Nose · Sinsa, Gangnam · Seoul

Rib Cartilage Rhinoplasty in Seoul

For noses that need more strength or volume than the septum or ear can give — complex revisions, collapsed bridges and short, scarred noses. Dr. Lee Yoo-jung uses your own rib cartilage, carved to resist warping, to build lasting support.

Free consultation on WhatsApp → See before & after
Strong, natural nasal bridge rebuilt with rib cartilage at UE Plastic Surgery, Seoul
3–4 hrs general anaesthesia
3–5 cm typical chest incision
10–14 days recommended stay in Seoul
14 yrs Dr. Lee as a board-certified surgeon

The short answer

Rib cartilage rhinoplasty uses a small piece of the patient's own costal cartilage, usually taken through a 3–5 cm incision under the breast fold or along the lower chest, to rebuild the nose. Rib provides far more and stronger cartilage than the septum or ear, making it suitable for revision surgery, saddle and contracted noses, and major augmentation. The main trade-offs are a chest scar and a small risk of graft warping.

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon
Medically reviewed by Dr. Lee Yoo-jung , board-certified plastic surgeon · M.D., Ajou University · former director, Banobagi
Last reviewed
i.

What is rib cartilage rhinoplasty?

Every rhinoplasty that adds support needs cartilage. The septum is the first choice, but after earlier surgery or injury there may be little left. Ear cartilage is soft and curved. Rib cartilage — usually from the sixth to eighth rib — is the body's largest supply of strong, straight cartilage.

It allows surgeons to rebuild a sunken bridge in saddle nose correction, lengthen a scarred contracted nose, or replace a failed implant without using synthetic material again.

ii.

Who needs rib cartilage for rhinoplasty?

  • Revision patients whose septal cartilage was already used or removed.
  • A collapsed or saddle bridge that needs strong structural support.
  • A short, contracted nose that must be lengthened against scar.
  • Implant removal where the nose still needs height afterwards.
  • Major augmentation in noses with small, soft cartilage.

Patients over about 40 can have partly calcified rib cartilage, which is harder to carve; this is assessed beforehand. Rib grafting is one tool within structural rhinoplasty, not an end in itself.

iii.

Rib cartilage vs implants vs donor cartilage

Own rib cartilage Silicone / Gore-Tex implant Donor (irradiated) rib
Infection / extrusion risk Low Higher, especially in revisions Low to moderate
Structural strength High Not structural Moderate
Resorption over time Minimal None Possible
Extra scar Small chest scar None None
Best for Revisions, major support Simple primary augmentation Patients unable to donate
iv.

How rib cartilage is harvested and used

01 Plan the graft Dr. Lee estimates how much cartilage is needed and checks for calcification if appropriate.
02 Harvest A short incision, placed under the breast fold in women, gives access to a segment of rib cartilage; the lining is preserved.
03 Carve for balance Grafts are cut from the centre of the cartilage and balanced so they are less likely to bend.
04 Rebuild the nose Struts, extension grafts and a smooth dorsal graft — often diced cartilage in fascia — restore shape.
v.

Before & after

Illustration of a low, unsupported bridge rebuilt to a straight profile with rib cartilage (before)Illustration of a low, unsupported bridge rebuilt to a straight profile with rib cartilage (after) Before After
Illustration of the planned change — not a patient photograph. Individual results vary.

Comparable revision cases can be shown privately. Other procedures are in the before & after gallery.

vi.

What is recovery like after a rib graft?

Day 1–5 Chest soreness when moving, coughing or laughing; nasal swelling and congestion.
Day 7–10 Nasal splint and stitches removed; chest discomfort easing.
Week 4–6 Return to exercise gradually; avoid heavy lifting until cleared.
Month 6–12 Nasal swelling resolves and the chest scar fades.

“Rib gives me the strength a difficult nose needs. The carving is slow on purpose — balanced grafts are what keep it straight.”

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung · Chief Director
vii.

What are the risks of rib cartilage grafts?

Specific risks include graft warping, which can change the line over months; chest pain for several weeks; a visible chest scar; and, rarely, injury to the lung lining during harvest, which is checked for before closing. General rhinoplasty risks — infection, asymmetry, prolonged swelling — also apply. Rib-built noses can feel firmer than unoperated ones.

viii.

Frequently asked questions

How big is the chest scar?

Typically 3–5 cm, placed in the breast fold in women where it is usually well hidden.

Does the rib grow back?

The cartilage does not fully regrow, but the area heals well and the rib cage remains stable.

Will rib cartilage warp?

It can, but careful carving, balanced cuts and diced techniques reduce the risk considerably.

Is it painful?

Chest soreness is the main discomfort for the first one to two weeks and is managed with medication.

Can older patients have rib grafts?

Often yes, though calcified cartilage may be harder to shape; Dr. Lee assesses this case by case.

Who performs the operation?

Dr. Lee Yoo-jung personally performs both the harvest and the nasal reconstruction.

Continue reading

Related procedures.

i. Revision Rhinoplasty Second-time nose surgery. ii. Cartilage Graft Revision Septal, ear or rib options. iii. Contracted Nose Lengthening a scarred nose. iv. Saddle Nose Correction Rebuilding a collapsed bridge. v. Structural Rhinoplasty Support-first technique. vi. African Rhinoplasty Strong support for soft cartilage.

Free consultation · English-speaking

Let’s talk.

Send your photos and a summary of earlier nose surgery on WhatsApp, and Dr. Lee will tell you whether you need rib cartilage or whether septum or ear will do.

WhatsApp us → +82 2 516 6160
Address
16F, 616 Gangnam-daero, Gangnam-gu, Seoul · Sinsa Station Exit 6
Hours
Mon–Fri 10:00–19:00 · Sat 09:30–15:30
Surgeon
Dr. Lee Yoo-jung, board-certified plastic surgeon

This page is for general information and does not replace an in-person medical consultation. Results and recovery differ between individuals.