Nose augmentation with rib cartilage at Yanhee: cost, technique and recovery

What rib-cartilage nose augmentation is

Nose augmentation with rib cartilage is a surgical procedure that enhances the shape and structure of the nose, particularly the concerns common to Asian noses: a low, flat bridge, a short columella, thick soft-tissue covering over the tip, or an under-projected tip. Using a rib graft to correct these gives balance and proportion to the face. The nose sits at the front and centre of the face and anchors the sense of aesthetic balance, so the aim is a result that enhances your own features rather than copying someone else's nose.

Why rib cartilage instead of silicone

Augmentation rhinoplasty usually uses a silicone implant, but many patients experience silicone-related complications: the implant can trigger soft-tissue contraction and distort the delicate nasal structure, and revision rates are rising as patients learn that a good result has to be harmonious with the whole face, not just an added implant. Rib cartilage is autologous tissue, taken from your own body, so it is highly compatible, provides strong support and a generous amount of material, and carries fewer complications such as infection or extrusion. This makes it well suited to rebuilding a deformed or under-projected nose.

Harvesting the rib cartilage

Cartilage is usually taken from the fifth or sixth rib. Because a chest-wall scar is a common concern, in women the incision is placed in the inframammary fold (under the breast) to hide the mark, measuring about 2 to 4 cm depending on which rib is used; in men the incision is made directly over the chosen rib to make dissection easier. The surgeon dissects along the muscle plane to expose the rib, harvests the amount of cartilage needed, checks for any air leak, and closes with dermal sutures or Steri-Strips.

Carving the graft

The harvested rib is carved and diced, meaning it is shaped into the graft that will be placed on the nose. The exact shape and size are determined by assessing the recipient site on the nose during surgery. It is a delicate step that depends on a well-trained surgeon.

Placing the graft — open or closed

The graft is placed through one of two approaches. Closed (endonasal) rhinoplasty uses incisions inside the nostrils, leaving no visible skin scar; the skin is lifted off the underlying cartilage and bone so the graft can be positioned. Open (external) rhinoplasty uses a small incision across the columella, the strip of tissue between the nostrils, lifting the skin to place the graft with more direct access.

One or more pre-formed grafts may be used to build the bridge, and the same rib cartilage can refine the tip. Rib is chosen because it is autologous and compatible, offers the most volume, can maximally raise the height and length of the tip, and has fewer complications. Once the graft is shaped and fixed, the skin is repositioned and the incisions closed.

Before surgery

Before the operation you have lab tests, and any medical problems must be controlled first. If you have had a previous nasal infection, surgery waits six months. Stop smoking, and stop aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs and herbal supplements that increase bleeding. The surgeon also assesses the pliability of your nasal tissue to plan the graft.

What it costs at Yanhee

The price covers the surgeon, the anaesthesia and the one-night stay; flights and accommodation are not included. Combined procedures such as septoplasty, tip work or chin augmentation are priced separately. Prices are subject to change and are confirmed after consultation — see plastic surgery prices for the current list. For synthetic implants and smaller cartilage combinations at lower cost, see the nose implant page.

Recovery and aftercare

Gauze packing may support the nose for several days while it heals. Post-surgery swelling eases over a few weeks, but it can take up to a year for the new nose shape to fully develop, and you will see progressive improvement over that time. Swelling can reappear and be more noticeable in the mornings during the first year. Your surgeon or nurse gives specific instructions on caring for the surgical site, medication to reduce the risk of infection, signs to watch for, and when to follow up.

Risks to understand

As with any major surgery, augmentation rhinoplasty carries risks including bleeding, infection and an adverse reaction to anaesthesia. Additional risks specific to this procedure include breathing problems, nosebleeds, lasting numbness around the nose, a small chance of an uneven-looking nose, persistent pain, swelling or discolouration, and scarring, plus a small chance that the rib cartilage warps or is reabsorbed over time. Your surgeon will discuss how these risks apply to you.

Frequently asked questions

Available doctors

These plastic surgeons at Yanhee perform augmentation rhinoplasty. Your surgeon is confirmed at consultation.