Abstract
Rhinoplasty is universally considered as the most demanding procedure in facial plastic
surgery. Secondary rhinoplasty is its crown jewel, even more complex, and likewise
highly fascinating. The evolution of thought and practice in rhinoplasty in the last
decades has been quick and steady, progressively acknowledging the importance of maintaining
structure in primary rhinoplasty and rebuilding structure in secondary procedures.
No longer is the paradigm to achieve a small, thin, and pointy nose, but rather a
well-proportioned nose which looks natural, albeit elegant and breathing well. Rib
is an essential tool in many secondary procedures, and thus some important concepts
have to be well understood and some finesse points mastered. This will provide an
elegant reconstruction, identical if possible, or at least not far apart, to what
could be achieved by a well-executed primary rhinoplasty, while avoiding the feared
luck of a bulky nose stuffed with grafts. These guiding concepts and specific nuances
regarding harvesting rib and working with it are the scope and contents of this article.
Keywords
graft - rhinoplasty - rib cartilage
