Autologous rhinoplasty is a common method of rhinoplasty in modern medical cosmetic surgery. Because its materials are taken from one's own tissues, it has good biocompatibility and low risk of rejection, and is favored by more and more people seeking beauty. This surgical method mainly uses cartilage from other parts of the body (such as ear cartilage, nasal septum cartilage, rib cartilage, etc.) as rhinoplasty material to reshape the shape of the nose bridge or nose tip and enhance the coordination and three-dimensional sense of facial contour.
1. Overview of the principles and procedures of autologous rhinoplasty
The core of autologous rhinoplasty is to use the patient's own cartilage tissue as filling material , avoiding the problems of rejection, infection and unnatural contours that may be caused by artificial prostheses. Commonly used sources of cartilage include:
Ear cartilage : mostly used to shape the nose tip, soft texture, relatively easy to operate;
Nasal septum cartilage : mostly used for supporting the bridge and tip of the nose, with good structural strength;
Costal Cartilage : Large amounts of material are available and are useful for complex rhinoplasty procedures requiring extensive reshaping.
The procedure usually includes multiple steps such as cartilage removal, shaping, nose peeling, cartilage implantation and fixation, and must be performed by an experienced plastic surgeon in a sterile environment.
2. Characteristics of people who are suitable for autologous rhinoplasty
Autologous rhinoplasty is not suitable for all people. The applicable population needs to be comprehensively evaluated based on individual basic conditions and aesthetic needs. The following types of people are usually more suitable for this type of surgery:
Those who are repulsive or psychologically resistant to artificial materials
Compared with allogeneic materials such as silicone and expanded polytetrafluoroethylene, autologous cartilage materials come from one's own body, have a lower risk of immune rejection, and are more psychologically acceptable .
Those with poor nasal conditions
Including conditions such as collapsed nose bridge, short nose tip, thick nose wings or underdeveloped nose base , autologous cartilage can provide stronger support and help improve structural defects.
Those who need a second revision rhinoplasty
Some patients who have experienced failed prosthetic rhinoplasty or complications often need to remove the prosthesis and use autologous cartilage for repair and reconstruction.
Those with high skin tension and high requirements for naturalness after surgery
Autologous cartilage integrates well with tissues and feels natural after surgery, making it particularly suitable for people who want a realistic look and feel .
Those with sufficient donor cartilage resources
Autologous rhinoplasty requires material collection. If the ear cartilage and nasal septum cartilage are insufficient, rib cartilage will be needed to supplement. It is suitable for people with good physical conditions and who can tolerate greater trauma .
3. Advantages of autologous rhinoplasty
Strong biocompatibility
Autologous cartilage is an active tissue and can fuse with the nasal tissue after implantation, reducing the incidence of complications such as rejection, inflammation and nodules .
Natural postoperative effect
Autologous materials can be gently shaped and are not easy to penetrate the skin or cause a rigid contour. The appearance is realistic and the touch is closer to a natural nose .
Low risk of infection
Compared with allogeneic materials, autologous cartilage has a lower transplant infection rate under aseptic operation and a smoother postoperative recovery.
Not easy to shift
The properly fixed autologous cartilage structure has good stability, and it is not easy for the prosthesis to slip or the nose shape to deform after the operation .
4. Limitations and precautions of autologous rhinoplasty
Although autologous rhinoplasty has obvious advantages, it is not without disadvantages. Preoperative evaluation and postoperative management are also critical:
Donor site trauma cannot be ignored : especially the costal cartilage harvest will leave incision scars on the chest, which require strict postoperative care to prevent hyperplasia;
The operation time is relatively long : due to the steps of cartilage harvesting and sculpting, the operation cycle and recovery period are relatively prolonged;
Possibility of cartilage absorption : Slight cartilage absorption may occur after surgery, and a professional doctor is required to optimize the implant position and shape;
It requires an experienced plastic surgeon to perform the operation : the operation requires high technical skills, and the cartilage carving and implantation process places high standards on the doctor's aesthetics and surgical skills.
5. Key points for management before and after autologous rhinoplasty
In terms of preoperative management, patients need to undergo a comprehensive physical examination, including assessment of coagulation function, allergy history, and cartilage reserve status. At the same time, they need to clarify their own demands and reach an aesthetic consensus with the doctor.
After the operation, you need to wear an external fixator for several days as prescribed by your doctor, avoid strenuous activities, prevent external forces from hitting the nose, pay attention to wound cleaning, and have regular follow-up visits to monitor the recovery progress. Avoid massaging and kneading the nose within 3 to 6 months after the operation to prevent cartilage displacement.
Beauty Encyclopedia Tips:
Autologous rhinoplasty is a relatively safe and natural-looking method of rhinoplasty. It is suitable for those with poor nasal conditions, those who reject prostheses, and those who pursue a high degree of naturalness. Choosing a regular medical institution and having experienced plastic surgeons to perform the surgery, and ensuring sufficient communication before the surgery and strict postoperative care are the prerequisites for ensuring the effectiveness of the surgery and personal safety. For those with a history of nasal surgery or insufficient cartilage resources, a personalized plastic surgery plan should be developed in combination with the doctor's professional advice to achieve a more coordinated and beautiful facial contour.