafts are put in the same way which is best done through an open rhinoplasty approach. The cost of a tip rhinoplasty would be the same regardless of whether a nasal implant already was present in the nose.

Dr. Barry Eppley

Indianapolis, Indiana