Location: Baekbeom Memorial Hall Convention Center
Date: May 27, 2007
Topic: Scar-Free Rib Cartilage Harvesting and Its Use in Challenging Rhinoplasty

At a rhinoplasty symposium held by the Rhinoplasty Research Society under the Korean Society of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons on May 27, 2007, Dr. Myung Ju Lee from VIP Plastic Surgery Clinic served as a panelist. He presented on his safe, scar-free method of harvesting rib cartilage for use in rhinoplasty. Traditionally, rib cartilage harvesting has caused significant scarring on the chest wall or abdominal area, which has been a major concern for many female patients. Dr. Lee’s technique, however, effectively removes this worry by minimizing scarring in the chest area.

During his talk, Dr. Lee also introduced solutions for difficult rhinoplasty cases—particularly for patients with severe nasal deformities from multiple surgeries or trauma, short noses, or complications from implants. He detailed a minimal-incision approach to harvesting rib cartilage and concealing the resulting scar in the submammary fold. Dr. Lee also shared key considerations and tips for safely harvesting cartilage as well as postoperative management techniques, including how to prepare and utilize the harvested rib cartilage.

The procedure involves making a small, approximately 3 cm incision in the submammary fold to access the seventh rib cartilage. After creating a suitable surgical field between the rectus abdominis and external oblique muscles, the perichondrium is carefully dissected to expose the rib cartilage. Dr. Lee then cautiously separates the posterior part of the cartilage from the chest wall to extract a sufficient amount, checks for any pneumothorax, and closes the incision in layers. The extracted cartilage is then shaped using various techniques to match its intended use and avoid post-harvest deformities.

While mastery of rib cartilage harvesting requires thorough anatomical knowledge and meticulous surgical skill, Dr. Lee’s method resolves the scarring issue and offers a truly three-dimensional reconstructive option using 100% autologous tissue. This groundbreaking approach can significantly expand the use of rib cartilage in complex rhinoplasty procedures.