What Are Cartilage Grafts and Why Are They Used?

A cartilage graft is a piece of cartilage that is harvested, sculpted, and placed in a specific area of the nose to provide support, projection, definition, or structural continuity. In rhinoplasty, cartilage acts as a scaffold: it helps maintain the shape in the medium and long term and can improve the contour and respiratory function when there is collapse or insufficient support.

The most common indications include reinforcement of the nasal dorsum, support of the nasal tip and columellar projection, stabilization of the nasal valve, reconstruction in secondary or post-traumatic rhinoplasty, and augmentation of the nasal dorsum when height is lacking. Autologous cartilage—from the patient’s own body—is, in most cases, the preferred option due to its biocompatibility. Recent clinical literature, including indexed studies and research from the Ibero-Latin American region (SciELO 2024 and related reviews), reinforces the importance of individualized graft selection and precise sculpting.

Sources of cartilage: septal, auricular, and costal

The source of the graft determines the available quantity, the resistance, and the morbidity of the donor site. At Cirugía Estética en Mallorca, three main sources are considered:

There is no single hierarchy that applies to all cases. In primary rhinoplasty with an intact septum, septal cartilage is usually the first choice. In revision surgery or for saddle nose deformities, costal cartilage can provide the necessary volume. Auricular cartilage is often reserved for contouring details.

Types of grafts based on the nasal region

Beyond the rootstock, the design of the graft is important. Among the most commonly used are:

• Spreader grafts: stabilize the internal valve and smooth out lines on the back.
• Columellar strut: provides support to the tip and helps control rotation and projection.
• Septal extension: extends the septal framework to stabilize the nasal tip and length.
• Wing or lateral grafts: They reinforce the wing and can reduce inspiratory collapse.
• Dorsal grafts: restore height and continuity in cases of subsidence or when augmentation is needed.
• Tip grafts: They vary in definition and projection depending on skin thickness.

With thick skin, defining the tip usually requires solid support and realistic expectations. With thin skin, the sculpting must be particularly precise to prevent visible edges. Preoperative classification of the nasal envelope and protocols aimed at preventing dorsal irregularities—such as the Duvet Rhinoplasty methodology published by Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, in Cirugía Plástica Ibero-Latinoamericana 2024— help adapt the technique to the behavior of the soft tissues.

Planning, Safety, and Personalized Assessment

The decision to use grafts is not based on a technical trend, but rather on an anatomical and functional diagnosis. During the evaluation at Mallorca Medical Group, we examine the nasal pyramid and septum, skin thickness, respiratory symptoms, history of trauma or previous surgeries, and realistic aesthetic expectations.

“A cartilage graft is not a technical flourish—it is a supportive tool. It only makes sense when it solves a specific structural or functional problem and is integrated into a surgical plan consistent with the patient’s anatomy.”

— Dr. García Ceballos FCCP, Plastic Surgeon · Mallorca Medical Group

Safety involves choosing the source with the lowest possible morbidity for the intended purpose, handling the graft aseptically, stabilizing it correctly, and planning for the postoperative period. Each case is unique. Those seeking trusted plastic surgery clinics in Spain typically prioritize the surgeon’s training, honesty regarding indications, and an appropriate hospital setting. Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, has an international background (the British NHS, residency in Belgium under Prof. Wylock, FCCP 2005) and practices in Palma de Mallorca.

Recovery, expected results, and estimated cost

Recovery after rhinoplasty with grafts generally follows the same timeline as structural rhinoplasty, with some variations if there is an additional donor site. The first week is characterized by swelling and the use of an external splint; between weeks two and six, the swelling subsides; and between months three and twelve, the results mature, especially at the tip.

It is a common myth that every graft is noticeable or that costal cartilage always becomes deformed. The result depends on the sculpting, the orientation of the fibers, the fixation, and how warping is managed. Another myth is to equate any increase in the back with an unnatural result: when the planning is harmonious, the goal is a natural-looking profile.

Regarding the cost of plastic surgery in Mallorca, the price of a rhinoplasty with grafts varies depending on the complexity of the procedure, the donor site, the type of anesthesia, and the hospital setting. It is not possible to provide a universal figure without an examination; the prudent course of action is to request a personalized medical evaluation and a quote tailored to your specific plan.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cartilage Grafts

When are cartilage grafts necessary in rhinoplasty?

When there is a lack of support, valve collapse, a need to augment the dorsum, reconstruct an unstable tip, or correct complications resulting from trauma or previous surgery. The indication is confirmed during an individualized medical evaluation.

Which type of cartilage is used most often?

In primary rhinoplasty, septal cartilage is usually the preferred choice if there is sufficient availability. In secondary or reconstructive cases, auricular or costal cartilage may be used, depending on the required volume and rigidity.

Do grafts slow down recovery?

They add technical complexity and, if there is an additional donor site, local discomfort specific to that area. Overall nasal recovery follows a timeline similar to that of other structural rhinoplasties, with the results maturing gradually.

Can grafts be replaced with cosmetic fillers?

Not in terms of support or function. Fillers can temporarily alter the contour in very specific cases, but they do not replace a stable cartilaginous framework. The distinction between aesthetic medicine treatments in Mallorca and surgery should be made clear during the consultation.

Cartilage grafts in rhinoplasty allow for the reconstruction of support, improved stability, and refinement of the contour when the anatomy requires it. The key lies in the correct indication, the choice of graft source, and shaping tailored to skin thickness and respiratory function. In a setting dedicated to cosmetic surgery and reconstructive surgery in Mallorca that adheres to safety standards, the clinical goal is a harmonious and stable result.

When considering rhinoplasty in Mallorca, it’s important to look into the surgeon’s specialty, their experience in primary and secondary care, and a clear postoperative follow-up plan. Reviews on www.mallorcamedicalgroup.com should always be verified through an in-person consultation.

Schedule your appointment at Mallorca Medical Group and book your consultation at mallorcamedicalgroup.com to determine whether cartilage grafts are part of the best treatment plan for you.

Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP
Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon · MD · FCCP · MRCS (England)
Director · Mallorca Medical Group · Palma de Mallorca
www.mallorcamedicalgroup.com · 971 254 686

La entrada Cartilage Grafts in Rhinoplasty: A Comprehensive Guide in Mallorca se publicó primero en Mallorca Medical Group.

La entrada Nasal Bridge Augmentation in Rhinoplasty: A Complete Guide in Mallorca se publicó primero en Mallorca Medical Group.

La entrada Nasal Bridge Reduction in Rhinoplasty: A Complete Guide in Mallorca se publicó primero en Mallorca Medical Group.

At Mallorca Medical Group, Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, approaches the treatment of a hooked nose from the perspective of a plastic surgeon trained at UZ VUB Brussels, taking into account facial harmony, respiratory function, and realistic expectations. The goal is not to transform the face’s identity, but rather to plan a gradual and harmonious improvement based on each patient’s anatomy.

What Is a Hooked Nose and How Can You Recognize It

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Anatomically, a hooked nose is characterized by a high or convex nasal bridge. The hump may be bony, cartilaginous, or mixed, and is often associated with marked dorsal projection, a tip with less rotation, and, in some patients, impaired nasal breathing.

Not all dorsal convexity requires surgery. A clinical examination distinguishes between a distinguishing feature and an imbalance that warrants a surgical plan, especially when the profile creates a disproportion when viewed from the side.

The thickness of the nasal skin influences the visible result. In thin skin, irregularities on the bridge are more pronounced; in thick skin, the contour is smoothed out and the definition of the tip may be more limited. The surgical plan is tailored to the skin coverage, the cartilaginous framework, and the proportions relative to the forehead, cheekbones, and chin.

Causes, Genetics, and Factors Affecting Nasal Profile

An aquiline nose typically has a hereditary component. It may become more pronounced during adolescent growth or as a result of previous trauma. Aging alters the tip and the supporting soft tissues, and sometimes makes the hump appear more prominent.

From the perspective of cosmetic surgery in Mallorca, it is helpful to distinguish three levels of analysis:

1. Bone and cartilage structure of the back, the common site of a hump.
2. Support and rotation of the tip, key to the balance of the profile.
3. Respiratory function, including the nasal septum, nasal valves, and turbinates.

When a dorsal hump coexists with breathing difficulties, the treatment plan may include septoplasty or nasal valve stabilization as part of a functional-aesthetic rhinoplasty. Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, evaluates both aspects during the same consultation, because correcting only the contour without addressing ventilation can lead to an incomplete result in the medium term.

Rhinoplasty, Rhinomodeling, and Clinical Limitations

Long-lasting correction of a significantly aquiline nose is based, in most cases, on rhinoplasty. Depending on the anatomy, a structural or preservation-oriented approach—open or closed—may be considered, along with controlled reduction of the nasal dorsum using osteotomies when indicated. In selected cases, ultrasonic rhinoplasty provides precision in bone reshaping.

Nose reshaping with fillers can temporarily conceal very slight humps. It does not remove bone or cartilage and is not a substitute for surgery when the hump is pronounced or a stable structural change is desired. Cosmetic medicine treatments in Mallorca have their place for specific indications, always following a prior medical diagnosis, and nasal injectables should not be trivialized due to their vascular risks.

• Realistic estimate based on the size of the hump and the condition of the skin.
• Balance between dorsal reduction and tip support.
• Prevention of postoperative irregularities on the back of the nose.
• Natural and proportionate results, not a standardized profile.

“With an aquiline nose, the most common mistake is to focus solely on lowering the bridge. A balanced profile depends on the support of the tip, the thickness of the skin, and respiratory function. Each treatment plan must be tailored to the individual.”

— Dr. García Ceballos FCCP, Plastic Surgeon · Mallorca Medical Group

Surgical Planning for an Aquiline Nose

Planning begins with a medical history, internal and external nasal examination, photographic analysis, and a discussion of motivations and limitations. The plastic surgeon’s perspective takes facial proportions into account, which is useful in reconstructive surgery in Mallorca and in elective cosmetic procedures.

Common components of the surgical plan:

• Classification of the back and hump (bony, cartilaginous, or mixed).
• Assessment of thin or thick skin and prediction of skin behavior.
• Decision on open or closed approach based on visualization needs and tip sutures.
• Possible use of cartilage grafts to stabilize or refine the dorsum and tip.
• Assessment of osteotomies to narrow or realign the nasal pyramid following dorsal reduction.
• Incorporation of septal correction if there is a deviated nasal septum.

In 2024, an article was published in *Cirugía Plástica Ibero-Latinoamericana* (SciELO), Dr. García Ceballos’s Duvet Rhinoplasty methodology for preventing irregularities of the nasal dorsum, involving preoperative classification of soft tissue thickness and the use of L-PRF-enriched nanofat in selected cases. The nasal dorsum is managed according to skin type and the risk of irregularities at one year.

Those looking for trusted plastic surgery clinics in Spain typically value verifiable training and honest advice. Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP, trained in the British NHS (MRCS I England), completed his residency in Belgium under Prof. Dr. P. Wylock, and has 25 years of clinical experience.

Recovery, Expected Results, and Safety

Recovery after rhinoplasty for a hooked nose is gradual. Swelling and congestion are common during the first few days; refinement of the bridge and tip may take several months, especially in cases of thick skin.

With a well-prescribed plan, a more balanced profile and, if appropriate, improved ventilation are typically expected. The desired outcome is a natural appearance, within the range of individual variability.

No procedure is risk-free: hematoma, infection, residual asymmetries, or dorsal irregularities must be explained in the informed consent form. Patient safety requires an appropriate operating room, properly administered anesthesia, and structured follow-up. At Mallorca Medical Group, surgery is performed in a hospital setting (Quirónsalud Palmaplanas and Son Verí).

The cost of rhinoplasty in Mallorca depends on the complexity of the procedure and is determined following a personalized evaluation.

In-Office Evaluation and Informed Decision-Making

It is advisable to request a personalized medical evaluation when a hooked nose causes persistent cosmetic discomfort, an imbalance in the facial profile, or associated respiratory symptoms, or if rhinoplasty is being considered without first evaluating a more established surgical indication.

During the initial consultation, we review your medical history, expectations, and clinical photographs, and explain what can be modified without altering your facial identity. Reviews on www.mallorcamedicalgroup.com highlight the clarity of the information provided—a useful criterion when researching plastic surgery in Mallorca and the best plastic surgeons in Spain based on verifiable training.

The consultation is approached as a medical procedure: a structured diagnosis, a personalized treatment plan when indicated, and addressing questions with clear, understandable information.

If you would like to have your case evaluated by a cosmetic surgery practice in Mallorca that prioritizes natural results and safety, you can schedule an appointment at Mallorca Medical Group or book your consultation at mallorcamedicalgroup.com. The medical team will advise you on the most appropriate procedure for your anatomy.

Dr. García Ceballos, FCCP
Plastic, Aesthetic, and Reconstructive Surgeon
Director · Mallorca Medical Group · Palma de Mallorca
www.mallorcamedicalgroup.com · 971 254 686

Frequently Asked Questions About the Aquiline Nose

1. Does rhinoplasty completely remove the hump on an aquiline nose?

In most appropriate cases, the nasal bridge can be smoothed out quite significantly. The degree of reduction is planned to maintain a natural profile and adequate structural support. The final result depends on the patient’s initial anatomy, skin thickness, and individual healing process.

2. Can a hooked nose be corrected without surgery?

Rhinomodeling can temporarily conceal mild bumps. It does not correct significant bony or cartilaginous deformities, nor does it replace rhinoplasty when structural change is the goal. The decision to undergo this procedure must be medically indicated and made with caution due to the vascular risks associated with nasal fillers.

3. Does surgery for a hooked nose improve breathing?

If a deviated septum, valve insufficiency, or turbinate hypertrophy are present, the treatment plan may include functional procedures. Not all cosmetic rhinoplasties affect breathing; therefore, an internal examination is an essential part of the evaluation during the consultation.

4. How long does it take to see the final results?

Changes in profile are noticeable quickly, but the fine definition of the back and tip of the nose develops over several months. In thick skin, the process is usually slower. Postoperative follow-up allows us to monitor healing and provide guidance on care at each stage.

La entrada Hooked Nose: A Complete Guide to Rhinoplasty and Consultations in Mallorca se publicó primero en Mallorca Medical Group.